Inclusive Innovations '24: A Groundbreaking Showcase of 11 Innovators Creating A More Accessible World

A group of people seated in an indoor setting, engaging in a discussion or event. A woman in the center, wearing glasses and holding a microphone, is speaking while others listen attentively. Name tags are visible on some attendees. The background shows more participants, some blurred, in a casual environment with subdued lighting.

Inclusive Innovations took place on November 11 and it was a powerful showcase of inclusive technology can break barriers and transform lives. Hosted in Rotterdam, the event brought together 11 incredible European innovators across different parts of Europe who are redefining accessibility and creating solutions that empower people with disabilities to live more independently.

From groundbreaking wearable tech to apps that reimagine navigation, each demo showcased the boundless potential of assistive technology - from vision to mobility challenges to speech. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to the 11 visionary innovators who shared their solutions and inspired us all.

Discover their stories, watch their demos, and join the movement by connecting with them in our Slack community!

Check out our InIn trailer

Meet the innovators

1. Speaksee: Conversations Made Accessible

Jari Hazelebach, CEO of Speaksee, introduces CaptionCast, a tool designed for the deaf, hard of hearing, and non-native speakers. This technology transcribes and translates speech into over 40 languages, allowing users to follow conversations on their devices or venue screens. Speaksee ensures seamless inclusion at schools, churches, and event venues worldwide.

Watch Speaksee demo here:

2. Sensotec: Hearing Your Surroundings

Ivaar Illing from Sensotec unveils NIIRA, a device that translates surroundings into 3D audio images. By detecting shapes and distances, NIIRA offers users greater independence and ease of navigation. Its intuitive remote control allows precise adjustments, making it a standout tool for people who are blind or have low vision.

Watch Sensotec demo here:

3. OOrion: Precision Object Detection

Thomas Brisson, Co-founder of OOrion, developed an AI-powered app that helps people who are blind or have low vision locate and identify objects. Through smartphone cameras, users receive beeps and descriptions like “red bottle,” ensuring accuracy and independence.

Watch OOrion demo here:

4. SmartAIs: Smarter, Safer Navigation

Yamen Mohisn, Co-founder of SmartAIs, presents an obstacle-detection app for people who are blind or have low vision. Using bone-conducting headphones and a phone in a front-facing sling bag, the app delivers audio cues to alert users of obstacles, empowering independent travel with confidence.

5. TouchPulse: Redefining Navigation for All

Sjoerd, founder of TouchPulse, has created an accessible navigation app that combines AI and real-world data to deliver voice-interactive guidance. Think of it as a smarter, more intuitive Google Maps that can answer “Where am I?” and “What’s next?” Perfect for complex spaces like train stations, TouchPulse is testing in Eindhoven this year with plans for a full release next year.

6. Biped: AI Assistance for Safer Journeys

Mael Fabien, founder of Biped, introduces NOA—a wearable AI device designed to complement white canes and guide dogs. Operating like a “self-driving car for your shoulders,” NOA uses cameras and AI to provide real-time navigation and obstacle alerts, ensuring safe and independent travel for users.

7. Rezolve Medical: Mobility, Redefined

Lennart Zielstra, Technical Director at Rezolve Medical, developed Rise, an ankle-foot orthosis designed to enhance comfort and flexibility for individuals with reduced leg mobility. Inspired by personal experiences, Rise promotes confidence and freedom of movement in daily life.

8. Surpassport: Mapping Accessible Trails

Adrian Geissel, founder of Surpassport Systems, introduces Able Active, an app that maps trails and amenities for people with disabilities. Supported by the European Space Agency, Able Active gathers user feedback and launched in Ireland earlier this year. Adrian is eager to expand to the Netherlands, fostering inclusion for all.

3. Whispp: Whispered Speech, Amplified

Joris Castermans, Founder of Whispp, has developed an app that turns whispers into clear, natural speech. Designed for people who stutter or have lost their voice, the app enables confident communication in phone calls and face-to-face interactions. Paired with a Bluetooth speaker, Whispp restores ease and connection in everyday conversations.

10. Lighthouse Tech: Smart Eyewear for Safety

Nathan Deutsch introduces TAMI, smart eyewear designed to detect upper-body obstacles where white canes fall short. Equipped with front-facing sensors and directional haptic vibrations, TAMI alerts users to nearby objects, addressing a critical gap in mobility tools. With one in eight blind individuals experiencing monthly head-level injuries, TAMI is set to launch in 2025, with pre-sales already underway.

11. Ally: Your everywhere AI assistant

Vanessa Vigar introduces ally, a personal AI assistant available on both iPhone and Android, as well as on the Envision Glasses. Ally is a voice-controlled smart assistant designed to be with you wherever you go, ready to assist anytime, anywhere. Whether you need help navigating, organizing your day, or accessing information, ally makes it seamless through intuitive voice commands.

With a variety of personalities and voices to choose from, Ally can feel uniquely yours—providing not just functionality but a personalized connection tailored to your preferences.

Join the Conversation

Connect with these visionaries and others in the field by joining our Slack community. Whether you're an innovator, advocate, or enthusiast, your insights are invaluable.

👉 Join the Slack Channel

Let’s celebrate innovation and create a world without limits.