In a pioneering move towards inclusive employment and neurodiversity, CSM Tech has launched Project AURA (Autism Upskilling and Resource Accessibility), a transformative CSR initiative to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for individuals with autism. The initiative aims to promote sustainable employability, upskilling, and workplace integration for neurodivergent individuals, starting with a comprehensive, research-driven strategy.
Partnering with Saarathee, a technology-driven organization focused on transforming disability inclusion in Corporate India, CSM Tech will execute the project in three phases: a global benchmarking study, stakeholder consultations, and a final strategy framework culminating in detailed guidelines and recommendations for the proposed CoE. The project will also generate critical outputs including a list of vocational counsellors, skilling institutions, inclusive corporates, job role mapping, and workplace coordination models.
Why a CoE for Employability of Individuals with Autism?
According to India's National Trust and WHO data, only about 5-10% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are meaningfully employed in India, despite possessing exceptional abilities in attention to detail, pattern recognition, data management, and structured tasks. With an estimated 18 million people living with autism in India — the highest globally — there is a critical gap between capability and opportunity.
A 2023 report by the Autism Centre for Excellence (ACE) highlights that while global giants like Microsoft, SAP, and JPMorgan Chase have demonstrated the business case for employing neurodiverse individuals (reporting 30% higher productivity in certain roles), India still lags significantly behind. The lack of structured skill development programs, workplace accommodations, and employer awareness are primary barriers.
This stark gap underscores the need for a specialized, systemic approach like the CoE — a bridge between neurodiverse potential and sustainable employability.
Potential Impact of the CoE: A Paradigm Shift
The establishment of the Center of Excellence (CoE) under Project AURA marks a significant step in bridging the employability gap for individuals with autism. The CoE would offer a structured pathway for skill development and dignified employment. By equipping autistic youth with digital and administrative skills aligned with industry needs, the initiative aims to foster independence, reduce stigma, and support long-term integration into mainstream society.
For corporates, the CoE creates a unique talent pipeline that strengthens diversity, boosts productivity in roles requiring precision, and enhances ESG alignment. It encourages businesses to rethink hiring practices and embrace inclusive work environments.
AURA is more than a research initiative—it’s a movement to recognize the unique talents of autistic individuals and integrate them meaningfully into the workforce. The Centre of Excellence will act as a lighthouse for government, industry, and civil society efforts, ultimately driving forward a more empathetic and empowered employment ecosystem in India.
“Through AURA, we reaffirm our commitment to building an equitable society where ability is valued over disability,” said, Mr. Bishnu Prasad Rath Associate VP – Learning and Knowledge (L&K) Department, appointed as the Project Manager of the CSM CSR Management Committee. “Our focus is to provide actionable frameworks that translate into real impact—employment, dignity, and inclusion.”
Project AURA is aligned with CSM Tech’s broader sustainability and social equity goals and will serve as a blueprint for neurodiversity-focused interventions across industries.
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