Celebrating Innovation and Inclusion: ATF Awards 2025 Kickoff

The organizers of the ATF Awards 2025 are reaching out to connect with those who have championed disability inclusion by leveraging Assistive Technology (AT) for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Whether through impactful solutions, creating opportunities, or supporting the broader AT movement, these individuals and organizations have been integral to this journey of change.

The official commencement of the ATF Awards 2025 has been announced. Following the resounding success of the fourth edition and the grand felicitation ceremony at Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2024, held in partnership with the Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka (GoK), this year’s Awards promise to be even more impactful. The mission remains clear: to recognize the unsung heroes leveraging AT to transform the lives of PwDs worldwide.

The ATF Awards are a celebration of innovation, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of positive change through Assistive Technology. By acknowledging those who work tirelessly to empower individuals with disabilities, the Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible potential of AT to promote independence and dignity.

Previous recipients include prestigious institutions such as IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, VIT, AIIMS Delhi, SINE IIT Bombay, Union Bank, SBI Foundation, Cognizant Foundation India, among others—showcasing the caliber and impact of the work honored through this platform.

This year, the Awards will once again provide an opportunity for remarkable contributions in the Assistive Technology space to be recognized and celebrated. Rahul Dravid, famously known as “The Wall”, has shared his endorsement of the ATF Awards, underscoring the significance of this initiative.

Award Categories

The 2025 Awards will be distributed across three distinguished categories, covering the breadth of the AT ecosystem:

1. Emerging Startups

   • Recognizes young, innovative startups creating assistive technology solutions with far-reaching potential.

   • Includes the Best AT Startup for Innovation (Product/Technology) Award, celebrating groundbreaking entrepreneurial efforts.

2. Established Startups

   • Highlights established startups that have already made significant strides in transforming the lives of PwDs.

   • Awards include:

     • Best AT Startup: Jury’s Choice Award

     • Most Impactful AT Startup Award

     • Women Ahead: Best Woman-led AT Startup Award

     • Best AT Startup: People’s Choice Award

   • Awardees in this category stand a chance to win cash prizes worth up to INR 5 Lacs.

3. Enablers

   • Recognizes organizations that play a vital role in supporting and amplifying AT innovation.

   • Categories include:

     • Best Government Assistive Technology Initiative Award

     • Assistive Technology CSR Initiative of the Year Award

     • Best AT Initiative among Educational Institutes Award

     • Best Assistive Technology Investor of the Year

     • Best AT Initiative among NGOs Award

   • Winners in the Educational Institutes and NGOs categories will receive cash prizes of INR 1 Lac each.

Call to Action

Applications are open to startups, government organizations, corporations, investors, educational institutes, and NGOs working within the AT ecosystem. Their contributions could be the next to inspire and uplift communities worldwide.

Those aware of individuals or organizations doing exceptional work in this field are encouraged to share this opportunity and motivate them to apply.

Application deadline: September 21, 2025, 17:00 IST

The organizers look forward to enthusiastic participation and extend best wishes to all applicants.