The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Citi Foundation, have unveiled the 7th edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025. Launched globally in 2017 and introduced in India in 2019, Youth Co:Lab has empowered over 2,600 youth-led social innovation teams and reached 19,000+ participants. This year, the initiative focuses on fostering social entrepreneurship to enhance opportunities and well-being for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), aiming to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Focus Areas and Objectives
Inclusive Innovation for PwDs
The 2024-2025 challenge prioritizes startups led by or serving PwDs under the theme, “Enhance Access to Opportunities and Well-Being for Persons with Disabilities.” It invites solutions in three categories:
- Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology (AT)
- Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions
- Accessible and Inclusive Care Models
Springboard Program
This edition will support 30-35 early-stage startups, offering mentorship, networking, and seed grants to scale impactful ideas. The program will be implemented in collaboration with AssisTech Foundation (ATF), a leader in accelerating assistive technology innovations for PwDs.
Key Highlights
Voices from the Launch
Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative, stated:
“Young people are the changemakers of today. For the first time, this initiative prioritizes startups by and for persons with disabilities, emphasizing disability-inclusive development as crucial for achieving SDGs.”
Prateek Madhav, CEO of ATF, highlighted the transformative role of technology, saying:
“AI can enable visually impaired individuals to walk independently, while AR/VR can revolutionize learning for people with autism. This partnership aims to improve the lives of PwDs.”
Virtual Launch Ceremony
The event included leaders from AIM, UNDP India, ATF, Citi Foundation, and over 100 stakeholders, showcasing a launch video that emphasized the program’s goals and impact.
Call for Applications
Eligibility and Submission
Young entrepreneurs aged 18-32, including differently-abled individuals, are encouraged to propose innovative solutions that drive disability inclusion. Applications are now open, with details available on the official Youth Co:Lab website.
Summary of the news
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | AIM, NITI Aayog, UNDP, and Citi Foundation launched the 7th edition of Youth Co:Lab 2024-2025, focusing on disability-inclusive innovation and social entrepreneurship. |
| Theme | “Enhance Access to Opportunities and Well-Being for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)” |
| Implementation Partner | AssisTech Foundation (ATF) |
| Focus Areas | – Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology (AT) – Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions – Accessible and Inclusive Care Models |
| Startups Targeted | 30-35 early-stage startups will be supported through mentorship, networking, and seed grants. |
| Eligibility | Young founders aged 18–32, including entrepreneurs with disabilities. |
| Global Launch | Youth Co:Lab was co-created by UNDP and Citi Foundation in 2017. |
| India Launch | Youth Co:Lab was launched in India in 2019 in collaboration with AIM, NITI Aayog. |
| Past Impact | Reached over 19,000 people and supported 2,600 youth-led innovation teams in India. |
| UNDP Representative | Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative for India. |
| ATF CEO | Prateek Madhav |
| Objective | To promote disability-inclusive innovation and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). |
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