AT Innovation and Impact Podcast
We are thrilled to introduce the AT Innovation and Impact Podcast. In this series led by Maryam Bandukda, 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.
This series spotlights Innovate Now, Africa’s first assistive technology accelerator, and the individuals driving its success. Listeners are invited to delve into Africa’s vibrant assistive technology innovation ecosystem, which is not merely evolving but revolutionizing the way assistive technologies are perceived, developed, and adopted.
Launched in 2019, Innovate Now was co-founded by the Global Disability Innovation Hub and Bernard Chiira. Over the years, its transformative journey has been supported by partnerships with the AT2030 program, ICT Norway, and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). Innovate Now has played a pivotal role in launching and mentoring over 60 assistive technology innovators and ventures, providing more than 600 hours of expert coaching and guidance.
The accelerator employs a unique model combining expert-led learning, mentorship, and access to 'Live Labs,' where products undergo real-world testing. The program is dedicated to fostering scalable, market-ready, and investable assistive technologies originating from Africa.
In this series, the podcast will feature several guests including:
Bernard Chiira – Founder & CEO of Assitive Technologies for Disability Trust and co-founder/director of Innovate Now. Bernard shares insights into how this groundbreaking program is shaping Africa's assistive technology ecosystem.
Brian, the founder and CEO of HopeTech, who is leading innovation in assistive technology and disability inclusion across Africa and beyond. Brian envisions a society where every individual can fully participate in daily life, regardless of challenges.
Another guest is Sylvia, founder and CEO of Syna Consulting, who is tackling the critical yet under-discussed issue of inclusive toilets and sanitation. Sylvia champions inclusive sanitation as a fundamental human right essential to human well-being.
The series also includes insights from Ben Hardman, Head of Innovation Ecosystems at GDI Hub, who offers a compelling outlook on the future of assistive technology innovation.
This podcast invites you to discover how Africa is reshaping disability inclusion through ingenuity and technology. Together, we are building a more inclusive world.