Two visionary founders incubated at the Atal Incubation Centre-JK Lakshmipat University (AIC-JKLU) have been selected for the prestigious Grassroots Innovator Recognition 2026. They will be honoured by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 31, 2026, for their exceptional contributions to assistive technology and sustainable environmental solutions.
Neha Solanki, founder of Unnati Adaptive Devices, and Chirag M G, founder of Sunbird Straws, stand among just 26 innovators chosen nationwide. The selection process evaluated their startups based on originality, grassroots relevance, societal impact, and their ability to solve pressing real-world challenges.
Transforming Lives with Assistive Technology
Based in Jodhpur, Unnati Adaptive Devices focuses on closing the gap in India’s assistive equipment sector by designing affordable, specialized furniture for children with disabilities.
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The Buddy Chair: Their flagship product provides vital postural support and stability for children aged 4 to 12, aiding them during therapy, learning, and daily meals.
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Freedom Ride: An adaptive stroller currently in development aimed at older children.
Beyond product development, the startup plans to initiate caregiver support and awareness programs tailored for families and therapy centers.
“I am honoured to receive this recognition. The early support from AIC-JKLU helped us transform an idea into a solution that today supports hundreds of children and their families.” — Neha Solanki
Pioneering Sustainable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic
Sunbird Straws addresses the global plastic crisis by converting agricultural residue—such as naturally dried coconut leaves—into chemical-free drinking straws.
The startup’s innovative manufacturing process achieves a dual impact:
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Environmental Protection: It replaces single-use plastics and utilizes agricultural waste that would otherwise be discarded or burned.
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Community Empowerment: The production line creates valuable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
To scale their impact, Sunbird Straws is now exploring the use of alternative agricultural materials, such as pineapple and pandanus leaves, to diversify their sustainable product portfolio.
“This recognition strengthens our commitment to replacing single-use plastic with practical and scalable solutions rooted in local communities.” — Chirag M G
The Role of AIC-JKLU in Fostering Innovation
The recognition highlights the importance of institutional support in transforming grassroots ideas into scalable, impactful businesses.
Nidhi Kachhawa, Chief Executive Officer of AIC-JKLU, noted that this achievement reflects the growing significance of grassroots innovations in solving major socio-environmental issues.
“These ventures demonstrate how locally relevant innovation can create scalable solutions with measurable impact,” Kachhawa stated.
Moving forward, AIC-JKLU remains committed to supporting both ventures as they enter their next phases of product development, strategic partnerships, and market expansion—reinforcing the incubator’s mission of inclusive entrepreneurship and sustainability.
