News
UCL Grand Challenges: A Catalyst to GDI Hub's Global Impact
In 2016, the UCL Grand Challenge awarded the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) an initial grant of £10,000. With this, we set out to address some of the most pressing challenges facing people with disabilities worldwide. Find out more.
Changing lives through AI - how a new Centre for Digital Language Inclusion will bridge the barrier between non-standard speech and the use of Automatic Speech Recognition for disabled people worldwide
Automatic Speech Recognition is transforming the communication ability of people with non-standard speech. The prevalence of mobile devices, alongside free-to-access apps, is making Automatic Speech Recognition accessible, convenient, and less stigmatizing for people with slurred or difficult-to-understand speech. Today, UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) is launching a new Centre for Digital Language Inclusion alongside collaborative partners Royal Academy of Engineering, University of Ghana and Talking Tipps. The Centre will collect datasets of non-standard speech to build Automatic Speech Recognition models, enabling disabled people with communication barriers to take advantage of Automatic Speech Recognition software.
Women less likely than men to use mobility aids despite greater need
Women are more likely than men to experience mobility limitations that could benefit from the use of mobility aids but are much less likely to use them when needed, according to a new study from researchers at UCL and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Though the prevalence of disability continues to rise among the over fifties, many people do not have access to the mobility aids – such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs – that are essential for maintaining independence and social engagement.
AT Innovation and Impact Podcast
Welcome to the AT Innovation Podcast. In this series, we embark on a journey through the heart of Africa to explore a world where creativity and technology converge to challenge and transform our understanding of disability. We spotlight the work of Innovate Now, Africa’s first assistive technology accelerator, and the pioneering individuals behind its success. Together, we uncover how Africa's assistive technology innovation ecosystem is not just evolving but revolutionizing the way assistive technologies are perceived, developed, and adopted.
GDIHub at the World Urban Forum
In November 2024, the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) joined the global community at the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, Egypt, contributing to the global dialogue on inclusive and accessible urban development.
UCL and Indian partners announce new round of funding for 50 disability inclusion startups
Our Delhi based Attvaran Accelerator announced a second phase of this regional innovation accelerator, which will look to support 50 promising Indian start-up companies to scale emerging Assistive Tech The UCL Provost Dr Michael Spence AC joined our Assistive Tech Demo Day ahead of the Bengaluru Tech Summit, Asia's largest tech conclave to announce that the Attvaran Accelerator will continue to forge new interactions, innovation, research and business opportunities that enable pioneering Assistive Technologies to change lives across the region.
Google, University of Ghana and GDI Hub to Expand AI-Powered Speech Recognition for Non-Standard Speech in Ghanaian Languages
The University of Ghana, Google Research Africa, and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) are collaborating on "tɛkyerɛma pa" ("Good Tongue"), an AI-based initiative aimed at improving communication for individuals with non-standard speech patterns. This project focuses on improving AI-powered speech recognition technology for five major Ghanaian languages, marking a significant step in making communication more inclusive for all.
Easy-fit prosthetics offer hope to thousands of Gaza amputees
BBC news article features innovation supported by AT2030 programme to provide easy-fit prosthetics to thousands of Gaza amputees. Koalaa - who were part of the AT2030 Assistive Tech Impact Fund, provide soft affordable prosthetics, focused on comfort and functionality.
Accessibility 2030 Pavilion
Join us at the Accessibility 2030 Pavilion at WUF 2024 in Cairo, and be part of this historic moment as we work together to shape the future of accessible urban design!
Can AI help Africa close the development gap? [financial times piece explores how our AT2030 programme has tested the google relate app]
The Financial Times piece explores how our AT2030 programme has tested the google relate app to understand how the app is currently used, how can be used and how can be improved - working alongside and training local speech and language therapists in Ghana.
16 Assistive Technology startups receive seed grants worth ₹78.5 Lakhs at the EMPOWER 2024 Pitch Day
India is a startup nation, and assistive technology is a globally growing market. Find out more about the AT2030 Attvaran Accelerator pitch day at the premiere Indian assistive technology conference, EMPOWER 2024 - a landmark move to accelerate innovation and inclusion in the AT sector.
Join Attvaran's AT Pitch Day at Empower Conference 2024
GDI Hub and NCPEDP will cohost a Demo Day for Assistive Technology Startups at EMPOWER 2024 in Thiruvananthapuram - designed to accelerate the growth of AT solutions, focusing on improving accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. We are seeking ventures to apply to join this pitch opportunity, with two parallel pitching sessions —one for grant funding and another for angel and venture capital investment.
Seeking an experienced General Partner (investment fund manager) to build on our success supporting companies ready to scale that are already changing the way people live, learn, and work.
The Accessible & Assistive Technology Growth Fund (AT Growth Fund) is a catalytic impact fund that will harness technology to improve the lives of millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. Our goal is to drive innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity through private sector investments in life changing accessible and assistive technologies. We are seeking an experienced General Partner (investment fund manager) to build on our success supporting companies ready to scale that are already changing the way people live, learn, and work.
Disability, innovation and the power of Paralympic legacy – a reception to remember at the British ambassador's residence to mark the start of the 2024 Paris Paralympics
As the first day of sport kicked off in Paris, and crowds around the city streamed into venues to cheer Paralympians in action, the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) and Dame Menna Rawlings - British Ambassador to France – were delighted to welcome esteemed guests to the 'Beyond Sport' panel and reception to explore disability, innovation and the power of Paralympic legacy.
Beyond this land - attracting new audiences to Para sport
Africa remains one of the least engaged regions when it comes to disability sports and the adoption of assistive technology. Feedback from Phase One of the AT2030 Para Sport Against Stigma project highlighted a recurring misconception that disability sports are primarily a concept of the Global North, with little relevance in Africa. To challenge this narrative, and to leverage the global attention on disability sports in the lead-up to the Paris Games, we launched the #BeyondThisLand campaign - a digital initiative aimed at attracting a new and diverse audience to disability sports while increasing viewership among existing enthusiasts in Africa.
Powering AT solutions - Attvaran India accelerator is launched
Attvaran seeks to accelerate startup growth, supporting early-stage inclusive, disability and technology startups in improving their product-market fit. Through intense mentorship, ecosystem access, education and networking, this Delhi based accelerator will provide a pipeline for emerging regional technologies - and bring together key players in the assistive technology ecosystem.
AT2030 launches innovative startup accelerator dedicated to early-stage assistive technology ventures in Asia
The intense three-month program beginning July 2024 will include expert talks, time-bound exercises, bespoke mentorship and building a network to a prolific ecosystem of entrepreneurs, disability and tech experts, assistive technology users, customers and investors. The program aims to boost early-stage entrepreneurs in transforming solutions into compelling businesses.
How AT2030 has facilitated a 94% price reduction to power access to life-changing hearing aids
In 2021 as part of the UK aid funded AT2030 programme, the Global Disability Innovation Hub and UNICEF were able to add hearing aids to the UNICEF Supply Catalogue for the first time. The catalogue enables governments around the world to access competitively priced and procured products - offering low-cost high-quality solutions for the first time. In Rwanda alone, a 94% reduction has been achieved.
Signvrse Wins Prestigious Innovation Award and National Business Competition
In a groundbreaking recognition of innovation and inclusivity, Signvrse, previously known as Veezaviz, achieved remarkable success at the Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) 2023, Commonwealth Edition. Co-founder Elly Savatia was honored with the esteemed Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards, spotlighting the exceptional strides made by this tech pioneer.
Social Finance and Investing For Good become the first delivery partners for AT2030's Accessible and Assistive Technology Growth Fund
We are delighted to announce that GDI Hub will be partnering with Social Finance and Investing For Good for the next phase of the AT Growth Fund as we look to transcend a new frontier for venture capital and commercial lending in disability innovation. The AT Growth Fund will look to unlock long-term market opportunities in the undercapitalized yet immensely valuable Assistive Technology (AT) sector.