Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited, has launched Samarth UnnATi, a programme to support assistive technology (AT) start-ups working on products for persons with disabilities.

The initiative, launched in partnership with AssisTech Foundation, will provide ₹75 lakh in grant support to selected start-ups. The programme will also offer mentorship, business development support, investor connections and market access to help companies expand the deployment of assistive technology solutions.

According to HMIF, the programme is open to market-ready and revenue-generating start-ups developing products that improve accessibility and independent living for persons with disabilities. The support is intended to help these enterprises scale their operations and reach more users.

In addition to funding, participating start-ups will receive access to industry experts, knowledge networks and ecosystem partners. The programme also includes engagement with disability welfare institutions and public authorities to support wider adoption of assistive technologies.

Speaking at the launch, Gopalakrishnan C. S., Trustee of Hyundai Motor India Foundation, said the programme is part of the organisation's ongoing work on accessibility and inclusion through its Samarth by Hyundai initiative. He said the partnership with AssisTech Foundation would support innovators developing solutions for accessibility challenges.

Prateek Madhav, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of AssisTech Foundation, said the global demand for assistive products is expected to rise in the coming decades. Referring to UNICEF's Global Report on Assistive Technology, he said around 3.5 billion people worldwide may require assistive products by 2050, highlighting the need to expand innovation and access.

AssisTech Foundation works with assistive technology entrepreneurs across India. According to the organisation, it has built a network of more than 500 assistive technology start-ups over the past six years and currently supports 65 ventures. These companies have developed over 120 products and secured more than 60 patents.

Hyundai Motor India Foundation said the programme aims to connect assistive technology innovators with funding and institutional support to increase the availability of accessibility solutions for persons with disabilities across the country.