Pranav Desai with PM Narendra Modi / Supplied

In a bold and visionary stride toward unlocking the economic potential within the disability sector, we at Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP) continue to redefine societal perceptions and promote the abilities of specially abled people by donating them assistive devices to overcome physical limitations. With 15 percent (1.6 Billion) of the global population having disabilities and only 1 out of 10 possessing assistive devices (AD), the need for affordable solutions and its market access is evident. 

VOSAP is now pioneering initiatives in the realm of assistive technology (AT) by not only donating innovative assistive devices but also launching 24x7 virtual AT Exhibition, an AT Hackathon to promote innovations, and helping grow selected AT partners with VOSAP subsidy and market validations to secure Shark Tank funding. VOSAP's initiatives in the AT domain serve a dual purpose: (1) solving the problems faced by 1.6 billion persons with disabilities globally and (2) unlocking a multi-billion dollar market opportunity that contributes to a growing market with over 70,000 patents filed in just last 3 years, creating substantial market and career opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators.

VOSAP Virtual Exhibition: Global platform, bridging the Gap between Consumers and Providers of Assistive products

VOSAP's commitment to creating an inclusive world took a remarkable turn with the launch of the world's first and only 3D assistive technology exhibition (events.voiceofsap.org) on December 4, 2021. This groundbreaking virtual platform serves as a nexus, connecting demand and supply within the AT sector, providing a virtual space for 35 innovative exhibitors from India, Germany, and the USA. Open 24/7 and accessible to everyone at no cost. The exhibition fosters direct communication between visitors and exhibitors through chat, video calls, and emails.

This initiative not only promotes the adaptation of assistive devices by SAPs but also emphasizes the importance of technological solutions in enhancing their lives through direct market access. Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, lauded VOSAP's efforts in his letter to VOSAP founder, acknowledging the commendable initiative to exhibit technology-based assistive solutions for people with disabilities.

AT Hackathon: Fostering Innovation for a Billion Lives

Recognizing the transformative power of technology and the role of youth, VOSAP launched the International Assistive Technology Hackathon on June 20, 2022, in collaboration with MoU partners such as LD College of Engineering and Abdul Kalam Tech University, leading to participation from 114 entries and 500+ students across 11 states in India and California, USA.

This initiative, focused on AI, Battery operated mobility devices, innovative apps, hardware and software technology solutions, encourages youth to build patentable products in AT. The themes span aspects like mobility, communication, and learning, addressing the diverse challenges faced by SAPs.

To help these innovators, winners to take their prototype to market, VOSAP signed a MoU with NITI Aayog, AIM-RMP incubators and provided mentorship to selected teams. This VOSAP AT Hackathon platform is intended to continue organizing global competitions on a regular basis.

VOSAP AT partners received The Shark Tank India Funding

Making a leap from exhibitions and AT hackathon-fueled innovations, our vision to unleash the hidden economic potential in the AT domain came to fruition when 5 of VOSAP’s AT partners, such as WeHear, secured funding at the valuation of Rs 250 crore or 30 million dollars on Shark Tank India. WeHear, an audio technology startup in India, has introduced WeHear OX. The device, based on innovative bone conduction technology, transmits sound using the cheekbones, bypassing physical ears. Their special range of products for hearing-impaired people, HearNU, is also subsidized by VOSAP to increase the affordability of the product.

As we celebrate the success of our innovators, whom we supported with VOSAP subsidy over the years, the upcoming series of articles will delve into the details of different assistive devices and unravel the stories of beneficiaries whose lives have been positively impacted, in some cases transformed completely by these groundbreaking, patented AT solutions.

 

The author is founder of Voice of SAP (www.voiceofsap.org), an organization working in the disability sector and in a Special Consultative Status with UN Economic and Social Council. A polio survivor, he has been a successful IT business leader, sales leader, working as vice president at NTT DATA in North America.