Hyundai Motor India hosts India’s first-ever Samarth India Conclave, Expo

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), under its flagship philanthropic initiative ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, hosted India’s first-ever “Samarth India Conclave and Expo”, Designed to translate inclusive intent into inclusive action, the Samarth India Conclave and Expo is a national platform dedicated to advancing inclusion, accessibility and empowerment for people with disabilities.

The landmark conclave brought together senior dignitaries from the Government of India, corporates, global and national NGOs, leading start-ups, urban infrastructure designers, accessibility experts and technology innovators to discuss the future of an inclusive India and collectively chart the roadmap for a more equitable and accessible future. The day-long event witnessed a series of panel discussions and sessions focused on - advancing inclusion through technology, Evolution of the assistive tech ecosystem, breakthroughs in inclusive design technology and strategies to bridge societal gap and make it more inclusive.

The event was graced by the presence of dignitaries like Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of India, and Anupam Kher, Indian actor and Director

At the conclave, Hyundai Motor India unveiled the Samarth Accessibility Matrix (SAM) - a pioneering rating system developed to evaluate and score infrastructure on its accessibility standards. Developed by the Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility, SAM empowers measurable, accountable and inclusive design practices, setting a new national benchmark for accessibility in India. The framework aims to guide businesses, institutions, and public spaces towards creating barrier-free environments that are aligned with global best practices.

In addition, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), announced a programme to mentor and fund promising start-ups working on next-generation assistive technologies under Samarth by Hyundai initiative. These start-ups will be supported over the coming years to develop and deploy innovations that enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life for people with disabilities.

Commenting on the inaugural edition of the Samarth India Conclave and Expo, Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said “At Hyundai, we see mobility as more than movement, it is momentum for change. It is the strength to empower communities we serve and create a brighter future for all. ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ represents a steadfast commitment to building a world where technology and humanity progress together. With the launch of the Samarth India Conclave & Expo, I am confident we can make accessibility universal and instinctive for every individual, everywhere.”

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said “Samarth by Hyundai reflects our belief that accessibility is not an option, it is a fundamental right. With the first-ever Samarth India Conclave and Expo, we are proud to bring together India’s most influential changemakers to accelerate inclusive progress. Through the Samarth Accessibility Matrix and support to assistive technology startups, we aim to empower transformative solutions for people with disabilities. Hyundai will continue championing initiatives that deliver real, measurable change and enable equal opportunity for all.”

The Samarth India Conclave and Expo is more than an event. It represents a movement, one that seeks to revisit, redefine and reimagine inclusivity as a cornerstone of progress. The event witnessed participation from 25 startups pioneering in assistive technology, each bringing breakthrough innovations, designed to enhance accessibility and empower lives. The startups showcased a wide range of transformative products and solutions that exemplify the power of technology in driving social inclusion. Adding to the experience, HMIL also displayed its specially adapted 2 turn plus accessories, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to enabling mobility for all and setting new benchmarks in inclusive innovation. Through these innovations, HMIL continues to reaffirm its belief that technology, when guided by empathy and purpose, can be a powerful enabler of social equity.