Three Indian startups win grant to assist people with disabilities through technology

A device that detects hearing impairment in infants and small children; a wheelchair with 18 features to customise and a motor-powered clip-on that makes it roadworthy; and an app that automates speech therapy — three Indian startups have won the inaugural Prosus Social Impact Challenge for Accessibility (Prosus SICA), to mark the International Day of People with Disabilities on December 3.

Prosus, the global consumer internet group of Naspers, known for investing in companies such as OLX, Swiggy and PayU, among others, initiated the programme with the aim to scale technology for persons with disabilities (PwDs), where three assistive tech entrepreneurs could secure mentoring and a combined financial grant of Rs 55 lakh.