Up to £200k of funding available for assistive tech manufacturers
The Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub is launching the Assistive Technology Impact Fund (ATIF) Global Call, which looks to make assistive technology innovations more readily available in the African market.
Assistive technology innovators can apply for up to £200k of funding under the ATIF to drastically improve the lives of disabled people in Africa.
GDI Hub says that whilst one billion people globally live with a disability, 90 per cent of these people lack access to affordable assistive technology innovations. ATIF exists to change the prospects of the innovators in this space by supporting the growth of the sector in Africa.
ATIF has been launched out of the UK Aid-funded AT2030 programme, led by the GDI Hub. It is a collaboration between GDI Hub, Brink, Tamara Giltsoff and Catalyst Fund. The partnership combines expertise in assistive technology, innovation and venture building in Africa, respectively.
The fund supports assistive technology innovators as well as those in other sectors, key to unlocking sustainable scale, such as manufacturing, distribution and finance.
Successful applications will receive up to £200k of grant funding; Tailored Venture Building support and coaching from world-leading experts; brokering and matchmaking to partners, investors and experts; and access to a growing global network of disability pioneers.
Now, the GDI Hub is hosting a launch event so assistive technology manufacturers can learn more about the fund.
Taking place on Wednesday 10th of February from 10:30-11:30, world-leading assistive technology experts – Cathy Holloway, Professor of Interaction Design & Innovation at UCL’s Interaction Centre and Academic Director of the GDI Hub; WHO’s Chapal Khasnabis; and Magdalena Banasiak from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office – will discuss ATIF.
Assistive technology manufacturers can register for the launch event here
ATIF investment timeline:
- 10th February – Launch event and call officially opens for applications
- 11th February-19th February – Support clinics to assist with proposals
- 21st February – Call deadline
- 1st March – Shortlisted applicants notified
- 8th March – Prep calls for Pitch day
- w/c 15th March – Pitch day
- 29th March – Successful applicants notified
