I-Stem launched in 2019 with a simple belief: people with disabilities should lead the creation of truly accessible technology.
When someone who once believed they’d never apply for a job or take an online course suddenly realizes… they can - that moment of agency, of imagining a bigger life, is our real measure of beauty.
Ripple Effect
Our mission is to help persons with disabilities lead the way. We empower the next generation of role models and watch their successes ripple outward.
By 2035, we envision:
Converting 25 million inaccessible pages, Upskilling 4 million students and unlocking 500,000 new jobs
fueling a global movement of opportunity and inclusion
Independent and Dignified Life
We decided that merely setting accessibility standards have not brought in the kind of change needed.
“But What if people with disabilities designed the solutions to make the world more accessible?”
At our core is a belief that everyone deserves the tools, training, and support that lead to an independent, dignified life.
When I wasn’t allowed to study science in school, I realized nobody understands our challenges better than us. At I-Stem, we’re building the tools we always needed.
Kartik Sawhney, Co-Founder, I-Stem
Shakul Sonker, Co-Founder, I-Stem
Timeline
I-Stem's Journey through the years
2019
Drawing from lived experience, a team of passionate advocates formed I-Stem
2020
To tackle content inaccessibility, we built an AI-powered app that transforms different documents including complex STEM documents into fully accessible formats for people with print disabilities
2021
Began partnering with universities, educational boards, and nonprofits to drive barrier-free education through accessible resources.
Scaled mentorship circles and Corporate networking events including hackathons with PwDs and corporate partners
2022
Kickstarted the first batch of Employment Readiness Fellowship to empower high potential students with disabilities
2023
Launched web/WhatsApp/IVR platform for enhancing access and livelihoods and
expanded career discovery and job-search features.
Partnered with UNICEF to scale.
2024
Integrates accessibility services into India’s Sugamya Bharat ap expanding access to 20 M+ PwDs nationwide
Initiated income generating content accessibility conversion projects to generate income for women from underrepresented communities
our founders
Kartik Sawhney
Co-Founder and CEO
Kartik studied Computer Science at Stanford and went on to build software and AI projects at IBM, Uber, and Microsoft. At Microsoft, he managed a $25 million “AI for Accessibility” fund, helping nonprofits and startups create tools for people with disabilities. His work has reached over 500,000 people in 80+ countries. Kartik’s leadership has earned him honors like the Queen’s Young Leader Award, the UN Young Leader for the SDGs, India’s National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and fellowships from MIT Solve and Echoing Green.
Shakul Sonker
Co-Founder and COO
Shakul studied Mathematics at Ashoka University and has spent the last ten years making websites and apps work better for people with disabilities. He’s led large-scale accessibility projects with UNICEF, UNDP, and the UK government’s development office. By bringing together nonprofits, businesses, and governments, Shakul has helped roll out practical solutions that improve access around the world. His knack for coordinating teams and driving results makes him a key force behind I-Stem’s work.
recognitions and awards
Queen's Young Leader Award
MIT Solve Recognition
National Excellence Award
Echoing Green Fellowship
UN Young Leader Recognition
