Hyundai Motor India Foundation has launched the Samarth UnnATi programme with ₹75 lakh in grant support to help assistive technology start-ups scale innovative solutions for persons with disabilities.
Hyundai Foundation Unveils Samarth UnnATi Initiative
Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Hyundai Motor India, has announced a ₹75 lakh grant programme to support assistive technology (AT) start-ups developing innovative solutions for persons with disabilities.
The initiative, named Samarth UnnATi, has been launched in partnership with the AssisTech Foundation (ATF) under Hyundai’s broader ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ programme. It aims to help market-ready start-ups commercialise and expand accessibility-focused technologies across India.
The programme is designed to strengthen the country’s assistive technology ecosystem by enabling entrepreneurs to scale impactful innovations that promote accessibility and inclusion.
₹75 Lakh Grant to Accelerate Innovation
Under the Samarth UnnATi initiative, selected start-ups will receive a share of ₹75 lakh in grant funding to accelerate product development, market expansion and commercialisation.
The programme focuses on market-ready and revenue-generating assistive technology start-ups, ensuring that promising innovations receive the support needed to reach a wider user base.
The grant is expected to encourage the development of practical technology solutions that improve the independence and quality of life of persons with disabilities.
Mentorship, Investor Connect and Market Access
Beyond financial assistance, participating start-ups will receive comprehensive support through:
- Expert mentorship and business guidance
- Capacity-building programmes
- Investor connect and fundraising opportunities
- Ecosystem partnerships
- Market access and commercialisation support
These resources are intended to help entrepreneurs strengthen their business models, attract investment and successfully deploy assistive technologies at scale.
Strengthening India’s Assistive Technology Ecosystem
The initiative reflects Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s commitment to fostering innovation with a social impact.
By partnering with the AssisTech Foundation, the programme aims to build a stronger ecosystem for assistive technology innovation while encouraging collaboration among start-ups, investors, industry experts and accessibility advocates.
The focus on commercially viable solutions is expected to improve the availability of advanced technologies that address the everyday needs of persons with disabilities.
Driving Inclusion Through Innovation
Assistive technologies—including mobility devices, communication tools, digital accessibility solutions and smart healthcare innovations—play an increasingly important role in promoting equal opportunities and independent living.
Through Samarth UnnATi, Hyundai Motor India Foundation aims to accelerate the adoption of these technologies and contribute to creating a more inclusive society.
The programme also aligns with broader efforts to encourage social entrepreneurship and innovation-led solutions that improve accessibility across education, employment, healthcare and public services.
Key Takeaways
- Hyundai Motor India Foundation has launched the Samarth UnnATi programme in partnership with the AssisTech Foundation.
- The initiative provides ₹75 lakh in grant support for assistive technology start-ups.
- It targets market-ready and revenue-generating start-ups developing accessibility solutions.
- Participants will receive mentorship, investor connections, capacity-building support and market access.
- The programme aims to strengthen India’s assistive technology ecosystem and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
FAQs
What is the Samarth UnnATi programme?
Samarth UnnATi is an assistive technology start-up scale-up initiative launched by Hyundai Motor India Foundation in partnership with the AssisTech Foundation.
How much grant support is available?
The programme offers a total of ₹75 lakh in grant funding for selected start-ups.
Who can benefit from the initiative?
The programme is aimed at market-ready and revenue-generating assistive technology start-ups working on solutions for persons with disabilities.
What support will participating start-ups receive?
In addition to grant funding, start-ups will receive mentorship, investor connect, capacity building, ecosystem partnerships and market access support to help scale their innovations.
