10 Start-up Founders Selected from Across India for Inaugural Cohort
AssisTech Foundation (ATF), India’s first ecosystem enabler for Assistive Technology, in partnership with Bajaj Finserv under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, has formally announced the start of the first cohort of imaginATe, a flagship fellowship designed to support and enable entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Jointly envisioned by ATF and Bajaj Finserv, imaginATe is a structured fellowship designed to enable entrepreneurs with disabilities through mentorship, capacity-building, ecosystem access, and sustained, long-term support. The programme aims to help founders strengthen early-stage ideas and build viable, sustainable and scalable ventures.
The imaginATe fellowship was opened to applications in the month of December and received over 100 entries from across India, reflecting strong nationwide interest. Following a rigorous screening process, 17 shortlisted candidates representing a diverse range of disabilities progressed to a two-day jury evaluation, conducted across two independent panels. The jury included industry professionals, DEI practitioners, corporate leaders, and persons with disabilities. Based on consolidated quantitative scores, qualitative assessments, and internal deliberations, 10 fellows have been selected for the inaugural cohort.
The official induction of the imaginATe fellowship’s inaugural cohort was held at Swissnex, Bengaluru, marking the formal commencement of the programme.
The selected fellows represent a wide spectrum of regions, lived experiences, and entrepreneurial ideas spanning inclusive media platforms, adaptive clothing, AI-powered assistive solutions and mobility innovations.
Speaking at the inauguration of the first imaginATe cohort, Prateek Madhav, Co-Founder & CEO, AssisTech Foundation (ATF) said, “Entrepreneurs with disabilities bring deep lived experience, resilience, and innovation to the table, yet they often face barriers in access, mentorship, and visibility. imaginATe is designed to address these gaps in a meaningful, sustained way. The diversity and quality of ideas in this inaugural cohort reinforces our belief that inclusive entrepreneurship is not charity- it is smart, future-facing nation-building.”
Kurush Irani, President – Group CSR, Bajaj Finserv, added, “The passion and ideas of our first imaginATe cohort give us full confidence in their progress. By providing the right training and resources, we are providing them with a path to lead the way in building impactful, sustainable businesses. Best wishes to each of them as they take their solutions forward.”
The imaginATe fellowship will offer structured mentorship, expert-led learning sessions, access to assistive technologies, ecosystem exposure, and post-fellowship support, enabling fellows to strengthen their ventures and scale their impact.