Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge by UNDP India and Atal Innovation Mission for Indian Startups

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, has launched the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025. This initiative invites younger and differently-abled entrepreneurs to develop revolutionary options that improve entry to alternatives and well-being for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

The 2024-2025 problem focuses on driving social entrepreneurship and sustainable improvement in collaboration with AssisTech Foundation (ATF), India’s main group accelerating Assistive Technology (AT) improvements for PwDs.

Key Focus Areas:

• Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology (AT)
• Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions
• Accessible and Inclusive Care Models

About Youth Co:Lab

Co-created in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab goals to empower younger individuals to speed up the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by means of social innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiative was launched in India in 2019, in collaboration with AIM and NITI Aayog, and has reached over 19,000 people, supporting the creation or enhancement of over 2,600 youth-led social innovation and entrepreneurship groups.

Program Highlights:

• The 2024-2025 version prioritizes startups by and for individuals with disabilities, reinforcing the dedication to disability-inclusive improvement.
• The program will help 30-35 early-stage startups, offering seed grants to the best-performing ventures.
• Young entrepreneurs aged 18–32 with revolutionary options for PwDs are inspired to apply.

Statements from Key Partners:

• Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative, India: “Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today.”
• Prateek Madhav, CEO & Co-Founder of ATF: “We are excited to partner with UNDP and AIM to improve lives through Assistive Technology innovations.”

How to Apply

Young entrepreneurs keen about fixing real-world challenges for incapacity inclusion are inspired to apply. The program goals to supply a springboard for revolutionary startups, with seed grants awarded to scale profitable initiatives.

For extra particulars on apply and to get entangled, go to the official Youth Co:Lab web page. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a significant affect and contribute to disability-inclusive improvement!

Deadline: 18th January, 2025
Apply Now:

See the Call for Applications

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