Innovation, Impact, and Scalability
An unprecedented 526 nominations from 97 countries were submitted during this year's call for nominations (#ZeroCall24). Each of the Awardees has been peer-reviewed by experts from the international disability inclusion community and selected based on three criteria: innovation, impact, and scalability.
The Awardees and their innovative solutions address among others the right to education and lifelong learning as outlined in Article 42 of the UN CRPD. Moreover, the ICT Awardees showcase solutions across a wide range of topics, such as Orientation Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Steering Technologies.
Global representation from all sectors of society
From leveraging gaming and social media for education, strategies during humanitarian crises, and innovative tech solutions to enhance sign language, to inclusive practices in higher education, and high-tech products or services expanding to global markets – the Awardees 2024 provide a wide variety of innovative solutions, towards a world with zero barriers and inclusive education.
The 77 Awardees come from 43 different countries and from all six continents, with Europe (24 Awardees), Asia & Pacific (23), North America (10), Latin America & Caribbean (11), Africa (6), and Australia & Oceania (3).
The countries with the highest numbers of Awardees are the United States of America (9); India (6); Austria (5); Spain (4); and Australia, Brazil, and Japan (3 each). All awarded solutions are scalable, with many already operational in several countries. The number of innovations from and implemented on the African continent, is at its highest compared to any previous research cycle, reflecting the significant potential and steadily growing innovation landscape in these countries.