Godrej Industries Group held its first Assistive Tech Conference 2025 to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, convening startups, leaders from industry, disability-rights advocates, researchers, and athletes to explore how technology can accelerate inclusion in Indian workplaces. The conference served as a platform to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and build partnerships aimed at strengthening accessibility across the corporate landscape.
Parmesh Shahani, Head of the Godrej DEI Lab, emphasized that assistive technology represents dignity and opportunity, noting that meaningful progress requires empathy-driven design, intentional collaboration, and a willingness to rethink existing systems. Twelve startups specializing in inclusive technology showcased their solutions at the event, alongside innovations from Access for All, AssisTech Foundation, NCPEDP, and in-house projects developed across multiple Godrej businesses.
Godrej Properties announced the launch of ThisAbleMe Echo, an AI-enabled communication app developed for internal use that integrates sign language interpretation and automated conversation summaries. Speaking about the launch, CHRO Megha Goel said the goal is to ensure accessibility is built into the foundation of workplace design and digital tools, enabling persons with disabilities to lead and contribute meaningfully.
The event also featured internal innovations from the Godrej AI Lab, Godrej Good & Green, and the IT team, spanning accessible digital products, tactile learning solutions, and communication tools. Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), in partnership with Atypical Advantage, unveiled the EmployAbility Toolkit to help organisations build inclusive hiring and workplace practices. Leaders from manufacturing and FMCG sectors also shared how accessibility-led design, skilling pathways, and inclusive leadership are shaping more equitable employment models. GCPL also premiered a digital campaign highlighting employees with disabilities and their contributions across operations.
Commenting on the commitment to disability inclusion, Vaibhav Ram, Global Head – HR at GCPL, noted that while disability employment remains low in India, GCPL is expanding roles for persons with disabilities across factories and other functions, and the new toolkit offers organisations a practical starting point to embed inclusion across operations.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion on the future of accessibility in India featuring experts and changemakers including para-badminton champion Manasi Joshi, NCPEDP Director Arman Ali, AssisTech Foundation’s Chahat Dubey, IIM Bangalore’s Prof. Mukta Kulkarni, and neuroqueer anthropologist Paras Arora. The speakers highlighted the need for affordability, policy support, and collaborative innovation to accelerate mainstream adoption of assistive technologies.
Bhavya Mishra, CHRO, Godrej Capital, reiterated that accessibility is not simply compliance but a catalyst for innovation, talent development, and market expansion. She shared that Godrej is committed to building environments and products that reflect diverse users and enable equal access to opportunity.
Through this conference and ongoing initiatives, Godrej Industries Group continues its commitment to advancing workplace accessibility and fostering an ecosystem where technology, inclusion, and innovation move forward together. Founded in 1897, Godrej Industries Group (GIG) serves over 1.1 billion consumers globally through its diverse businesses in consumer products, real estate, agriculture, financial services, and chemicals. Committed to innovation with sustainability at its core, GIG has built a legacy of addressing critical challenges while balancing profit, planet, and people.
Key businesses of the Godrej Group include Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL), a leader in home and personal care products across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Godrej Properties (GPL) is one of India’s top real estate developers, known for its innovation and commitment to sustainability. Godrej Agrovet (GAVL) focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity through sustainable solutions.
Godrej Industries (Chemicals) is a leading manufacturer of oleochemicals and surfactants in India. Godrej Fund Management (GFM) serves as the group’s real estate private equity arm, while Godrej Capital (GC) is an expanding financial services venture. Through its diverse ventures, Godrej Industries Group continues to drive sustainable growth and impactful change globally.
