Chennai: This year’s search for India’s most innovative assistive technology start-ups is underway with the launch of ProsusSICA2021.

Created last year by Prosus - in partnership with Invest India, Social Alpha and the World Health Organization– the initiative invites Indian startups with the most promising solutions in the assistive technology space to compete for an annual grant and access to the ProsusSICA mentorship programme.

With more than 70 million Indians estimated to live with some form of disability* the societal impact ofimproving lives and empowering people through assistive technology can be immense.

ProsusSICA was recognised earlier this month as “CSR Initiative of the Year” by the AssisTech Foundation.

Prosus has committed INR16,500,000 to the initiative over three years, and each year awards grants to three successful startups. Partners including

Invest India and Social Alpha provide additional mentoring and financing opportunities, while WHO supports the programme with technical assistance.

In its inaugural edition in 2020, ProsusSICA received over 200 applications from 25 states and seven union territories across India.

For ProsusSICA 2021, an expert panel of judges will assemble to identify innovative startups with the most potential to positively impact the lives of persons with disabilities.

Interested startups can learn more about ProsusSICA 2021 and the application process on https://www.startupindia.gov.in
The top three startups will be awarded grants of:

  First prize: INR 25 Lakhs
  Second prize: INR 18 Lakhs
  Third prize:  INR 12 Lakhs

In addition to the grant award, eligible startups receive an opportunity to work with Social Alpha, an incubator that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship across India. As incubation partner, Social Alpha can alsoprovide up to $40,000 in equity to the top startups.

The top five finalists are also inducted into the ProsusSICA mentorship programme where they will benefit from Prosus’s experience in supporting entrepreneurs and helping them to succeed.

Prosus is a global consumer internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the world.