IIT-Madras Research Park is making a significant investment in the assistive technology (AT) sector as part of its 10X programme and plans to support the development of many start-ups over the next few years.
The research park has made it clear that it wants to become a pioneer in assistive technology. Inclusion for “People with Disabilities” (PwD) and geriatrics will be made possible through this, enabling them to have healthy, successful, independent, and dignified lives. Given that research, development, and commercialization take place in India, the size of the market can help close the gap, according to Ashok Jhunjhunwala, president of IIT-Madras Research Park, IITM Incubation Cell, and RTBI, who was speaking at the three-day EMPOWER 2022 conference on assistive technology (AT) at IIT-Madras Research Park.
In addition, he said, “IIT-Madras Research Park will work on policies and assist donors who would like to support the idea and get the equipment to individuals who cannot afford them.”
Everyone needs assistive technology, especially as they age, according to Chapal Khasnabis, Head of the Access to Assistive Technology and Medical Devices Unit at the World Health Organization. As an illustration, he stated that “we don’t see old folks in malls and other locations” in India, whereas “elderly people help themselves move outside with the use of technology” in other countries.
