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In a significant step towards building a more accessible society, Trimble has partnered with the National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies (NCAHT) at IIT Madras since the 2023-24 academic year.

Trimble made an initial contribution of ₹15 lakhs to donate 20 custom-fitted wheelchairs to individuals with disabilities. This initiative was aimed at supporting individuals with mobility issues who lack adequate resources. The wheelchair weighs just 9 kg and is fully customised for each user, offering the strength, efficiency, and design quality rivalling expensive imports but at a fraction of the cost.

Wheelchair recipients will be selected through a structured evaluation process led by NCAHT, which includes individual assessments, prescription support, and training to ensure that each chair meets the specific needs of the user. This ensures not just mobility, but long-term usability and empowerment.

“At Trimble, we believe accessibility is fundamental to building a more equitable future. Supporting inclusive mobility isn’t just an extension of our values; it’s a responsibility we imbibe earnestly,” said Rajan Aiyer, VP & MD, Trimble India. “Through this partnership with IIT Madras, we hope to support individuals who are often overlooked and enable them to move, live, and participate more actively in the world around them.”

Adding to this, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “Technology can create meaningful change only when it is inclusive and human-centric. This collaboration with Trimble helps us translate research and expertise into real-world impact, reaching people who need it most. Every wheelchair delivered is a step toward a society where mobility is not a privilege, but a right.”

NCAHT is housed within the TTK Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras. Since its launch in 2023, NCAHT has worked at the intersection of innovation, policy, and accessibility, creating real-world impact for persons with disabilities across India.

Through this collaboration, Trimble and NCAHT aim to support improved mobility, independence, and social participation among the beneficiaries, while reinforcing the broader message that accessibility is a shared responsibility of society as a whole.

The distribution of wheelchairs is scheduled to begin in the coming months, with hybrid (physical + virtual) engagement formats being explored to ensure wider reach and engagement