About Zero Project Scaling Solutions

Zero Project Scaling Solutions advances the transfer of disability innovations to new regions, countries, and communities. The programme is rooted in collaboration—through strategic partnerships, peer learning, and a global network of innovation ecosystems. It's a joint initiative of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, and Access To Success.

Each cycle, a carefully selected cohort of Scaling Fellows is chosen based on their readiness and specific needs to scale their innovations. Over the course of eight months, Fellows follow a structured yet adaptive framework that maps, tracks, and evolves their individual paths to successful innovation transfer.

Discover the Fellows

From masterclasses and matchmaking to speaking opportunities, the programme is rooted in collaboration—built on strategic partnerships, peer learning, and a global network of innovation ecosystems.

Programme partners

The programme formerly known as “Zero Project Impact Transfer” was first initiated in 2018 by the Essl Foundation and Fundación Descúbreme in collaboration with Ashoka, the network of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs. During that time, the programme supported more than 60 innovations from 26 countries. Although replications typically happen in a medium-term perspective, one third of participants have successfully replicated their innovation within two years’ time.

New name, new programme design

The programme was rebranded as Zero Project Scaling Solutions in 2023 to act as a global catalyst for disability inclusion.

The 2023/2024 Cycle focused on Inclusive Education and ICT. In addition to the Essl Foundation and Fundación Descúbreme, it was joined by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) from Germany, the multinational IT company Atos, and Inclusive Creation, an IT consultancy firm based in Norway. Indian NGO EnAble India joined the programme partners in 2024.

For the 2024/2025 Cycle, the programme design was further improved based on learnings and feedback from the previous cycle, with each of the partners "championning" three innovators - called Scaling Solutions Fellows. Throughout the programme cycle partners provided advice and expertise, and connect 14 Scaling Fellows with their vast networks. Over eight months, 200+ connections were initiated. By the end of the cycle in May 2025, more than five potential scaling opportunities had been created, with at least 3 already in motion.

Discover Success stories