At the 5th Edition of the ATF Awards, Bengaluru Tech Summit celebrates startups, enablers, and institutions redefining accessibility and transforming the lives of Persons with Disabilities through pioneering technologies.
NFAPost, Bengaluru: In a landmark celebration of innovation with purpose, the AssisTech Foundation (ATF) announced the winners of the 5th Edition of the ATF Awards at the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025. Held under the AT Track, the awards ceremony highlighted India’s most impactful Assistive Technology (AT) innovations—recognising startups, corporates, institutions, and enablers committed to empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Now in its 28th edition, the Bengaluru Tech Summit—an initiative of the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka—has continued to serve as the nation’s premier platform for technology, policy, and innovation. ATF’s sustained presence at BTS has played a pivotal role in mainstreaming Assistive Technology as a critical pillar in India’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
Celebrating Changemakers in Assistive Technology
The ATF Awards, the country’s first and only national platform exclusively dedicated to AT excellence, recognised breakthrough solutions that enhance independence, accessibility, and dignity for PwDs. A total of 10 awards across three major categories—Emerging Startups, Established Startups, and Enablers—were presented by senior industry leaders and ATF Board Members.
Award Winners – ATF Awards 2025
Emerging Startups
- Most Innovative AT Startup Award: Marbles Health
Established Startups
- Women Ahead – Best Woman-Led AT Startup Award: Signsetu
- Best AT Startup – People’s Choice Award: Anucool
- Most Impactful AT Startup Award: Punarjeeva Technology Solutions
- Best AT Startup – Jury’s Choice Award: Thinkerbell Labs
Enablers
- Best AT Initiative among Educational Institutes: IIIT Bangalore
- Best AT CSR Initiative of the Year: ANZ Group Capability Centre (ANZ GCC)
- Best AT Initiative among NGOs: Vidya Sagar
- Best AT Investor of the Year: Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Venture Centre Pune
- Best Government-led AT Initiative: National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID)
“Innovation is at the heart of inclusion”
Reflecting on the significance of the awards, Prateek Madhav, CEO & Co-Founder of AssisTech Foundation, said:
“Innovation has always been at the heart of ATF’s philosophy. We believe that the right technology can profoundly improve the lives of Persons with Disabilities—enabling greater access, independence, and dignity. The ATF Awards reflect this belief, honouring changemakers who are pushing the boundaries of what inclusive technology can achieve for India.”
His words echoed the sentiment across the summit—technology is no longer just a tool for convenience, but a powerful equalizer for millions of PwDs across the country.
ATF’s Role in Building India’s AT Ecosystem
AssisTech Foundation stands at the forefront of India’s AT movement, enabling the 3Ls of Empowerment—Learning, Livelihood, and Living—for Persons with Disabilities. Over the past six years, ATF’s initiatives have impacted over 1 million PwDs, establishing a robust ecosystem of more than 500 AT startups nationwide.
ATF currently accelerates 65 pioneering AT startups that have collectively developed 110+ assistive products and secured 50+ patents, reinforcing India’s growing leadership in accessible innovation.
The 5th Edition of the ATF Awards not only celebrated excellence but also reaffirmed a national commitment: to build a future where technology bridges gaps, unlocks potential, and ensures that no individual is left behind
