"Pathways to Zero Barriers" Podcast

Scaling solutions for disability inclusion.

The new episode is out

The episodes of Pathways to Zero Barriers podcast are released on Wednesdays, on a bi-weekly basis.

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Do you have a product or initiative that removes barriers for persons with disabilities? How can you expand or scale it to benefit more people?

Pathways to Zero Barriers takes you on a global journey of scaling disability inclusion solutions. In each episode we explore how innovative initiatives expand to new regions and markets, breaking down the practical steps needed to scale effectively. Through the experiences of Zero Project Scaling Solutions Programme Fellows, you’ll learn about strategy, partnerships, investment, and more – essential steps in scaling impactful, inclusive solutions worldwide.

Join us to uncover real-life stories from the disability inclusion ecosystem and hear lessons learned from the field.

 

 

Discover the episodes:

  • Episode 1

    Foundational Steps for Expanding to New Regions

    Guests:

    Sameer Rawal - DISQ
    Sayomdeb “Den” Mukherjee - EnAble India

    In this debut episode of Pathways to Zero Barriers, we dive into the crucial groundwork required for scaling disability inclusion solutions across borders. DISQ, a social innovation incubator focused on assistive technology start-ups, shares their approach to transferring their incubation model to new regions.

     
  • Episode 02

    Unlocking Sustainable Funding and Investment

    Guests:

    Rob van de Ven - Happybots
    Małgorzata Grobelna - Zero Project 

    This episode dives into the critical topic of securing funding to scale innovations, with practical lessons from the field of assistive robotics. How can startups assess the required level of investment? What are the key challenges in securing funding?
     

  • Episode 03

    Adapting Strategies across Regions

    Guests:

    Gabriela Garciadiego - Incluyeme
    Thomas Trümper - GIZ

    This episode focuses on the complexities of scaling inclusive solutions across diverse regions, exploring strategies to navigate economic, cultural, and regulatory challenges. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring programmes to local demands and building strong partnerships.

  • Episode 04

    Reflecting on Scaling: Lesson from our Guest Innovators

    Guests:

    Judith Hermetter - Zero Project

    In this special New Year’s recap episode of Pathways to Zero Barriers, we revisit the first three episodes to distill key lessons on scaling inclusive solutions. Join us as we explore themes like building strong ecosystems, balancing growth with sustainability, and adapting strategies to local contexts. 

  • Episode 05

    Building Partnerships to Scale Impact

    Guests:

    Maria Ignacia Rodriguez - Fundacion Descubreme 
    Esteban Rojas Munoz - Humanos 3D

    In this episode of Pathways to Zero Barriers, Esteban Rojas Munoz, Chief Operating Officer of Humanos 3D from Colombia, and Maria Ignacia Rodriguez, Head of Public and International Affairs at Fundación Descúbreme, share their experience with creating alliances that drive innovation.

  • Episode 06

    Scaling Stories across Cultures

    Guests:

    Debora Maboya - Tai Tanzania
    Bernard Chiira - AT4D 

    In this episode, host Anthony Giannoumis is joined by Debora Maboya, Head of Operations and Programs at Tai Tanzania, and Bernard Chiira, Founder & CEO of AT4D. Debora shares how Tai Tanzania creates culturally relevant animated content and Bernard offers insights on leveraging digital distribution channels to scale disability-inclusive narratives.

  • Episode 07

    Financing the Future of Accessibility

    Guests

    Paweł Potakowski - MIGAM.ai

    Rafiul Alam - Genweb2 Limite

    In this episode, host Anthony  is joined by Paweł Potakowski, Chief Commercial Officer at MIGAM, and Rafiul Alam, Chief Business Officer at Genweb2 Limited. Paweł shares how MIGAM evolved from a small startup to serving over 2,000 clients. Rafiul offers insights into balancing scalability with affordability, ensuring accessibility solutions remain cost-effective.

  • Episode 08

    How to Create your Perfect Pitch

    Guests:

    Anthony Giannoumis - inclusive creation

    Pitching isn’t just about presenting an idea—it’s about capturing attention, building connections, and making a lasting impact. In this special episode of Pathways to Zero Barriers, recorded in Vienna during #ZeroCon25, Anthony shares key insights from the 2-Day Pitch Training Bootcamp.This episode covers essential strategies for crafting a compelling pitch.

     

  • Episode 09

    Scaling Inclusion: Turning Promises into Practices

    Guests:

    Michael Fembek - Zero Project 
    Anthony Giannoumis - Inclusive Creation 

    This special episode is a recording of a fireside chat recorded during the Zero Project Conference 2025. Innovation in inclusion isn’t just about policies—it’s about transforming real-world practices. Join Michael Fembek, the CEO of Zero Project and Anthony Giannoumis of Inclusive Creation in this Fireside Chat, where they will talk about Scaling Solutions.

     

  • Episode 10

    Scaling Support, One Family at a Time

    Guests:

    Sayomdeb Mukherjee - EnAble India
    Prachi Deo - Nayi Disha

    How do you expand a life-changing support system across regions with different cultures, languages, and needs? In this episode, we explore how Nayi Disha is scaling its impact across India and beyond. Sayomdeb Mukherjee and Prachi Deo share insights on navigating cultural differences, building trust within communities, and leveraging both digital and grassroots networks.

     

  • Episode 11

    Designing Against Silence: Scaling Safety Tech with Women with Disabilities

    Guests:

    Valeria Duflot - Impact Advisor, and Scaling Solutions Programme Advisor
    Yereli Rolander  and Adriana Garcia - CIDIP

    How do you grow a safety solution in a system that wasn’t designed to protect you? In this episode, we hear from the team behind App Morada—a platform co-designed with women with disabilities to address gender-based violence in Mexico. From building trust to navigating policy gaps, we explore what it takes to grow a local innovation without losing sight of the people it's built for.

     

  • Episode 12

    Designing Dignity: Scaling Inclusive Playgrounds and Adaptive Fashion in India

    Guests:

    Aditi Agrawal - Gudgudee
    Mehul Pancholi - Advisor on inclusive design 

    How do you scale inclusion without losing sight of community? In this episode, we explore what it takes to design for dignity—from inclusive playgrounds that prioritize local voices to adaptive fashion that redefines access in India. We hear from Aditi Agrawal, Co-Founder of Gudgudee, and advisor Mehul Pancholi about the power of partnerships.

  • Episode 13

    Designing to Scale: Building Inclusive Innovation Networks

    Guests:

    Gideon (Gidi) Grinstein - TOM Global
    Ron Sargent - Prama Global

    This conversation explores TOM Global's bold approach to global collaboration, why networks matter more than partnerships, and how values shape every yes and no along the way. Join in the conversation with Gideon (Gidi) Grinstein from TOM Global and Ron Sargent from Prama Global to hear their advice on building networks.

  • Episode 14

    Smart Design at Scale: Making Visual Content Inclusive and Sustainable

    Guests:

    Heather Neff - Equivalent SVG
    Carrie Chow - Atos

    This conversation explores how Equivalent SVG is reshaping the future of inclusive visual content through scalable, smart SVG graphics. CEO Heather Neff shares how her lived experience as a designer with disabilities drives the creation of SVGs that adapt to users' accessibility settings—making graphics not just inclusive, but energy-efficient too

  • Episode 15

    Managing Risks when Scaling Access to Education

    Guest:

    Paula Giacosa - Edudown

    How to manage risks and challenges when expanding access to education? Drawing on EduDown’s 25 years of experience, Paula Giacosa, EduDown’s National Director discusses the importance of adapting to regional cultural contexts, forming strategic local alliances, and engaging families as key partners. 

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