Godrej industries group hosts first assistive tech conference 2025, showcases future of inclusive workplaces

Godrej Industries Group hosted its inaugural Assistive Tech Conference 2025 to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, bringing together innovators, corporates, researchers, disability-rights advocates, and athletes to reimagine how technology can drive accessibility and inclusion at work.

Parmesh Shahani, Head of the Godrej DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Lab, said the conference reaffirmed that designing with empathy and innovating with equity can build “a world where everyone can thrive”. He added that assistive technology is not just a set of tools, but “a pathway to agency, dignity and opportunity”.

The event featured 12 start-ups working in inclusive technology, along with an exhibition showcasing solutions from Access for All, the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), and AssisTech Foundation. Godrej Properties also launched ThisAbleMe Echo, an AI-powered sign language interpreter app that will initially roll out internally, enabling communication through Indian Sign Language and conversation summaries.

“We believe accessibility should be woven into the very fabric of the spaces and experiences we create,” said Megha Goel, CHRO, Godrej Properties Limited. She added that the company aims to build environments where persons with disabilities are “actively empowered to lead, contribute and thrive”.

Godrej’s IT team, the Godrej AI Lab and Godrej Good & Green showcased in-house innovations spanning AI-enabled communication tools and inclusive digital experiences. These included an AI sign-language interpretation tool, a reading assistant that simplifies complex documents, and speech-assist features for non-verbal employees, as well as accessible digital interfaces and tactile learning solutions for visually impaired learners.

Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) and Atypical Advantage launched the EmployAbility Toolkit to help companies create more inclusive workplaces. During the EmployAbility in Manufacturing summit, leaders from the manufacturing and FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sectors discussed how accessible infrastructure, inclusive skilling pathways, and progressive leadership models are reshaping opportunities for persons with disabilities. GCPL also released a digital film celebrating the contributions of employees with disabilities across its operations.

“At a time when disability employment in India remains far below its potential, GCPL is committed to driving meaningful change,” said Vaibhav Ram, Global Head – HR, GCPL. The company has already hired more than 20 persons with disabilities across its manufacturing sites, with plans to expand further.

The day concluded with a panel on India’s Accessible Futures, curated by Godrej Capital and the Godrej DEI Lab. Speakers including neuroqueer anthropologist Paras Arora, para-badminton champion Manasi Joshi, NCPEDP Director Arman Ali, AssisTech Foundation’s Chahat Dubey, and IIM Bangalore professor Mukta Kulkarni discussed how design thinking, user-led innovation, and assistive technologies are expanding workforce participation. They called for greater affordability, collaboration, and policy support to mainstream assistive tech nationwide.

Bhavya Mishra, CHRO, Godrej Capital, said accessibility is “a driver of innovation and inclusion”, noting that the company is building flexible work models, accessible office layouts, and equitable recruitment systems to enable persons with disabilities to thrive. She added that Godrej Capital’s commitment extends to ensuring its financial products serve a broad spectrum of customers, including underserved segments.

Godrej Industries Group said it aims to help build a more inclusive workforce across corporate India—one where accessibility is recognised as foundational to innovation, productivity, and long-term growth.