The KMTC <> CII Industry Leaders Roundtable on Disability Inclusion & Assistive Technology was held on October 18, 2024, at Hotel O by Tamara, Thiruvananthapuram, on the sidelines of EMPOWER 2024 (which was held at National Institute of SPeech & Hearing (NISH), Trivandrum). The event brought together 22 participants, including industry leaders, policymakers, and experts, to explore opportunities in the Assistive Technology (AT) sector.

The roundtable aimed to raise awareness about the societal and business impact of AT, engage industry leaders in exploring AT adoption and inclusive practices, foster collaborations to advance Kerala’s AT ecosystem, and position the state as a hub for AT research, innovation, and manufacturing.

The Special Officer of KMTC, Mr. C Padmakumar, set the context for the event right at the beginning. He described the various factors in Kerala that were favorable to the growth of the medical devices sector, and then specifically shared KMTC’s focus on Assistive Technology as one of its key sub-segments within medical devices. He highlighted the state’s legacy in building up its education, health, and social welfare infrastructure, which provided a strong foundation for the development of the AT sector. Mr. Padmakumar emphasized that Kerala’s robust healthcare system, coupled with its skilled workforce and strong educational institutions, presented significant opportunities for the growth of the medical devices industry, including the AT sector. He also underscored the state’s commitment to social welfare and inclusivity, which aligned well with the goals of the AT sector in promoting accessibility and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The event featured thought-provoking insights from Prof. Cathy Holloway of the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub, University College London (UCL), who shed light on the surging demand for Assistive Technology fueled by aging populations and unveiled its untapped business potential. Vineet Saraiwala, the visionary founder of Atypical Advantage, redefined inclusive employment by sharing transformative success stories of integrating Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) into the workforce. The program unfolded through dynamic presentations on AT opportunities, immersive roundtable discussions, and a vibrant networking dinner, sparking meaningful dialogues among industry leaders.

From the feedback received from the participating industry leaders, it was evident that the event enhanced awareness among them about the socio-economic benefits of AT, insightful discussions on strategies to strengthen Kerala’s position as a leader in the AT sector, and the establishment of stronger partnerships among KMTC, CII, GDI Hub, Atypical Advantage, and other stakeholders. By leveraging the presence of international experts attending EMPOWER 2024, KMTC effectively facilitated focused discussions and showcased Kerala’s potential as a hub for Assistive Technology.