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(Extreme right) Raghu D, Founder-CEO of Kaiteki Innovations Private Ltd, with the assistive tech solution
People with special needs, including the disabled and elderly patients, often find it difficult while attending conferences or taking long flights. They would end up not having food fearing the need to access toilets, which are inadequately designed for their needs. Raghu D, who did his post-graduation in history from the University of Hyderabad, is one among them.
He recounted several such incidents when he faced inconvenience. “I found this problem common for several people, and sat down to find a solution,” he told businessline.
He, along with a team of two mentors and a few consultants, developed a product which could solve the problem for many.
“Ours is a combination of hand version and pedal version, designed for universal ease of use. This innovative dual-operation feature is patented, protecting the idea, product and entire design,” he said.
Blessing to many
Apart from individuals with special needs, the product will also be useful to elderly individuals with mobility issues, pregnant women, postpartum mothers, patients in hospitals, and those in rehabilitation centres.
Raghu founded Kaiteki Innovations Private Ltd to develop technologies and products that help people with special needs by providing accessible solutions. The three-year-old start-up focuses on the sub-theme of health, hygiene and sanitation in the assistive technology sector.
“Over 15 per cent of people globally are disabled, which accounts for nearly a billion individuals. Despite these significant numbers, there is a considerable lack of facilities to meet even their basic needs,” he said.
The maiden product from the Hyderabad-based start-up is ‘GUKO Bidet’, which is designed to be attached directly to the toilet seat, requiring no extra space. The non-electric, mechanical hygiene aid can be retrofitted to toilets.
“This solution directly addresses the identified problems by allowing users to wash independently using a foot pedal or hand lever, eliminating the need for manual cleaning or caregiver assistance,” he said.
“We are targeting a wide range of public restrooms, such as those in hospitals, metro stations, railway stations, airports and malls. We are also looking at selling the product to hotels, corporate offices, government institutions and household restrooms,” he said.
Grant provided
After getting a ₹10 lakh grant from a Goan incubator through NIDHI Prayas, Raghu developed a Minimum Viable Product. The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) provided a grant of ₹5 lakh to pilot 40 units. “The pilot programme will begin in a week,” he said.
Raghu said the start-up would look to expand its product and service offerings in the assistive technology space.
He wanted the government intervention to promote ideas and products developed in this space, which will go a long way in providing access to all public spaces under the the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
Published on August 10, 2025
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