In a landmark achievement for Nagaland and the Northeast region, Dimapur based start-up Zeliang Codetech Pvt. Ltd. has emerged as the national winner of the Youth Co: Lab Innovation Challenge 2024–2025, under the category inclusive and accessible assistive technology.
Represented by Duplikhum Langtithonger, Co-founder and Senior Creative Head, the homegrown venture impressed judges with its breakthrough innovation, ZOULES a smart, compact attachment that converts any regular wheelchair into an electric-powered mobility device or even an e-bike in seconds.
The innovation addresses a critical gap in affordable assistive technology, offering a portable and cost-effective alternative to expensive electric wheelchairs.
Duplikhum shared ZOULES was created not in a hi-tech lab but from the hills of Nagaland, which built to offer dignity, mobility, and freedom to those who have long been left behind.
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The Youth Co:Lab challenge is co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, and in India, it is implemented in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog) and AssisTech Foundation (ATF). It seeks to empower youth-led solutions that promote social inclusion and sustainable development.
Over 40 start-ups across India competed in the National Innovation Challenge, culminating in a five-day bootcamp held in Bengaluru. The bootcamp featured capacity-building sessions, mentorship, and rigorous pitch rounds.
During the bootcamp, Duplikhum participated in high-impact sessions led by prominent figures such as Jeya Chandran (UNDP South India), Pratik Madhav (CEO, ATF), and Sanjay Anandaram (Co-founder, NICEorg). The experience also included interactive programs like the Inclusive Cricket League with Padma Shri awardee Shekhar Naik, personal branding workshops, market strategy briefings, and pitch refinements.
On Day 4, Zeliang Codetech’s venture was evaluated in the competitive InnoCourt round. The final day saw the Dimapur based start-up named among the top 6 finalists, before being officially declared national winner in its category.
With this victory, Zeliang Codetech has become a symbol of Northeast India’s growing presence in the national innovation landscape.
Duplikhum said the 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.
The win also came with a national seed grant, which will help Zeliang Codetech scale the production and distribution of ZOULES, with a vision to make electric mobility more inclusive and accessible across India.
