Godrej Industries Group celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities through the hosting of its first 'Assistive Tech Conference' 2025 on December 1. The event brought together innovators, corporates, researchers, disability-rights leaders, and athletes. Pundits from these myriad fields came together to discuss how technology can transform accessibility and inclusion at work. To expedite India's journey toward non-discriminatory workplaces, the conference served as a collective platform for new ideas and partnerships.
"This conference reaffirms a simple truth: when we design with empathy, collaborate with intention, and innovate with a commitment to equity, we build a world where everyone can thrive. Beyond a set of tools, Assistive technology is also a pathway to agency, dignity, and opportunity. What we showcased today is only the beginning. The future of accessible work in India will be shaped by openness, imagination, and the courage to rethink the systems we take for granted," Parmesh Shahani, Head of Godrej DEI Lab and author of 'Queeristan' said.
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The conference showcased 12 start-ups specialising in inclusive technology. Several of them took part in a day-long exhibition presenting cutting-edge assistive solutions from Access for All, NCPEDP, the AssisTech Foundation, and others. Godrej Properties Limited also unveiled its in-house app, 'ThisAbleMe Echo', which will initially be available to employees. The app supports communication through sign language and provides conversation summaries.
In-house innovations were showcased by Godrej's IT team, the Godrej AI Lab, and Godrej Good & Green. The products ranged from communication tools and inclusive digital interfaces to tactile learning aids for students with digital impairments. Following this, the EmployAbility Toolkit by Godrej Consumer Products and Atypical Advantage to support companies in making their operations more incorporating. At the EmployAbility in Manufacturing summit held that afternoon, manufacturing and FMCG leaders reflected on how factories are being restructured into more accessible, opportunity-rich environments through inclusive infrastructure, new paths to increase skills, and reformist leadership.
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An engaging discussion on 'India's Accessible Futures,' concluded the event, hosted by Godrej Capital and the Godrej DEI Lab. The event featured neuroqueer anthropologist Paras Arora in conversation with para-badminton champion Manasi Joshi, NCPEDP Director Arman Ali, AssisTech Foundation's Chahat Dubey, and IIM Bangalore professor Mukta Kulkarni. The panel discussed on how assistive technology, design-thinking, and user-led innovations are revisiting accessibility and increasing participation of the workforce, and called for more affordability, collaboration, and policy support to mainstream assistive tech in India.
The Godrej Industries Group wishes to assist in building a more inclusive workforce, where accessibility is an integral part of innovation, productivity, and growth across corporate workplaces in India.
