News
ASR Kenya
The Centre for Digital and Language Inclusion (CDLI) has finalised the second phase of its groundbreaking initiative to develop inclusive Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems for individuals with non-standard or impaired speech in African languages. This effort aims to close the digital divide for people with speech impairments and marks a major milestone following a successful pilot in Ghana.
GDI Hub at COP 30
At COP 30, the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), hosted at UCL, is aiming to change the global conversation on climate resilience to ensure the voices of disabled people are heard.
Inclusive Employment: Advancing Access to Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities
At the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha the GDI Hub joined a diverse and brilliant panel to explore 'Inclusive Employment: Advancing Access to Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities.' Co-hosted by the UK Government, GDI Hub, ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, International Disability Alliance, United Disabled Persons of Kenya, and Fatma Aljassim the session showcased how disability-inclusive livelihood interventions and AT can lead to decent work opportunities.
Investing in Innovation - a reception on the margins of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group in Washington
Last week on the margins of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group in Washington, alongside SEAF & FCDO, the Global Disability Innovation Hub co-hosted a reception - Investing in Innovation - at the British Embassy to exploring catalytic blended finance solutions for Assistive Technology and new innovative pathways to inclusive impact in lower-and-middle-income-countries.
UCL joins UK Prime Minister India visit and unveils new technology collaborations
UCL President & Provost Dr Michael Spence has joined UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s first official visit to India this week, advancing UCL’s strategic collaborations across technology and innovation.
AT2030 venture Hope Tech Unveils ‘The Sixth Sense’ Mobility Aid at Royal Academy of Engineering, Marking Major Milestone in Assistive Technology
Hope Tech Unveils ‘The Sixth Sense’ Mobility Aid at Royal Academy of Engineering, Marking Major Milestone in Assistive Technology
AT2030 Nepal Symposium
This AT2030 Frontiers symposium is a collaboration between the Royal Academy of Engineering and GDI Hub's AT2030 Programme, and in partnership with Kathmandu University (KU). AT2030 is funded by UK International Development.
Inclusive ASR Innovation Sprint to Empower People with Non-Typical Speech in Kenya.
The second phase of the Centre for Digital and Language Inclusion (CDLI) initiative is now underway in Kenya, driving the development of inclusive Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems for people with non-typical or slurred speech, particularly in African languages. This marks the second innovation sprint in a pan-African effort to close the digital divide for individuals with speech impairments, building on a successful pilot in Ghana.
Two AT2030 supported ventures feature on the new Forbes Accessibility 100 list
We’re thrilled to announce that two organisations - Koalaa and the Assistive Technology for Disability Trust (AT4D) - supported by Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) through the UK government funded AT2030 programme have been recognised in the prestigious Forbes Accessibility 100 for 2025. This annual list celebrates global changemakers designing technologies that break barriers and unlock everyday opportunities for people with disabilities.
Signvrse joins Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI
Kenyan-based assistive technology startup Signvrse has been selected for the prestigious Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI, a global initiative supporting tech-driven solutions for social impact. As one of the few African enterprises in the $30 million program, Signvrse’s inclusion marks a major milestone in advancing inclusive communication for Deaf communities across the continent.
Driving Inclusive Innovation: GDI Hub Co-Hosts Global Dialogue on AI and Communication at the UN’s Civil Society Day
The Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) was proud to co-host “A Look Ahead: AI and Innovative Inclusive Communication” yesterday alongside the UK Mission to the United Nations and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Held during the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP18), the event convened global leaders, innovators, and advocates to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in advancing inclusive communication, particularly for Deaf and disabled communities.
Next Wave of Assistive Technology Innovation in Africa
Africa’s assistive technology (AT) ecosystem stands at a crucial inflection point, as innovation, policy, and investment converge to drive forward inclusive solutions. On Friday, 6 June 2025, Assitive Technologies for Disability Trust together with the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), Kilimanjario Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), Senses Hub and the Innovate Now Accelerator will host “Accelerating Impact: Shaping the Next Wave of Assistive Technology Innovation in Africa” at Senses Hub in Nairobi
Advancing Access to Vision Through Innovation
In recognition of World Assistive Technology Day, we’re thrilled to highlight our collaboration with Dot Glasses as part of the UK International Development’s AT2030 Programme, delivered in partnership with Senses Hub. This initiative supports academic research and validation of Dot Glasses' innovative model, with the goal of ensuring its long-term scalability and sustainability.
Call for Interview Participants: Disability-Inclusive Climate Action Study
The Global Disability Innovation Hub is conducting a research study on disability inclusion in local climate action, as part of the AT2030 programme funded by UK International Development. We invite OPDs, disability advocates, NGOs, and experts, especially those with lived experience, to take part in a 60–75 minute online interview in June or July 2025. Participants must be based in one of the selected cities and will receive a small honorarium for their time.
The Future of Financial Inclusion: Transforming global financing and the finance sector from the inside out.
Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals will take more than overseas development finance alone. We also need the power of private capital, from financial institutions and a new generation of high-net-worth investors, to help fill the gap. To coincide with the UN’s disability event - the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP), our reception and panel on ‘The Future of Financial Inclusion’ will spotlight how the global financial system can be a force for disability-inclusive development.
GDI Hub at Inclusive Africa 2025
The Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) is proud to be participating in the upcoming Inclusive Africa Conference 2025, a leading regional platform advancing digital accessibility, assistive technology (AT), and disability inclusion across the continent. Taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 3rd to 6th, this year’s conference promises dynamic conversations, collaborative learning, and bold innovations aimed at unlocking inclusion through technology. GDI Hub will lead and contribute to a series of impactful sessions throughout the week, spotlighting the role of inclusive ecosystems, OPD (Organisations of Persons with Disabilities) capacity-building, and locally driven innovation.
Google Spotlights Accessibility Breakthroughs with GDI Hub on Mobile and AI Innovation
We're proud to be featured in Google’s latest article, which showcases our collaborative work to advance accessible technology through two key initiatives: the Centre for Digital Language Inclusion (CDLI) and Mobile as Assistive Technology (Mobile as AT).
GDI Hub Recognised by Karnali Province Minister for Advancing Assistive Technology Services in Nepal
The Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) was thanked by the Honourable Minister for Social Development of Karnali Province for its role in improving access to assistive technology in Nepal. In collaboration with UNICEF Nepal, UGANI Foundation, and the Department of Health Services, GDI Hub helped establish two 3D printing labs in Kathmandu and Surkhet. The GDI Hub continues its commitment to promoting inclusive, technology-driven rehabilitation services in Nepal, working with local stakeholders to create a more accessible and equitable future for all.
AT2030 innovator Brian Mwenda makes the Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 list for Social Impact with his venture, Hope Tech
Brian Mwenda, Founder of Hope Tech, has joined the Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 list in the Social Impact category. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional contribution of Brian and the Hope Tech team in advancing inclusive innovation for assistive technology (AT). The Global Disability Innovation Hub’s (GDI Hub) AT2030 programme, funded by the British Government, supported Hope Tech in their early stages of innovation through our Innovate Now AT Accelerator in Kenya.
Global Disability Summit: Accessibility 2030 booth
We thrilled to bring Accessibility 2030 to the Global Disability Summit (GDS) to drive urban accessibility. Led by GDI Hub with key partners, our booth will showcase innovations, tools, and case studies, sparking collaboration for more inclusive cities.