22nd June 2020: According to the WHO Disability Report One billion people or 15% of the World’s population experience some form of disability. Although there is no recent census data available in India in this segment, WHO estimates that disability prevalence is higher than 15% in developing countries. Post COVID-19 the disability numbers are expected to increase due to poverty, malnutrition, inadequate access to education and healthcare, unsafe working conditions, a polluted environment, and lack of access to safe water and sanitization.
VARIJA LIFE and STARTUP BUDDY have announced a competition ‘STARABLE’ for startups offering solutions for people with Physical or Mental special needs, in association with Start Up India. It is the first step to encourage entrepreneurs and investors. A multi-billion dollar opportunity is unexplored and waiting to be tapped, with very little competition and a huge market size.
Startup Buddy is a one stop solution for the Startups for legal, compliance & IPR Services. It also helps aspiring entrepreneurs to validate their ideas and develop their business models. “The purpose of the initiative is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs to innovate and unleash their talent for this untapped segment.” says Amit Singal, co-founder of Startup Buddy. “I am really overwhelmed with the feedback of various stakeholders and experts in the Startup Ecosystem and their zest to promote such inntiatives”, he added.
VARIJA LIFE, under Varija Bajaj is a Not For Profit Organization, working extensively in the area of disability awareness. Amongst several other initiatives the organisation is conducting extensive research on clothing for persons with disabilities through 27 fashion colleges. “STARABLE is an initiative to encourage entrepreneurs and investors in order to create a robust eco system for persons with special needs including old age disability. I wish to mobilise the infrastructure, facilities, education, government and even peoples perception towards people with special needs.” says Varija Bajaj
Prizes worth INR 20 Lakhs have been announced for the winners of this startup challenge. Apart from mentorship and guidance from industry experts, the winners will get access to various other grants and investment opportunities.
- Entrepreneurs can apply at Bit.ly/starable5 by 31stthJuly 2020.
- Startups at Idea Stage can also apply for the challenge.
- Top 15 Startups will be announced by 30thSeptember.
For more details drop an email at starable@varijalife.com
