Chitkara University Student Wins ₹10 Lakh for Assistive Tech Innovation at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

Chitkara University proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Neha Sinha, a student innovator from Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, who secured first place at the prestigious Startup Mahakumbh – Futurepreneur Challenge 2025 for her groundbreaking assistive technology venture, Stick Buddy. Her innovation earned her national recognition and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, marking a significant milestone for student-led social innovation.

Guided and mentored by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development (CEED) at Chitkara University, Neha’s Stick Buddy stood out among hundreds of student-led startups from across the country. The product is a smart, cost-effective white cane designed to assist the visually impaired with intelligent features such as voice guidance, date and time announcements, obstacle and wet surface detection, and an emergency alert system.

More than just a mobility device, Stick Buddy represents a purpose-driven technological solution that promotes independence, accessibility, and inclusion. Its affordability and user-focused design have earned widespread praise for addressing a pressing social need through innovation.

Neha’s success is a testament to the vibrant innovation ecosystem cultivated by CEED, which supports budding entrepreneurs through structured mentoring, incubation, and access to funding opportunities. This win underscores the University’s commitment to fostering human-centred innovation and encouraging students to develop scalable, real-world solutions.

This national recognition not only honours Neha’s visionary approach and entrepreneurial spirit but also reinforces Chitkara University’s position as a leading institution for inclusive innovation and startup excellence in India.