Designing an Inclusive Energy Innovation Network - What Works in Practice?

This case study captures early insights from eight innovation partnerships formed between actors from the clean energy and assistive technology sectors. Facilitated by the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), the intervention drew on the networks, partnerships, and ecosystem-building approaches developed through AT2030, GDI Hub’s flagship programme funded by UK aid, and wider disability innovation initiatives to connect stakeholders who would not typically operate within the same innovation ecosystem. Designed as a structured innovation network, the intervention enabled collaboration across traditionally siloed sectors through targeted matchmaking, facilitated engagement, and exploratory partnership development. The findings highlight that innovation is often constrained not by a lack of solutions, but by the absence of enabling scaffolding, spanning connections, capital, awareness, and technical support. The partnerships demonstrate how intentional network design can unlock new pathways for embedding disability inclusion within clean energy systems while surfacing opportunities for innovation that neither sector may have identified independently.