Tech Innovation Summit Empowering Disability-friendly Technology; Eight University Teams Recognized
In the heart of Kochi, Kerala, on August 4, 2025, the STRIDE Inclusive Innovation Summit took place, marking a significant step towards making Kerala India's first inclusive innovation state. The event, organised by the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss and celebrate social innovation.
The summit was graced by the presence of distinguished individuals such as Dinesh P. Thampi, Vice President and Head of Delivery Center at TCS, Dr. George Sleeba, Executive Director of the K. Chittilappally Foundation, and Dr. Arun S. Nair, Director of the Social Justice Department. Radhamani Pillai, Chairperson of Thrikkakara Municipality, presided over the summit, while Dr. Mini Ulanat, former Chair of IEEE Kerala Section, and Dr. Manoj B.S., current Chair of IEEE Kerala Section, were among the speakers. Arun Jacob, an independent product strategy consultant, also shared his insights.
The focus of the summit was on STRIDE's broader vision to make Kerala a pioneering state in inclusive innovation. This vision is rooted in fostering a compassionate and sustainable economy that addresses the challenges of vulnerable populations, including the elderly, those in palliative care, financially disadvantaged groups, and persons with intellectual disabilities.
The mission of STRIDE centres on social innovation through a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach. This approach integrates government departments, community organisations, academic institutions, and technology partners to co-create universally accessible solutions, with a particular emphasis on directly involving persons with disabilities in technology development to address their needs.
Eight engineering college teams were honoured at the summit for their innovations designed to enhance the lives of differently-abled individuals. These teams represented institutions such as Vishwajyothi College of Engineering and Technology, NSS College of Engineering, College of Engineering in Vadakara, St. Gits College of Engineering, Vidya Academy of Science and Technology, TKM College of Engineering, Sahrudaya College of Engineering and Technology, and a college in Thrissur.
Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh announced the launch of the STRIDE Makerstudios at the summit. These innovation hubs, to be established with a budget allocation of about ₹1 crore, will serve as platforms for prototyping and development. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with DC School of Architecture and Design to support the design and establishment of STRIDE Maker Studios.
The STRIDE Inclusive Innovation Summit was held in collaboration with IEEE Kerala Section, Kudumbashree, Kerala Startup Mission, and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU). The event served as a milestone in Kerala's journey towards a truly inclusive and innovation-driven society.
In conclusion, STRIDE aims to unite various stakeholders to create technology and social solutions that simplify and improve the lives of marginalized groups, thereby establishing Kerala as a pioneering inclusive innovation state in India.
- The STRIDE Inclusive Innovation Summit in Kochi highlights the importance of education and technology in creating universally accessible solutions, with a focus on involving persons with disabilities in technological development to address their needs.
- The summit celebrated the achievements of eight engineering college teams whose innovations aim to enhance the lives of differently-abled individuals, showcasing the pivotal role of education-and-self-development in addressing social challenges.
- The event marked a significant step towards making Kerala India's first inclusive innovation state, demonstrating the crucial intersection of health, news, business, and technology in fostering a compassionate and sustainable economy.
- The launch of the STRIDE Makerstudios, with a budget allocation of about ₹1 crore, reflects the commitment to promoting innovation in Kerala, while also emphasizing the significance of government, community, academic, and technological collaborations in social innovation.
