It is estimated that by 2050 over 3.5 billion people would benefit from Assistive Technology, yet 90% will not have access.

AT2030 is changing that. 

GDI Hub

It is estimated that by 2050 over 3.5 billion people would benefit from Assistive Technology, yet 90% will not have access.

AT2030 is changing that. 

AT2030 tests ‘what works’ to improve access to life-changing Assistive Technology (AT) for all. Led by Global Disability Innovation Hub and funded by UK aid, we've reached 34 million people in 61 countries, driving a lifetime of potential. In 2023 UK aid announced a further £31 million investment to the AT2030 programme.

Search the AT2030 programme

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Accessible and Assistive Technology Growth Fund

The worlds most ambitious scaling pathway for high-potential growth-ready accessible & assistive technology ventures. Transcending a new frontier for venture capital and commercial lending in AT, we’re power mass market adoption of Accessible Technology through public and private capital.

It's time to think big. Find out more.

Mobile as AT Day

GDI Hub. Image of the AT2030 Mobile as AT project in Kenya.

Programme Clusters

The current programme (AT2030 version 3) is divided into five Programme Clusters and 13 sub-programmes to test ‘what works’ for AT. For more about AT2030 version 1 and 2 and our delivery between 2018 and 2024 - visit the about section.

AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure - six cities

We've researched inclusive city design in 6 global cities to understand the current challenges, the opportunities, what's working well and what isn’t. To get AT to people who need it, the built environment must be inclusive, easy to use and navigate. Hear from the cities involved, and the next steps.

Find out more.

Latest

  • A scoping review of digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics & orthotics: Part 2 of 2

    Dr Ben Oldfrey, Dr Dafne Morgado Ramirez, Catherine Holloway, Matthew Wassall, Christopher Nester, Alex Dickinson, Man S Wong, Jamie Danemayer, Laurence Kenney, Edward Lemaire, Nerrolyn Ramstrand, Hossein Gholizadeth, Laura E Diment, Margaret K Donovan-Hall, Mark Miodownik
    Nov. 13, 2024
    Academic Research Publications

    Digitalisation of some of the fabrication process is already ubiquitous, yet extension across device types could reduce the burden of manual labour and advance automation to help unblock access to assistive technologies globally. It seems, however, that appropriately strong evidence is holding this back.

  • Mapping Assistive Technology StartUps: Research Summary

    Patel Dilisha, Catherine Holloway, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Research Summaries

    Assistive technology (AT) plays a crucial role in enhancing the independence and well-being of individuals with disabilities, but there is a significant gap in awareness and access to these products. Through focus group discussions, we identified that word-of-mouth and peer networks are primary sources of information about AT, and challenges persist in accessing products and funding. To address this, we developed an interactive map showcasing over 400 global AT start-ups, designed to increase visibility, foster collaboration, and connect users, developers, and investors, ultimately bridging the gap in the AT ecosystem.

  • A review of innovation strategies and processes to improve access to AT: Looking ahead to open innovation ecosystems: Research Summary

    Felipe Ramos Barajas, Vicki Austin, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Catherine Holloway, Dr Giulia Barbareschi, Malcolm MacLachlan, Rainer Kattel, Joanne McVeigh, Priya Morjaria, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, George Torrens, Ikenna D. Ebuenyi, Jessica Massie, Dafne Zuleima Morgado Ramirez, Fiona Meeks, Kyle Keane, Cheryl D Metcalf, Srinivasan Sujatha, P. V. M. Rao
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Research Summaries

    This paper explores innovation in Assistive Products (APs), such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, eyeglasses, and hearing aids, emphasising how market dynamics and healthcare systems influence their development. It highlights the importance of *Open Innovation* and *Disruptive Innovation* in overcoming challenges like long lead times, resistance to change, and data gaps, particularly in low-income settings. The paper advocates for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders and recommends leveraging open innovation strategies to accelerate commercialisation and strengthen AP provision.

  • Exploring Information Needs for Tracking to Support Using Wheelchairs in Everyday Life: Research Summary

    Wen Mo, Catherine Holloway, Aneesha Singh
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Research Summaries

    This study explores the tracking needs of wheelchair users, surveying 53 participants to understand their data preferences. Findings reveal strong interest in tracking wheelchair maintenance, accessibility, and physiological data like heart rate and pain. Users also seek to monitor social interactions and wheelchair skill development for both physical and mental well-being. Challenges include limited tracking tools, data accuracy issues, and concerns about privacy. The study calls for affordable, accurate tracking systems integrating mobility, health, and environmental data to enhance user experience and support policy reform.

  • Paralympics and Inclusive Sport

    Maryam Bandukda
    Sept. 17, 2024
    Global
    Impact Stories

    More than 4,000 disabled athletes competed in Paris. Each of these athletes have a story of passion, of resilience, and overcoming barriers. We would love to hear stories from disabled people who are passionate about sports. Do you have a story to share?

  • Changing perspective of Deaf and disabled people in sport and art: London 2012 – Choreographer Mark Smith reflects on his experience of the powerful legacy of a Paralympic Opening Ceremony

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    Sept. 3, 2024

    London 2012 – Choreographer Mark Smith reflects on his experience of the legacy of a Paralympic Opening Ceremony Changing perspective of Deaf and disabled people in sport and art look at what made the opening ceremony of the Paralympics London 2012 so special , and how it changed people's perspective of Deaf and disabled people especially in sport and art.

  • Spotlight on Sierra Leone – Meet Santos

    Koalaa
    March 31, 2024
    Sierra Leone

    There is a significant need for prosthetics, coupled with a lack of access and also a strong stigma around having limb differences. Below is a video of Santos.

  • The Story of Khadijatu Bangura

    Koalaa
    March 31, 2024
    Sierra Leone

    Globally, there remains a significant need for affordable and comfortable prosthetics that can aid independence, inclusivity and health equity. This is particularly true in areas that have experienced conflict, and within lower/middle income countries. Working with governments, charities and other key partners on the ground to provide access to our prosthetics, in areas of the world that need them the most, is the focus of our dedicated Global Access Team. We have been lucky enough to secure a grant as part of the Assistive Technology Impact Fund (ATIF), under the banner of AT2030, which aims to increase access to assistive technology of all kinds, all over the world.

  • UCL and Indian partners announce new round of funding for 50 disability inclusion startups

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, UCL
    Nov. 25, 2024
    India

    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

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    Nov. 20, 2024
    Ghana

    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
    Nov. 8, 2024
    Global

    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

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    Oct. 31, 2024
    Egypt

    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!

  • Paris 2024 to Baku COP29: Sports, Disability Inclusion, and Climate Action

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    Nov. 18, 2024

    From the discussions around this year’s becoming the ‘greenest ever games’ to the extreme heat dome hitting Western Europe, Paris 2024 made headlines for many things ‘climate.’ This blog extends this climate narrative and highlights the power of sports to consolidate voices and accelerate inclusive climate action, as we anticipate higher ambitions and bolder commitments from the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29).

  • Reflections from World Urban Forum 12 Cairo, Egypt

    Shivani Gupta
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Egypt

    From my perspective, the most spectacular part of the event was the first ever #Accessibility2030 pavilion—a space in the Urban Expo owned by the disability stakeholders to showcase the gaps, best practices and importance of disability inclusion in cities.

  • Inclusive Cities

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    Nov. 7, 2024

    The Inclusive Infrastructure sub-programme, led by GDI Hub, recognises that the built environment, the world where we live, dictates our ability to use the AT we need. Access to the built environment is a fundamental human right, protected by the UN CRPD. However, the world we have designed and built presents a multitude of barriers and challenges for many, including persons with disabilities. ​

  • Innovative Assistive Technology as lower cost way to bridge gaps while Inclusive infrastructure is developed: Just for the games or part of a long-term plan? - by Annamae Muldowney - GDI Hub's Inclusive Design Assistant

    Annamae Muldowney
    Sept. 20, 2024
    France

    During the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, accessibility at sporting venues improved, but navigating the city remained challenging for people with disabilities due to an outdated metro system, with only 29 out of 300 stations wheelchair-accessible. Temporary measures, such as minibuses and a journey-planning app, helped visitors but highlighted the need for long-term infrastructure upgrades, which could take decades and significant investment. Overall, the Games highlighted both the challenges and opportunities in improving urban accessibility for people with disabilities.

  • Innovation Podcast

    Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London, Giulia Barbareschi, Government of Kenya, ALL Institute (Maynooth University), UK Aid, UCL, Rhys Williams, Dr Rhys Williams, Institute of Making
    Feb. 15, 2021
    Global
    News

    A podcast featuring interviews and stories from the brains behind the disruptive and cutting-edge innovations that are aiming to impact the lives of millions of people living in different areas of the world.

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