Scaling Fellows

Meet the Fellows from the 2024/2025 cohort

Screenshot from the kick-off masterclass with the Scaling Fellows and Programme Partners
Screenshot from the kick-off masterclass with the Scaling Fellows and Programme Partners

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:

  • The image shows a group of people seated in a circle, engaging in an interactive workshop in a indoor setting. There is a banner in the background that reads "Universidad ORT," indicating a partnership of the University with CiDIP. Most of the participants are women, some of whom are seated in wheelchairs, reflecting an inclusive environment with diverse abilities represented. The group is actively participating in a connected web of string, possibly symbolizing communication or community building. A facilitator, standing near the group, appears to be guiding the activity. The atmosphere is informal and collaborative, with posters and notes on the walls, suggesting the space is being used for brainstorming or group discussions.

    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. 

  • A person wearing a white shirt and a face mask is holding a tablet, presenting it to a deaf woman standing across from them. The screen of the tablet displays the logo for "DeafTawk," indicating a digital tool designed for communication support for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The setting appears to be a cafe, with another worker in the background also wearing a face mask. Both workers seem to be providing service in an inclusive manner, using the DeafTawk app to assist in communication. The image emphasizes accessibility and the use of technology to bridge communication barriers.

    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. 

  • A group of people is seated in a modern, open office space, attentively listening to a speaker standing to the right. The participants are seated on various types of furniture, including bean bags, stools, and chairs, giving the space a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The room is brightly lit, with colorful ventilation pipes running along the ceiling, adding to the creative and innovative ambiance. In the background, there are desks, workstations, and a wall with the words "Think Beyond," suggesting this may be a workshop, training, or brainstorming session. The diverse group is focused on the speaker, who appears to be leading a discussion or presentation.

    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.
     

  • The image shows a child in a wheelchair using an accessible playground equipment called a floor-level spinner designed by Gudgudee. The spinner has a circular platform with a protective blue metal frame, allowing children using wheelchairs to experience the ride safely. Two adults, one standing inside the frame and one outside, are assisting the child. The setting is an outdoor park with trees, grass, and a bench in the background.

    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.
     

  • The image shows a large group of individuals, both men and women, standing together outdoors, wearing matching white t-shirts with the "Incluyeme.com" logo in blue. They are posing for a group photo, with some people at the front holding a large banner displaying the same "Incluyeme.com" logo. One woman in the front is using a wheelchair, and another is using crutches, representing inclusivity and diversity within the group. The background includes greenery and a swimming pool, suggesting the setting might be a team-building or community event. The group is smiling and looks unified, reflecting the mission of "Incluyeme.com" in promoting inclusion.

    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.  

  • The image shows a man giving a presentation, standing behind a podium with a laptop open on it. The laptop has a visible screen displaying an AI avatar from a company called "Migam". The man is wearing a white t-shirt and a cap, gesturing with his hands as he speaks to an audience. Behind him, there is a sign that reads "From Ideas to Impact," hinting at the context of innovation or technological discussions. The audience is seated, facing the presenter, with a screen in the background showing a scenic nature image.

    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.

  • The image shows a man and a young girl standing at a table covered with various brochures, flyers, and informational materials from the Nayi Disha Resource Centre. The man is closely reading one of the pamphlets, while the girl looks on, holding a booklet. The setting appears to be a busy event or exhibition, with many other people in the background interacting with booths or seated in white plastic chairs. Some people are wearing caps, possibly indicating that this is an organized event such as a community fair or informational expo.

    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.

  • The image shows a large, diverse group of individuals gathered for a group photo in an indoor setting, likely at an event or conference. The participants include people of various ages, with a noticeable number of individuals with albinism. Everyone is smiling and appearing enthusiastic. Some participants are wearing badges, indicating they are attendees or participants in the event. Behind the group, banners with the text "NIVUSHE" and "Tai Tanzania" can be seen.

    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:

Innovation Pitches - Part 1

Innovation Pitches - Part 2

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.

  • Self-help groups for parents are part of the Tunafasi model in the uvira region of Congo.

    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.

  • Screengrab of "Learn Stem with Signs"

    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.

  • Hable One enhances the accessibility of online devices for people with visual impairments.

    Netherlands

    Hable One B.V.

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

  • The landing page of the IN Dashboard

    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.

  • Indesor provides free, high-quality education and vocational training for deaf people in Chile.

    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.

  • Hiru enables non-verbal individuals to communicate using their eyes.

    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.

  • sEAC supports access to regular education for pupils with intellectual disabilities in Brazil.

    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.

  • In Japan, OHK initiated a sign language programme to cover motorsport races properly on TV.

    Japan

    Okayama Broadcasting Co

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

  • Reach & Match´s Learning Kit is an inclusive play-based learning programme for all children.

    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.

  • sensee uses AI to convert educational material into Braille with high accuracy and speed.

    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.

  • sON runs a free ICT training project for disadvantaged females in six regions of Nigeria.

    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.

  • VLibras Suite is an open-source translatoor from Portuguese to Brazilian Sign Language.

    Brazil

    The VLibras Suite

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