Administrator
30 May 2025
The D/o Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), M/o Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO),has organized a groundbreaking conference titled ‘AI for Empowering PwDs’, today (30th May 2025), in Bengaluru.
This pioneering initiative aims to spotlight the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in creating inclusive, accessible, and assistive solutions for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The conference has brought together eminent academicians, technologists, innovators, policymakers, startups, and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss, demonstrate, and deliberate on cutting-edge AI applications that enhance the quality of life for PwDs.
The day-long conference began with a special address by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary (DEPwD), along with Prof. PVM Rao (IIT Delhi) and Prof. Venu Govindaraju (University at Buffalo, USA). A series of key launches will follow, including:
Mission AI Accessibility
Mission AI: Implementation of AI in Assistive Technology and Tools for Empowering PwDs
National Disability Support AI Chat Bot
Unified Benefits Interface (UBI)
The sessions are meticulously designed to showcase innovative approaches in AI and assistive technology. Highlights include:
Panel Discussions
Innovations for an Inclusive India: Featuring voices from IIT, AIIMS, OpenAI, Anuvadini, CSIO, Sarvam AI, and Karya Inc.
Assistive Technology Leveraging AI: With participation from Microsoft, Lenovo, Bhashini, StackGen, EquiBeing Foundation, and others.
Experience Sharing Sessions: Real-life stories of transformation will be shared by leading entrepreneurs, changemakers, and beneficiaries of assistive technology solutions, including Ekansh Aggarwal (Svar Smart Solutions), Gopikrishnan S. (Sunva.AI), Arman Ali (NCPEDP), and more.
Technology Demonstrations: Start-ups under the India AI Challenge (MeitY) and other global innovators will showcase their breakthroughs in assistive tools for developmental, visual, hearing, and multiple disabilities. Key participants will include Dot Inc (South Korea), Torchit, Sunbots Innovations, Sohum Innovation Labs, Indic AI, Barrier Break, Khyaal, among others.
Cultural Showcase: Adding a creative dimension, Miracles on Wheels will present a specially curated cultural performance to celebrate talent and resilience.
The conference will conclude with an Interactive Q&A Session, followed by the ‘Way Forward’ address by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, paving a strategic roadmap for inclusive AI development.
The event will offer stakeholders a platform to build collaborations and ideate further on future-ready, inclusive technology solutions.
