19 African Startups Join Innovate Now's Assistive Tech Accelerator
Nineteen startups have been chosen for the latest Innovate Now accelerator programme, which focuses on assistive technology across Africa. Run by Kenya's Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D) in partnership with Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa, the initiative supports solutions in AI, mobility, education, and digital inclusion.
The eleventh cohort was selected through a mix of open applications and an AI for Accessibility Hackathon. Nine ventures joined via the open call, while ten emerged from the hackathon. These startups will now enter an eight-month incubation phase, refining their products with direct input from persons with disabilities.
The programme, a flagship project of the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub, receives funding from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office and NORAD. Bernard Chiira, AT4D's founder and CEO, welcomed the new innovators, highlighting the potential of their work. Participating ventures include Assistive Technology Launcher (ATL), BridgeTalk, J.A.R.V.I.S, Sautora, and 15 others. While the startups' geographic spread is not detailed, past examples—such as Kenya's Signvrse and Linccell Technologies—showcase the programme's pan-African reach, with related initiatives in Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond. The cohort will conclude with a Demo Day, where founders present their solutions to potential partners.
The 19 selected startups will spend the next eight months developing assistive technologies tailored to real user needs. Their progress will be showcased at a final Demo Day, connecting them with investors and collaborators. The programme continues to expand access to inclusive innovations across the continent.
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