Duplikhum Langtithonger, co-founder and senior creative head of Zeliang Codetech Pvt Ltd which won the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024–25 with others.
DIMAPUR, JUNE 14 (MExN): Nagaland-based Zeliang Codetech Pvt Ltd has won the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024–25 under the category of Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology. The start-up, represented by co-founder and senior creative head Duplikhum Langtithonger, was awarded a seed grant for its innovation aimed at improving mobility for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The winning innovation, “ZOULES,” is a smart device that can transform a regular wheelchair into an electric wheelchair or an e-bike within seconds. Developed in Nagaland, the portable attachment features safety mechanisms and affordability, offering users greater independence and mobility.
Judges and mentors commended the product not only for its functionality but also for its potential social impact. ZOULES aims to bridge mobility gaps for persons with disabilities, empowering them through accessible and dignified transport solutions.
The Youth Co:Lab initiative is co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and the AssisTech Foundation (ATF). The initiative supports youth-led innovations that drive social inclusion and change.
As part of the challenge, Langtithonger participated in an intensive five-day national bootcamp held in Bengaluru.
The programme began with keynote addresses by Jeya Chandran (Regional Head, UNDP-South India) and Pratik Madhav (Co-founder and CEO, ATF), followed by sessions on fundraising and start-up storytelling led by Sanjay Anandaram, co-founder and CEO of NICEorg.
Other highlights included an inclusive cricket match with Padma Shri awardee Shekhar Naik, personal branding training by Ankit Vengurlekar, and mentorship under Ajith Paul, business transformation advisor and WEF Tech Pioneer.
Participants also engaged in yoga, sound healing, and strategic sessions on market entry led by Dr Lakshmi Jagannathan, CEO of the Innovation Centre and Executive VP of COMET Foundation. An “EcoPitch” segment invited school students to interpret and reflect on each entrepreneur’s idea.
Zeliang Codetech’s innovation advanced to the InnoCourt pitch round and was named among the top six finalists. The company was ultimately declared the winner in its category, earning national recognition.
'Proud to represent Nagaland'
Speaking after the win, Langtithonger said: “This platform gave us not just visibility, but also the tools and mentorship to shape our vision with clarity and impact. It’s an honour to represent Nagaland and bring attention to the region’s potential in tech-driven innovation.”
He added that the win was a significant milestone not just for the company but for the Northeast’s growing contribution to India’s tech landscape.
“Zeliang Codetech is proud to be a pioneering force that brings Nagaland onto the national map of the tech industry—proving that innovation, inclusion, and impact can thrive from the Northeast to the rest of India,” he said.
