Hunny Bhagchandani Torchit journey: How Hunny Bhagchandani is building accessible technology at scale in India

Hunny Bhagchandani Torchit reflects a growing shift in Indian entrepreneurship, where technology focuses on access rather than novelty. Hunny Bhagchandani, 28, is the founder of Torchit, an Ahmedabad-based assistive technology company that designs products for people with disabilities. His work spans navigation tools for the visually impaired, smart glasses that read text aloud, and communication devices for people with hearing and speech disabilities.

Torchit operates in a space often ignored by mainstream consumer tech. Bhagchandani’s focus stays clear. Build devices that work in real settings, keep prices within reach, and use partnerships to scale distribution. As of FY23, Torchit reported revenue of $710,000 and has reached more than 150,000 users across India.

The problem Torchit set out to solve

India has an estimated 150 million people living with some form of disability. Access to assistive devices remains limited due to cost, lack of local manufacturing, and weak last-mile reach. Imported products cost several times the average monthly income of many families. Even when devices exist, users struggle to find reliable sellers.

Hunny Bhagchandani founded Torchit to address this gap. He often states that accessibility is not an extra benefit. It is a basic right. This belief shaped Torchit’s pricing, design, and distribution from the start.

Saarthi and early validation

Torchit’s first product, Saarthi, launched seven years ago. Saarthi helps blind and visually impaired users detect obstacles while walking. The device uses sensors to alert users about objects ahead, helping them move with more confidence in public spaces.

The product found early traction through schools, NGOs, and training centres for the visually impaired. Feedback from users guided improvements in durability and ease of use. The response showed there was demand for assistive devices built for Indian conditions.

Expanding into AI-driven tools

After Saarthi, Torchit introduced Jyoti AI glasses. These glasses use optical character recognition and artificial intelligence to convert printed text into audio. The system supports multiple Indian languages, which makes it useful across states.

A user can hold a book, bill, or newspaper in front of the glasses and listen to the content. While walking outdoors, the glasses can describe surroundings, people, or obstacles. The focus remains on daily use rather than experimental features.

Torchit also developed VOIS smart gloves for people with hearing and speech disabilities. These gloves convert hand movements into speech, allowing users to communicate without relying on sign language interpreters. The gloves aim to support everyday conversations in schools, workplaces, and public offices.

Reach, revenue, and funding

Hunny Bhagchandani says Torchit has sold products to more than 150,000 people so far. The company works closely with institutions rather than only direct consumers. This model helps reach users who may not find such products on their own.

Torchit has raised around $600,000 through a mix of grants and impact venture capital. In FY23, the company recorded revenue of $710,000. Bhagchandani says the funding structure allows Torchit to focus on long-term access rather than short-term margins.

The company has partnered with over 300 non-profits and more than 70 corporates. Its partners include Tata Trusts, World Bank, and MIT. Torchit also works with the Gujarat government and the Government of India on accessibility programmes.

Enablemart and the distribution gap

In June 2022, Bhagchandani launched Enablemart to solve another problem. Even when assistive products exist, there is no single place in India to find verified options with quality checks.

Enablemart functions as an online and offline marketplace for assistive mobility and accessibility products. The platform lists more than 500 products from close to 100 companies. Around 30 of these companies are early-stage startups working in disability-focused innovation.

Enablemart has also opened physical centres in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi. These centres allow users to test products before buying. Bhagchandani sees this as essential in a category where trust and fit matter more than impulse buying.

Industry perspective

Founders in the disability and mobility space view Torchit as a practical model. Pranav Vempati, co-founder of Makers Hive, has said that Bhagchandani provides assistive products at a fraction of Western prices. He also points to Torchit’s partnerships with NGOs and governments as key to scale.

India lacks a standard retail and quality framework for assistive devices. Enablemart attempts to fill this gap by curating products rather than listing everything without checks.

Current focus and next phase

As of 2025, Hunny Bhagchandani is focused on improving reach rather than launching many new products. Torchit continues to refine its devices based on field feedback, with attention on language support, battery life, and durability.

Enablemart remains central to his plans. Bhagchandani aims to expand its offline footprint and onboard more verified startups. He also plans to help other founders navigate manufacturing and distribution challenges in the assistive technology space.

Why the Hunny Bhagchandani Torchit story matters

The Hunny Bhagchandani Torchit journey shows how inclusive technology can scale without relying on premium pricing. By building locally, working with institutions, and focusing on need-based design, Torchit addresses a gap that affects millions.

At 28, Hunny Bhagchandani has built a business that links technology with access. As accessibility gains attention in policy and public discussion, companies like Torchit are likely to shape how assistive technology reaches users across India.


FAQs

Q1. Who is Hunny Bhagchandani?
Hunny Bhagchandani is an Indian entrepreneur and the founder of Torchit, an assistive technology company.

Q2. What is Torchit known for?
Torchit is known for products such as Saarthi for the visually impaired, Jyoti AI glasses, and VOIS smart gloves.

Q3. How many users has Torchit reached?
Torchit products have reached more than 150,000 users across India.

Q4. What is Enablemart by Hunny Bhagchandani?
Enablemart is a marketplace for assistive mobility and accessibility products, launched by Hunny Bhagchandani in 2022.

Sakshi Singh

Sakshi Singh is a dedicated writer at Arise Times, with a passion for covering the worlds of influencers, startups, technology, and inspiring biographies. Known for her engaging storytelling and in-depth research, Sneha brings fresh perspectives on the people and ideas shaping today’s digital landscape. Her articles aim to inform, inspire, and connect readers with the latest trends and success stories from around the world.

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