SaralX: Empowering Inclusion Through Tech Innovation

In the heart of Gangoh, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, a young boy's world gradually dimmed due to a rare genetic eye disorder. But his vision for a more inclusive world only grew sharper. That boy, Akashdeep Bansal, would go on to become the founder and CEO of SaralX, a startup redefining digital accessibility in India and beyond.

A Personal Journey to Purpose

Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at age 10, Bansal lost his sight progressively. Despite the challenge, he earned an M.Tech and PhD from IIT Delhi in digital accessibility. In 2021, a significant vision loss made digital tasks nearly impossible, highlighting the harsh reality of digital exclusion. Drawing from his personal experience and research, Bansal founded SaralX in July 2023 in Bengaluru to address these barriers.

From Lived Experience to Scalable Solutions

SaralX offers comprehensive digital accessibility services, including audits, code-level fixes, team training, and ongoing advisory services. What sets it apart is a powerful blend of technical expertise and lived experience; many on its team are persons with disabilities themselves. "Empathy, problem-solving, and a commitment to inclusion guide our hiring, not traditional resumes," says Bansal.

The startup serves a broad client base spanning enterprises, startups, universities, and government agencies. Major clients include Yatra, redBus, and key ministries within the Government of India. With over 200 million persons with disabilities in India and only 5% of digital platforms accessible, SaralX is tapping into a critical and underserved need.

A Business Model Centred on Accessibility

Operating on a B2B service model, SaralX earns revenue through audits, custom training, advisory contracts, and implementation services. Its flexible pricing allows for engagement with both early-stage startups and large enterprises. Scalability is built into its DNA, with automation, AI-driven tools, and a trained network of testers helping to meet growing demand without compromising quality.

In less than two years, SaralX has secured over 35 paid clients, won prestigious accolades, including the I-Innovate competition by RBIH and HDFC Bank, and was empanelled with the Government of India. It is also incubated at NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, and the AssisTech Foundation.

Recognition and Impact

SaralX has also been widely recognised for its social impact. It was awarded TiE Pune's Best Social Impact Award, Rotary DEI Emerging Star Award 2025, and named a winner of Maharashtra Startup Week 2025. Its work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Hindustan Times and PC Quest, underscoring its growing influence and credibility.

Navigating Challenges, Creating Change

Early challenges included low awareness and resistance to investing in accessibility. That shifted in 2024 when legal action against over 150 Indian companies highlighted the risks of non-compliance. Since then, accessibility has moved from a moral imperative to a regulatory necessity—and a business advantage.

"Legal frameworks create the momentum, but true transformation happens when organisations see the business value of inclusion," Bansal reflects.

Looking Ahead: A Global Vision

With a strong Indian foundation, SaralX is eyeing global markets. Its long-term goal: raise global digital accessibility from 5% to 50% over the next decade. This vision includes building robust tools, expanding training ecosystems, and proving the business case for accessible design.