Zero Project Call for Nominations 2026

Every year, the Zero Project invites changemakers from around the world—regardless of sector, organization size, or country—to nominate innovative solutions for the Zero Project Awards. The Zero Project Call for Nominations 2026 (#ZeroCall26) is focused on the topics of Accessibility, ICT, and Crisis Response.

Solutions are evaluated based on their innovation, impact, and scalability, all with the goal of advancing the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Awardees don’t just receive recognition—they become part of the global Zero Project Network, present at the Zero Project Conference at the United Nations Office at Vienna, and receive other opportunities to advance their solutions.

• Why Nominate for the Zero Project Awards?

• Topics explained: Accessibility, ICT, and Crisis Response

• Selection criteria and process

• Nominate in 3 steps

• “How to” resources

• #ZeroCall26 timeline

The Zero Project Awards connect innovative solutions with a global network of experts, international visibility, and opportunities to strengthen their reach and impact.

Please note: The Zero Project Awards do not include a financial prize. Recognition and support is based on the opportunities listed below, such as presenting at global events and joining the Zero Project Network.

Each year, the Zero Project researches innovative solutions from around the world. These efforts are guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), with the goal of advancing the implementation of these rights.

Every four years, the Zero Project focuses its research on Accessibility, alternating with the topics of Education, Employment, Independent Living, and Political Participation. Since 2020, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been included annually due to its growing importance and rapid development of ICT innovations for disability inclusion.

As part of #ZeroCall26, the topic of Crisis Response is being addressed for the first time. This reflects current global developments and the significance of the topic—a point emphasized by numerous experts from the Zero Project Network in recent years.

While the Zero Project's research topics rotate each year, there are three main criteria that inform the selection process: innovation, impact, and scalability.

Once #ZeroCall26 closes on June 22, 2025, the selection process will begin and involve hundreds of people worldwide. Every nomination is carefully evaluated: over several months, the Zero Project's research team will engage with experts from the Zero Project Network across an extensive multi-step process, including screening against formal criteria, peer review, and fact checking.

In August, a shortlist of around 150 innovative solutions will be announced. Shortlisted nominations receive the Zero Project Shortlist Badge, certifying their achievement of reaching the shortlist stage. Moreover, all of them will receive an exclusive invitation to the Zero Project Conference 2026 (February 18-20, 2026), which will be hosted at the United Nations Office at Vienna.

On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3, 2025), the Zero Project will announce this year's Zero Project Awardees.

#ZeroCall26 timeline

On average it takes 1-2 hours to collect the required information and submit the form. A carefully crafted nomination is important as every nomination is reviewed by the Zero Project research team and experts of the global Zero Project Network.

Please note:

• The #ZeroCall26 nomination form cannot be saved for later editing. Ensure you have gathered all information before filling in the form.
• Your nomination must be submitted in English language. If you choose to use AI-translation tools such as Google Translate or DeePL, please ensure facts and information are accurate before submitting your nomination.
• Concentrate on facts and concise information, as this will make it easier for our peer reviewers and fact-checkers to understand the value of your nominated solution.
• Clearly demonstrate your solution's innovation, impact, and scalability. These are the main criteria during the selection process. Be as clear as possible and make it easy to understand, including for non-experts and potential users. 
  In what ways does the practice differ from existing solutions? What are the most innovative elements of the nominated practice? You can also refer to innovative technology, affordability, better availability (e.g. in rural or lesser developed areas, new forms of cooperation, involvement of new stakeholders, alternative formats, etc.)

Here is what to expect:

• Accessibility: The #ZeroCall26 nomination form is a Microsoft Form. It has a range of in-built accessibility features, which you can find listed here. In addition, there will be Easy Language guidance for completing the form, and short videos International Sign interpretation.
• Please note: the form cannot be saved for later editing. Ensure you have gathered all information before filling in the form.
• Once you’ve submitted the form, you will receive an email to upload photos and supporting documents. Video links (YouTube and Vimeo) can be added directly in the form.
• The nomination form is also available in an accessible MS Word format. To request a copy, and for any other queries related to the nomination process, please contact the Zero Project Team by email at office@zeroproject.org.

#ZeroCall26 nomination form

Once you have submitted the nomination form, you will receive a confirmation email with an upload button; by clicking on it, a link will open in your browser:

• Required: Upload 3 to 5 photos that showcase the impact of the nominated solution and/or illustrate how the solution works in practice.
• Optional: You may upload materials such as annual reports, PowerPoint presentations, or other relevant files that provide additional insight into the nominated solution. Note: Please ensure documents are relevant and do not simply repeat information already provided in the form or include generic content.
• In the browser you will see confirmation of a successful file upload.

Best of luck with your nomination!

Do you know another innovative solution that should be recognized through a Zero Project Award? Why not share this page link or nominate the solution yourself!

Don't hesitate to send an email with your questions to the Zero Project Team!

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