The Enable Makeathon – a 60-day programme initiated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and in which technology and design experts, persons with disabilities and mentors are developing solutions and products for persons with disabilities – got underway in Bengaluru on 21st November.

The Challenge and Immersion Days on 21 and 22 November respectively, were the first in a series of events taking place as part of the initiative. They brought together the top 15 teams from different Indian cities who got a chance to discuss their ideas in detail and pair up with mentors. Each team was also paired with one of the beneficiaries of the Association of People with Disability (APD) in order that they might get practical insights on disability issues.

The Challenge and Immersion Days on 21 and 22 November respectively, were the first in a series of events taking place as part of the initiative. ©ICRC

Despite the gloomy weather and occasional rain, the sessions went on amidst an exhibition of great enthusiasm by the participants. These engagements were not just about introducing ideas being mooted by online and offline participants, but were also about getting to know of the nine challenges related to disability issues around which the platform revolves. They also gave participants an opportunity to further polish their proposals, gain insights from mentors and learn aspects from the practical facilities of APD where the events were held.

For the next 30 days, the teams will prepare for Business Bootcamp and Makers Day scheduled for 18-21 December 2015, following which the top 8 teams would be selected for the final rounds showcasing their invention on the Demo Day. The Enable Makethon will come to an end on 23rd January 2016 at which prizes for the three best innovative devices will be awarded by the ICRC and its partners.