Godrej Industries Group launches Assistive Tech Conference to push workplace inclusion in India
Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Godrej Industries Group hosted its first Assistive Tech Conference 2025, convening start-ups, corporates, researchers, disability advocates and athletes to reimagine accessibility at work. The event focused on how emerging technologies can address systemic barriers and expand equitable opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
Parmesh Shahani, Head of the Godrej DEI Lab, said assistive tech represents both innovation and dignity, adding that the conference marks only the beginning of redefining accessible work in India.
Twelve inclusive-tech start-ups presented their solutions, while organisations such as Access for All, NCPEDP and AssisTech Foundation showcased breakthrough technologies. Godrej Properties launched ThisAbleMe Echo, an AI sign-language interpreter app aimed at enabling seamless internal communication.
Megha Goel, CHRO of Godrej Properties, said accessibility must be embedded into every workplace experience, not treated as an add-on. She said the app demonstrates the company’s commitment to empowering PwDs through technology-driven inclusion.
Godrej’s IT team, Godrej AI Lab and Godrej Good & Green demonstrated in-house innovations ranging from communication tools to tactile aids for visually impaired students. GCPL, along with Atypical Advantage, launched the EmployAbility Toolkit to guide companies in inclusive hiring and operations. A manufacturing-focused summit followed, with leaders discussing accessible factory design and industry-wide inclusion models.
GCPL HR Head Vaibhav Ram said disability employment remains unrealised in India, and the company aims to expand beyond the 20-plus PwDs currently employed at its factories.
The conference concluded with an “India’s Accessible Futures” conversation moderated by Godrej Capital and the DEI Lab. Speakers including Manasi Joshi, Arman Ali, Paras Arora, Chahat Dubey and Mukta Kulkarni highlighted how assistive tech and design thinking can reshape workplaces. Godrej Capital CHRO Bhavya Mishra added that accessibility must drive innovation, flexible work models and customer-facing inclusivity.
