SP 5: AT Impact Fund

The AT Impact Fund was established to better enable frontier technology solutions to reach people with disabilities in Africa, and to test business models that are most likely to succeed.

 

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Assistive Technology Impact Fund is operationalised as a collaboration between GDI Hub, Brink, and Catalyst Fund as venture partner, providing deep expertise in AT, innovation and venture-building in Africa respectively.

About

1 billion people globally have a disability, yet 90% of them lack access to affordable AT innovations which could drastically improve their quality of life. This failure is not due to a lack of products, the AT sector is steeped in innovative products that are proven to meet the needs of those with disabilities - and that is why the Assistive Technology Impact Fund (ATIF) exists.

The ATIF will facilitate the growth of the AT sector by combining grant capital with expert-led venture-building support to help AT innovators launch and scale solutions that are designed to reach populations in Africa. We are committed to supporting AT solutions that provide a significant and life-changing improvement to people with disabilities.

The Assistive Tech Impact Fund (ATIF) is changing the prospects of innovators in this space, providing up to £200k of grant funding alongside expert-led venture-building support to facilitate the growth of the AT sector in Africa.

What we do

1. Grow AT companies in Africa

We work closely with AT innovators and together develop a path to sustainable scale, in Africa. Our team of venture builders and AT specialists works with companies on everything from business model development, to product design and distribution, to financing, marketing, and more.

2. Facilitate the growth of the ecosystem

In order for AT companies to scale sustainably, we must contribute towards a thriving AT ecosystem. We’ll be investing not only in companies themselves but also in the development of the AT ecosystem by crowding in investors, developing partnerships, and sharing insights from our work.

3. Build and share evidence

Our team includes world-leading academics from UCL in the AT space. We will generate new insights and evidence on how to scale innovation that is designed to reach populations in Africa and will share our blueprint to help AT companies to thrive in emerging markets.

4. Provide grant funding

We offer grant funding to companies in our portfolio to bridge any gaps as they work toward scale. Our funding is provided by UK aid, through the AT2030 programme.

 

 

 

Latest

  • Front cover of the report - with orange background and a man having his eyes tested Cover Image

    Wazi Impact Performance Snapshot

    60Decibels
    March 29, 2023
    Uganda

    Wazi were part of AT2030's Assistive Tech Impact Fund, using catalytic capital with expert-led venture-building, to unlock new solutions for scale, building AT ecosystems and driving change. This report, developed by 60Decibels, explores more about Wazi customers, their profiles, outcomes and experiences - looking at key performance and impact metrics to discover customer loyalty, feedback and overall impact to lives.

  • Two photos side-by-side of upper limb AT users. The one on the left is of a man standing with his prosthesis. The one on the right is of a man fitting his own prosthesis Cover Image

    Koalaa: an AT impact story

    Kate Mattick
    March 28, 2023
    Sierra Leone

    Between August and December 2022, 60 Decibels conducted a survey with 29 upper limb prosthetic users of the Koalaa product. They wanted to capture and understand the impact AT had on the users. This impact story shares these findings

  • Professional photograph of a woman posing with stylish glasses. The female in the photo is black and is wearing a bright yellow jumper against a red background Cover Image

    Wazi: An AT impact story

    Kate Mattick, Louise Gebbett
    March 28, 2023

    Between August and December 2022, 60 Decibels conducted a survey with 29 upper limb prosthetic users of the Koalaa product. They wanted to capture and understand the impact AT had on the users. This impact story shares these findings

  • Screen shot of the report findings, with large colour circles highlighting key numbers and recommendations. Cover Image

    User feedback of Koalaa prosthetics by CHAI in Sierra Leone

    Clinton Health Access Initiative
    Nov. 6, 2022
    Sierra Leone

    User feedback of Koalaa prosthetics by Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in Sierra Leone. This document provides reporting on evidence from the experience of 27 Koalaa prosthetic users by the Clinton Health Access Initiative, in collaboration with AT2030, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the Global Disability Innovation Hub - looking at outcomes and recommendations.

  • Image of a young boy in a clinic with a women and a healthcare professional. The child is wearing a brace. The room is a medical space. Cover Image

    MiracleFeet Brace Healthcare Provider Guide

    Miracle Feet
    Aug. 9, 2022

    This publication - designed for healthcare providers - explores the role of bracing in Clubfoot treatment.  The resource includes the MiracleFeet brace story, key features of the MiracleFeet brace (including components and sizing), how to use the MiracleFeet brace, Ponseti Method Bracing Guidelines and how to instruct parents on proper use.

People

Catherine Holloway

Catherine Holloway

Co-founder, Academic Director of GDI Hub and Associate Professor at UCL’s Interaction Centre.