Innovate Now is Africa’s leading Assistive Technology (AT) Accelerator, established by the Global Disability Innovation Hub under the AT2030 Programme, implemented by Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa and Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D), and funded by NORAD. The program equips AT startups with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to design, launch, and scale inclusive solutions that improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Since its inception in 2019, Innovate Now has delivered 10 successful cohorts, supporting over 90 ventures led by more than 100 entrepreneurs across the 11 countries in Africa, the UK, and the USA. The program continues to drive a new wave of inclusive innovation across Africa’s assistive technology landscape.
AT4D provides AT startup founders with a comprehensive support system, including entrepreneurship and innovation education, coaching, mentoring, and access to funding. Its mission is to create an ecosystem where assistive technology startups can thrive, scale, and transform the lives of persons with disabilities across Africa.
A new wave of momentum in the African innovation space.
“Assistive Techonology is the gateway to bridging the digital divide for persons with disabilities today and into the future.”
Bernard Chiira, Director Innovate Now
Innovate Now was launched in 2019 as part of the £40 million, UK Aid funded, AT2030 program, led by Global Disability Innovation Hub. Implemented through a consortium of partners including Amref Health Africa (lead implementing partner 2019-2021) and Kilimanjaro Blind Trust (Live Labs implementing partner and new lead implementing partner). Todays Innovation Now is a partnership between Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), ICT Norway and Norad, bringing a new wave of momentum in the African innovation space.
Apply for the upcoming sessions.
Applications STILL OPEN!
Join Innovate Now’s AT Accelerator. Cohort 11.
This is your opportunity to test, launch, and scale bold innovations with persons with disabilities as co-creators.
We welcome innovators, founders, or startups building for accessibility, inclusion, and real-world impact.
Apply by February 25, 2026.
AI for Accessibility Innovation Challenge 2026.
This event is a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse skill sets, including design, engineering, AI, business, and communication, as you team up to develop innovative devices and digital assistive technology solutions aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities.
Application Deadline: 25th February 2026