Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth so that they can accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

In India, Youth Co:Lab was launched in 2019 by UNDP India in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog. Youth Co:Lab has conducted seven national theme-specific youth social innovation and entrepreneurship dialogues in India through this collaboration. This includes several forms of engagements, panel discussions, workshops, dialogues, and seed grants to winners.

The 2024-25 edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge  focused on the theme of Enhancing Access to Opportunities and Wellbeing of Persons with Disabilities’. From a pool of 200+ applicants, 34 youth-led startups joined the Springboard Program—a two-month virtual capacity building programme. 18 finalists advanced to an immersive Bootcamp hosted in Bangalore where 3 winners and 3 runners up were announced. The winners were as follows:

• Category 1: Care Services Models and Solutions for PwDs: Mediqor Aid Technologies – An integrated bed with a toilet facility designed for dignified patient care.
• Category 2: Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology: Translead Medtech – Stand at Eaze, an assistive chair designed for the elderly with knee joint challenges.
• Category 3: Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions: NEMA AI – A deep tech solution using AI and neuroscience to support individuals with dementia and cognitive issues.

The runners up were: 

• Category 1: Care Services Models and Solutions for PwDs: Infiheal Healthtech – An AI-driven therapeutic companion promoting self-acceptance and emotional growth.
• Category 2: Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology: Zeliang Codetech – Zoules, a next-gen motorized EV wheelchair assistant.
• Category 3: Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions: SignSetu – A comprehensive platform addressing the educational needs of the Deaf community.

The compendium is a deep dive into the winners' profiles and their innovative start ups.