GDI Hub Accelerate

Digital and assistive technologies are unlocking new opportunities for people with disabilities worldwide. Yet in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), access to inclusive products, services, and support remains limited. GDI Hub Accelerate exists to change that, creating a global pipeline for inclusive innovation, supporting ventures from early idea to global scale.

Our Approach

GDI Hub Accelerate powers innovation through a connected ecosystem of research, start-up support, and bespoke consultancy. Through three core pillars, we help ventures move from idea to impact:

• Insights Hub: A global knowledge platform for data, evidence and research to support inclusive innovation.
• Venture Studio: A launchpad for early-stage ideas and start-ups, including Africa’s Innovate Now and Asia’s Attvaran accelerators.
• Bespoke Consultancy: Supporting scale with tailored services for governments, multilaterals and private sector actors.

If you're an innovator or work with an organisation in the disability innovation space that is looking for support, please get in touch via our Innovator Enquiry form.

Our Impact in Action

Innovate Now – Africa’s First AT Accelerator

With 21 ventures launched across four acceleration cycles, Innovate Now has supported a new generation of African entrepreneurs building transformative assistive technology (AT) solutions. Start-ups receive intensive, hands-on support including:

• Expert mentorship from experienced founders, product developers, and disability inclusion specialists
• Live labs with clinical and community partners to test, validate and refine products alongside AT users
• Business development training to sharpen user insights, product-market fit, and operational models
• Investor readiness support through pitch coaching, fundraising strategy, and exposure to AT-focused investors
• Demo Days and public showcases to connect ventures with policymakers, funders, and partners across the ecosystem

Now entering its next phase, Innovate Now will focus on Digital Assistive Technology, supporting ventures that develop digital-first or digitally enhanced solutions across education, healthcare, livelihoods, and beyond. With backing from UK aid, ICT Norway and Norad, this new chapter aims to position Africa as a leader in inclusive tech innovation.

Attvaran – New Accelerator for Asia

Attvaran is a pioneering early-stage accelerator designed to empower assistive technology (AT) start-ups in India and beyond. A collaboration between the Global Disability Innovation Hub, UCL, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras, the programme began by nurturing 20 innovative AT start-ups over an intensive six-month journey from July 2024.

With a mission to drive inclusive innovation for people with disabilities and older adults, Attvaran brings together a powerful coalition of ecosystem partners, including disabled people’s organisations, NGOs, start-up incubators, research centres, corporate mentors, investors, and accessibility experts.

Start-ups receive targeted support to address the technical, market, and social challenges of delivering impactful assistive technology (AT) solutions. The programme covers:

• User-driven product development: From need validation and product-market fit to iterative prototyping and user testing
• Business strategy & leadership: Guidance on customer acquisition, business model design, and go-to-market strategy
• Bespoke mentorship: Expert insights from disability innovators, business leaders, and technical specialists
• AT ecosystem access: Direct connections to real users, potential partners, funders, and policy influencers across Asia

With its unique combination of technical depth, lived-experience insight, and ecosystem strength, Attvaran is building a robust foundation to scale locally relevant solutions across middle- and low-resource settings, ensuring that inclusive technology reaches those who need it most.

What’s Next

GDI Hub Accelerate is building the global infrastructure for inclusive innovation. By empowering entrepreneurs, informing policy, and scaling local solutions, we are transforming how assistive technology is created and delivered.

We believe the future of disability innovation is inclusive, local, and global. If you have an idea or solution, get in touch to join the movement.