Humanizing Innovation: Reflections from Krupadecon 2025
On August 11th, 2025, I had the honour of being part of a thought-provoking Panel Discussion at the International Conference โ Krupadecon 2025, hosted by Krupanidhi Degree College, Bengaluru.
The theme of the panelโโHumanizing Innovation: Multidisciplinary Strategies for Global Resilienceโโsparked meaningful conversations on how innovation must not only be technically advanced, but also deeply empathetic, inclusive, and respectful of human dignity. This is especially important when we speak about mental health, disability, and neurodivergence.
Three Guiding Principles for Innovators
From my work in the mental health and special needs space, I emphasized three principles that should guide innovation:
๐น True progress starts with dignity, not disruption
Before changing systems or introducing new tools, we must first respect the individual. Innovation must preserve identity and self-worth.
๐น Co-creation leads to solutions that truly work
The best solutions emerge when communities are actively involved in the design process. Designing with people is far more impactful than designing for them.
๐น Design for belonging, not just access
Inclusion goes beyond physical or digital accessibility. True inclusion means creating spaces where people feel they genuinely belong.
Lessons Innovators Can Learn
When asked what innovators can learn from the mental health and special needs field, I shared two practical examples:
๐ง VR Experiences for Empathy
Virtual reality can allow educators to experience what sensory overload feels like, helping them better understand and adapt their classroom practices to support neurodivergent students.
๐ค Assistive AI with Privacy
AI tools can anticipate and support user needs in daily lifeโwithout compromising their privacy by sharing sensitive personal data. This balances technological support with ethical responsibility.
The Core Message
The conversations at Krupadecon reaffirmed a belief I hold deeply:
๐ก Innovation is most powerful when it doesnโt just solve problemsโbut when it helps people feel seen, respected, and connected.
As we move forward in building inclusive societies, I hope more innovators embrace this human-centered approach. Because at its heart, humanizing innovation is about designing not just for function, but for dignity and belonging.
By Dr. Sonika Sharma
Committed to supporting institutions and individuals dedicated to fostering mental health development for special children
