Scaling Fellows

Meet the Fellows from the 2024/2025 cohort

The Scaling Fellows for the 2024/2025 Cycle were selected from a pool of more than 1,000 innovative solutions, including projects awarded or shortlisted as a part of the annual Zero Project research cycle, which involves an extensive multi-step process with the support of a global network of experts.

High-tech innovation and hands-on solutions

Among the selected Scaling Fellows, there are high-tech innovations as well as hands-on solutions that directly address end-user’s needs. By collaborating with the programme’s partners, specific focus areas were taken into account, such as regional relevance – for Latin America, India, and low-income countries – or technology-based innovations.

Learn more about the already chosen Scaling Fellows:

  • Mexico

    CIDIP Centro Interdisciplinario de Derechos, Infancia y Parentalidad

    CIDIP is a Mexican NGO and a former Zero Project Awardee that launched a programme on gender and disability in 2019 started the App Morada (Purple App) project in 2020. 

  • Pakistan

    DeafTawk

    DeafTawk, a former Zero Project Awardee, is a technology start-up that has developed a mobile application that connects deaf users with certified sign language interpreters in real-time and around the clock via video calls. 

  • India

    DISQ Digital Impact Square

    The Digital Incubation Square (DISQ), a former Zero Project Awardee, is run by Tata Consultancy Services Foundation. DISQ is an incubation programme for Assistive Technology start-ups.

  • A group of individuals from Edudown is gathered closely, posing for a joyful group photo in a bright indoor space. The group includes young adults, many of whom have Down syndrome, and several facilitators or educators. Everyone is smiling, making peace signs, and raising their arms in celebration, creating an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie. The backdrop includes a large screen with logos, possibly indicating a special event or a workshop.

    Chile

    Edudown

    Edudown, a close collaborator of Fundación Descúbreme, supports children and young people with Down Syndrome in Chile through specialized services and educational programs. 

  • The image shows a graphic representing the conversion or equivalency of SVG files (Scalable Vector Graphics). At the top, there is the word "Equivalent" with a symbol next to it. Below, two SVG file icons are depicted, one labeled "SVG" and the other with a "+SVG" symbol, indicating a combination or transformation of these files. Blue arrows loop around the icons, implying a process of exchange or equivalency. At the bottom, a laptop screen displays two lightbulb icons, one in blue on the left and one in yellow on the right, symbolizing a concept of transformation or conversion.

    United States

    Equivalent

    Equivalent develops software solutions to create a more accessible internet. Among others things, they create smart SVG graphics that are customizable, responsive, and accessible, ensuring compatibility with assistive technology such as screen readers.
     

  • India

    Gudgudee

    Gudgudee, a former Zero Project Awardee, is a product and space design studio that designs and builds inclusive playgrounds and indoor/outdoor playground products.

  • The image shows a woman and a young boy sitting together on a cream-colored couch. The woman, wearing glasses and a light blue tank top, is smiling and sitting with her arm around the boy. The boy, who also has a big smile, is holding a glowing green robot, which appears to be the robot Felix. He is wearing a gray t-shirt with the text "STILL LIVE WITH MY PARENTS" printed on it. The setting appears to be a cozy home environment, and the interaction between the two suggests a warm, relaxed moment. The robot Felix, which is designed for play and assistive purposes with identifying emotions, is a central feature of the image, adding a sense of joy and curiosity.

    Netherlands

    Happybots

    Happybots, a startup from the Netherlands, developed Felix, a robot that supports persons with disabilities in expressing their feelings. Their solution was shortlisted for #ZeroCall25.

  • The image shows a smiling young boy and an adult man standing together indoors. The boy is wearing a white tank top and proudly showing off a 3D-printed prosthetic hand, decorated with a cartoon character. The man, who is wearing a white polo shirt with the logo "H3D Humanos 3D" and an identification badge, is standing next to the boy, smiling and fist-bumping him. In the background, there is a colorful wheel on the wall, titled "Ruleta de la Suerte" (Wheel of Fortune), and some other simple room decorations.

    Colombia

    Humanos 3D

    Humanos 3D is a low-cost prosthetics solution from Colombia using 3D printing. Their solution had been shortlisted for #ZeroCall25.
     

  • Argentina

    Incluyeme.com

    Incluyeme is a former Zero Project Awardee. One of their awarded solutions is an online Job-Platform, primarily from Argentina, based on membership-fee and corporate-funding model.  

  • Poland

    Migam

    Migam is recognized as a leading Polish company in the market of sign language translation which has been shortlisted for the #ZeroCall25. Their solution, MIGAM.ai, is an automatic sign language avatar offered in BSL and ASL.

  • India

    Nayi Disha

    Nayi Disha is a free online platform and helpline for families and caretakers of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and a former Zero Project Awardee.  
     

  • The image shows a group of people wearing face masks, hairnets, and aprons gathered around a large table covered in dough in PanQAyuda's kitchen. Some participants are kneading the dough by hand, while others are observing or preparing ingredients. Various bowls, baking tools, and food items can be seen around the workspace. Certificates and awards are displayed on the wall in the background.

    Mexico

    PanQAyuda

    PanQAyuda is a social entrepreneurship of people with disabilities that produces and sells food and runs a bakery in Querétaro, Mexico. They were shortlisted for #ZeroCall25.

  • Tanzania

    Tai

    Tai from Tanzania is a former Zero Project Awardee. They offer non-formal education with digital media and storytelling through programmes and animations.

  • The image shows a heartwarming interaction between a man and a young child, both of whom are using wheelchairs. The man, smiling warmly, is leaning slightly forward as he engages in conversation with the child, who is sitting in a small, wooden wheelchair, one of the solutions that are available on the TOM platform. The man is wearing a black hoodie and appears to be enjoying the moment, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The setting is indoors, possibly in a classroom or therapy room, with a table and a whiteboard in the background.

    United States

    TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers

    TOM is an open-source online marketplace and co-creating platform to connect users and professionals to create affordable solutions for people living with disabilities among others. They have been shortlisted in #ZeroCall25.

Meet the Fellows from the 2023/2024 cohort

Watch the Scaling Fellows present at #ZeroCon24:

Twelve remarkable Scaling Fellows with a focus on Inclusive Education and ICT have been carefully selected to join the Zero Project Scaling Solutions Programme. They share a common commitment to disability inclusion and each of them brings a unique scalable innovation to the programme.

Through their participation in an intensive training programme including online training sessions, facilitated meetings with Advisors, a two-day boot camp and continuous support from the Partners, the Fellows have expanded their projects' reach and experienced personal growth, inspiring others with their achievements. Through succesful partnerships and connections made with the Zero Project Network, the Fellows already strated transferring their projects to other countries and regions.

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo

    ADED Appui au Development de L'enfant en Detresse

    Improving learning opportunities through classroom modifications, teacher training, parents' teachers' associations, home-based education, and more.

  • India

    CSIR Institute of Microbial Technology

    The Indian Sign Language Enabled Virtual Laboratory (ISLEVL): The project offers an online platform and physical lab, enabling deaf students to engage with STEM subjects through sign language.

  • Netherlands

    Hable One B.V.

    An external keyboard that enhances smartphone and tablet accessibility for individuals with visual impairments, promoting independence and social inclusion.

  • Paraguay

    IN Dashboard

    IN Dashboard's mission is to provide accessible and timely disability inclusion data to empower
    persons with disabilities and inform inclusive policies. The suite includes a template management tool and an online business intelligence portal, facilitating data collection, consolidation, and visualization.

  • Chile

    Instituto de la Sordera: Colegio Intercultural Bilingüe

    The organization's mission is to provide economically disadvantaged deaf students with free, quality education that fosters their identity and full inclusion in society through sign language and the development of deaf culture.

  • Spain

    IRISBOND

    IRISBOND developed Hiru, an eye-tracking device that empowers non-verbal individuals, especially those with conditions like cerebral palsy, to communicate effectively using their eyes, fostering their participation in various aspects of life.

  • Brazil

    Jô Clemente Institute

    The Jô Clemente Institute's SEAC project aims to ensure access to regular education and success for individuals with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by providing accessibility resources and strategies that eliminate barriers to learning and social participation.

  • Japan

    Okayama Broadcasting Co

    Sports in sign language on live broadcasting, providing detailed race information to deaf viewers and aims for inclusive information accessibility.

  • Australia

    Reach & Match

    Reach & Match's mission is to create inclusive learning environments for children of all abilities, focusing on those with disabilities. They achieve this through a multifaceted educational system, including tactile learning kits, diverse learning program activities, educator training, and evaluation tools.

  • United States

    Sensee World

    Sensee was established to address the lack of accessible educational materials, particularly in STEM subjects, for visually impaired individuals. The company employs machine learning technology to swiftly and accurately convert text into braille, including complex subjects like mathematics, making educational materials accessible.

  • Nigeria

    Save Our Needy Organisation

    Empowering marginalized women and girls through technology and innovative communication. Providing knowledge, skills, resources, and support for financial independence and community-driven change.

  • Brazil

    The VLibras Suite

    Addressing communication and information barriers for Deaf individuals by providing machine translation from Portuguese to Brazilian Sign Language (Libras)