AssisTech Foundation (ATF), India’s pioneering organization accelerating Assistive Technology (AT) innovations that empower Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), announced the winners of the 5th Edition of the ATF Awards at the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) – AT Track 2025. The 28th edition of BTS is an initiative of the Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, Govt. of Karnataka, in partnership with industry stakeholders, and brings the world of technology and business together.
The ATF Awards continue to be India’s foremost and the only national recognition platform dedicated to spotlighting startups, corporates, NGOs, educational institutions, investors, and government bodies transforming lives through AT. The awards were presented by senior leaders from the Industry and ATF Board Members as part of the AT Track.
This year’s edition further strengthened ATF’s leadership in placing Assistive Technology firmly on India’s national innovation landscape, building upon the strong foundation laid in previous years, including ATF’s continued impactful presence at BTS.
The awards celebrate breakthrough technologies and initiatives that enhance independence, accessibility, and quality of life for PwDs.
ATF presented 10 awards across 3 major categories – Emerging Startups, Established Startups and Enablers, recognising innovators and champions who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to disability inclusion through technology.
| Category | Award Title | Startup Name |
| 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 Assistive Technology (AT) Initiative among Educational Institutes | IIIT Bangalore |
| Best Assistive Technology (AT) CSR initiative of the year | ANZ Group Capability Centre (ANZ GCC) | |
| Best Assistive Technology (AT) initiative among NGOs | Vidya Sagar | |
| Best Assistive Technology (AT) Investor of the Year | Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Venture Centre Pune | |
| Best Government Led Assistive Technology (AT) Initiative | National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) |
Prateek Madhav, CEO & Co-Founder of AssisTech Foundation, commented on the occasion, “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.”
About AssisTech Foundation (ATF)
AssisTech Foundation (ATF) is India’s first Assistive Technology (AT) ecosystem enabler that focuses on empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by enabling Learning, Livelihood, and Living opportunities (3Ls of Empowerment). ATF does this by harnessing the power of AT and supporting the development of innovative technology products and services. In a span of 6 years, ATF has impacted the lives of over 1 million Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) through its high-impact programs and initiatives and has established a network of over 500 AT Startups in the country. ATF is accelerating 65 AT Startups as part of its portfolio, which have collectively developed 110+ AT products and secured over 50 patents.
