NCPEDP–Mphasis Assistive Technology Hub Seed Grant 2026

The NCPEDP–Mphasis Assistive Technology Hub Seed Grant 2026 is a significant funding initiative designed for early-stage startups in India. This program, spearheaded by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) with crucial backing from Mphasis, focuses on supporting ventures that are creating innovative assistive technology (AT) solutions for persons with disabilities.

Recipients of this grant are awarded up to ₹5 lakh in seed funding. Beyond financial support, the program offers invaluable mentorship, access to users for product testing and validation, comprehensive marketing and outreach assistance, and integration into the extensive NCPEDP–Mphasis AT Hub ecosystem. This holistic support aims to empower startups to refine and scale their solutions, making a tangible difference in the lives of persons with disabilities.

The initiative addresses a critical global challenge: only a small fraction, approximately 10%, of individuals requiring assistive products currently have access to them, with this figure being even lower in developing nations like India. The Indian disability market faces fragmentation, a weak assistive technology supply chain, and limited awareness of available solutions. The AT Hub was established to bridge these gaps by fostering collaboration among startups, researchers, policymakers, and civil society organizations, thereby cultivating a robust and sustainable AT ecosystem across India.

This 2026 cycle marks the second iteration of the AT Hub's grant program. The inaugural 2024 cycle, launched at the EMPOWER event in Trivandrum, saw 25 startups pitch their innovations, with 16 companies ultimately receiving seed grants of ₹5 lakh each. Notable portfolio companies from the 2024 cohort include TrueAssist Technology, Able Company, AI.gnosis, Ksham Innovation, Panoculon Labs, Dextroware Devices, SignSetu, Thryv Rehab Solutions, UDot Braille Tech, and Cognitii (Neurodiverge Labs). These examples illustrate the diverse range of solutions the program seeks to champion.

Beyond direct grants, the AT Hub operates across four key pillars: comprehensive startup support (encompassing funding, mentorship, product design and costing training, and market access), infrastructure development (building a network of physical hubs and cluster institutions), policy and standards advocacy (engaging with regulators and establishing quality benchmarks), and widespread awareness and engagement initiatives. Selected startups become part of this broader network, connecting them with Disabled People's Organisations, industry leaders, government initiatives such as the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, and a vibrant community of AT innovators nationwide.

• Seed grant of up to ₹5 lakh available.
• Specifically for early-stage assistive technology startups.
• Focus on solutions benefiting persons with disabilities in India.
• Includes mentorship, user access, and ecosystem support.
• Application deadline is May 17, 2026.

The NCPEDP–Mphasis Assistive Technology Hub Seed Grant 2026 is open to early-stage startups that are actively developing assistive technology solutions for persons with disabilities. To be eligible, solutions must meet the following criteria:

• Solutions should be designed to address critical gaps in accessibility, enhance independence, and promote inclusion for persons with disabilities.
• The proposed technology must be user-centred, meaning it is developed with the specific needs and experiences of persons with disabilities at its core.
• There are no specific sector restrictions within assistive technology. Startups working on mobility aids, hearing solutions, vision aids, communication tools, cognitive support technologies, and other assistive technology verticals are all encouraged to apply.
• Applicants must be at an early stage of development, with a promising solution that is either currently being developed or undergoing validation.

NCPEDP–Mphasis Assistive Technology Hub Seed Grant 2026 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for NCPEDP–Mphasis Assistive Technology Hub Seed Grant 2026 closed on 17 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups receive a substantial seed grant of up to ₹5 lakh. This non-dilutive funding is intended to accelerate the development and advancement of their assistive technology products.

In addition to the financial grant, participants benefit from a comprehensive support package:

• Mentorship: Access to experienced domain experts who provide guidance and strategic advice.
• User Access: Opportunities for testing and validating their solutions directly with persons with disabilities, ensuring real-world relevance and effectiveness.
• Marketing and Outreach Support: Assistance with promoting their innovations and reaching a wider audience.
• Ecosystem Access: Integration into the extensive NCPEDP–Mphasis AT Hub ecosystem, which connects them with a diverse network of fellow startups, researchers, policymakers, and civil society organizations, fostering collaboration and growth.

NCPEDP–Mphasis Assistive Technology Hub Seed Grant 2026 is offered by NCPEDP–Mphasis AT Hub, a non-profit organisation. It is delivered directly by NCPEDP–Mphasis AT Hub as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection process for the NCPEDP–Mphasis Assistive Technology Hub Seed Grant involves a rigorous multi-stage evaluation. Initially, all submitted applications undergo a thorough screening process.

Following this initial screening, shortlisted startups are invited to present their innovative solutions to a distinguished panel of expert jurors. During these presentations, the jury assesses several key aspects of each startup:

• The inherent strength and user-centred design of their assistive technology solution.
• The potential of the solution to effectively address critical gaps in accessibility and enhance the independence of persons with disabilities.
• The capability and execution potential of the startup's team.

Before you apply to NCPEDP–Mphasis Assistive Technology Hub Seed Grant 2026, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

NCPEDP–Mphasis Assistive Technology Hub Seed Grant 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.