The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Citi Foundation, have officially launched the seventh edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025. This initiative aims to foster innovation and social entrepreneurship among young entrepreneurs, particularly those with disabilities.
Objective of the Challenge
The 2024-2025 edition of the challenge invites young entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that focus on enhancing access to opportunities and well-being for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The initiative will specifically address the challenges faced by PwDs through the following key sub-categories:
- Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology (AT)
- Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions
- Accessible and Inclusive Care Models
Key Collaborations and Implementation
This year’s challenge will be implemented in collaboration with the AssisTech Foundation (ATF), a leading organization in India dedicated to accelerating Assistive Technology (AT) innovation for PwDs. The program encourages young entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities, to apply and innovate for disability inclusion.
Youth Co:Lab’s Role in Advancing the SDGs
Youth Co:Lab, co-created in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation, aims to empower youth to drive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. Launched in India in 2019, Youth Co:Lab has since conducted six national dialogues on youth social innovation and entrepreneurship, reaching over 19,000 people and supporting the creation or enhancement of 2600 youth-led teams.
Virtual Launch and Vision
The virtual launch of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-2025 highlighted the focus on empowering young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs with disabilities. During the launch, Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative in India, emphasized the importance of youth as changemakers of today, stating, “For the first time, the challenge prioritizes startups by and for persons with disabilities. Promoting disability-inclusive development is essential for achieving the SDGs.”
Role of AssisTech Foundation
The AssisTech Foundation (ATF) plays a pivotal role in this year’s Youth Co:Lab, leveraging its expertise in disability inclusion and Assistive Technology innovation. Prateek Madhav, CEO & Co-Founder of ATF, expressed excitement about the potential impact of technologies like AI and AR/VR in enhancing the lives of PwDs. He stated, “We are excited to partner with UNDP and AIM to improve the lives of PwDs.”
The 2025 Program and Support for Startups
The 2025 Youth Co:Lab program aims to support 30-35 early-stage startups through a springboard program, offering seed grants to the best-performing startups for scaling their initiatives. Young founders aged 18-32, passionate about solving real-world challenges or creating opportunities for disability inclusion, are encouraged to apply.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary focus of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-2025?
- A) Innovation in health care
- B) Enhancing access to opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
- C) Promoting environmental sustainability
- D) Advancing digital technologies for youth
- Which organization is a key partner in the 2024-2025 edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge?
- A) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- B) AssisTech Foundation (ATF)
- C) NITI Aayog
- D) All of the above
- What is the age range for young founders eligible to apply for the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-2025?
- A) 15-25 years
- B) 18-32 years
- C) 20-35 years
- D) 25-40 years
- Which technology is highlighted by AssisTech Foundation for its potential to improve the lives of PwDs?
- A) Blockchain
- B) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- C) Virtual Reality (VR)
- D) Both B and C
- How many national dialogues on youth social innovation and entrepreneurship has Youth Co:Lab conducted in India by the end of 2024?
- A) 5
- B) 6
- C) 7
- D) 10