• CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – NOW OPEN
3
Ventures Selected
KES 5M
Grant per Venture (USD Equivalent)
18
Month Programme
Africa
Open to All African Countries
THE PROBLEM WE ARE SOLVING
Promising Solutions That Never Reach the People Who Need Them Most
Across Africa, AI innovations with real potential to improve the lives of persons with disabilities rarely grow beyond small pilots. Common barriers include:
Inadequate technical support for product development
Insufficient user testing and validation with disability communities
Weak business models and unclear paths to market
HAIDI exists to change this.
ABOUT HAIDI
Africa's First Continental Platform for Disability-Inclusive AI
The Hub for AI and Disability Inclusion (HAIDI) is Africa’s first continent-wide platform dedicated to disability-inclusive AI. We bring together researchers, innovators, and disability communities to make sure AI works for everyone.
HAIDI focuses on three interconnected areas: building African disability datasets and data governance frameworks (Evidence), identifying, selecting, and scaling high-potential AI solutions (Innovation) and embedding disability rights into national and regional AI governance (Policy).
Established by a Consortium of Organisations
Responsible AI Lab, KNUST-Ghana
Maseno Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (MCAAI)
Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D)
Next Step Foundation
Building the Data Foundation
Developing African disability datasets and data governance frameworks so AI can be designed inclusively from the ground up.
Scaling High-Potential Solutions
Africa is at a turning point for AI, and PWDs should be at the center of it, not just as users but as builders and decision-makers. This means identifying, selecting, and scaling AI solutions that expand access for persons with disabilities in education, employment, mental health, and caregiving.
Shaping Inclusive Governance
Embedding disability rights into national and regional AI governance so that policy keeps pace with innovation.
THE OPPORTUNITY
What's in It for You
Each of the 3 selected ventures receives an 18-month catalytic support package combining, a milestone-based grant of up to KES 5,000,000 (USD Equivalent) with hands-on technical, business, and market support from the AT4D team.
Technical Product Support
AI/UX design review, accessibility auditing, model improvement, and disability-inclusive design integration, all provided directly by the AT4D team.
User Testing & Validation
Your solution will be tested with diverse disability communities through HAIDI’s Live Lab network and OPD partners across Africa, generating real-world evidence of impact.
Business Model Strengthening
Revenue model review, pricing strategy, unit economics, financial modelling, market analysis, and one-on-one mentorship from experienced venture builders.
Go-to-Market & Scaling Support
Strategic guidance on customer acquisition, distribution partnerships, geographic expansion, brand positioning, and communicating your impact to funders and users.
Investment Readiness & Fundraising
Pitch decks, one-pagers, venture profiles, grant applications, and funding proposals, plus facilitated introductions to investors, donors, and public sector buyers.
Strategic Partnerships
Connections with governments, health systems, employers, and education institutions through the HAIDI Hub, AI4D network, and AT4D’s continental relationships.
Evidence & Knowledge Building
Your scaling journey will be documented as a longitudinal case study, generating evidence that supports your fundraising and contributes to HAIDI’s continental Sustainable Innovation Pathways Report.
Continental Visibility
Participation in HAIDI convenings, knowledge exchange workshops, and demo days across the AI4D ecosystem, putting your solution in front of the right audiences across Africa.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Designing Beyond Barriers: AI Innovations in Accessibility
We are seeking inclusive AI ventures that have gone beyond the idea stage, ventures with a proven product, real users, and a compelling vision for scale.
Caregiving & Independence
Assistive technology for daily living, mobility, navigation, communication
You're Eligible If...
- Your solution directly addresses a challenge faced by PWDs or their caregivers
- Your product makes meaningful, demonstrable use of AI or machine learning as a core component
- You have an MVP or market-ready solution that is scalable, tested, and already demonstrating traction with real users
- PWDs have been involved in designing, or governing your solution and your venture is legally registered and operates in Africa
- Your primary markets or users are in Africa or venture demonstrates commitment to safeguarding, responsible AI, data protection, and the dignity and inclusion of PWDs
Priority Sectors
Education
AI tools for learners with diverse needs
Employment
Disability-inclusive employment tools
Mental Health
AI mental health chatbots; psychosocial support & caregiver wellbeing
Other AT
AI-enabled assistive technology with demonstrated scale potential across African contexts
HOW TO APPLY
The Application Process
Review Eligibility
- Confirm your venture meets the criteria above before you start the application.
Complete the Online Form
- Apply through the HAIDI Inclusive AI Venture Acceleration Application Form. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
Submit Before Deadline
- All applications must be submitted by 17 July 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Questions about eligibility or accessibility accommodations? communication@at4d.org
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
HAIDI will select 3 high potential AI ventures in Africa that provide solutions for persons with disabilities. Selected ventures will receive grant funding, 18 months venture building support, and linkages to strategic partnerships and networks to scale.
Inclusive AI initiatives often overlook persons with disabilities during their development process and most remain small-scale pilots. Barriers include – limited funding, weak business models, inadequate user validation, and unsustainable partnerships and market strategies.
AI ventures that are post-MVP/Market ready, legally registered in Africa, serving persons with disabilities or their caregivers, and have already demonstrated real traction, co-created and co-tested with real users.
The grant of up to Ksh 5,000,000/USD equivalent is equity free and can be used for venture development (product, user, team, market and business development)
Applications will be reviewed impact potential, AI integration, team strength, user co-creation, due diligence, scalability and sustainability. Interviews and final selection is made by an independent panel of experts.
Shortlist notification: July 2026 ·
Interviews: August 2026 ·
Final cohort announced: September 2026 ·
Program begins: September 2026.
All applicants will be notified of their outcome.
No. HAIDI does not require ventures to be disability founded/led. However, founding team diversity, including disability representation, is viewed positively in the selection process.
Yes. Previous participation in accelerators or incubators does not disqualify you. HAIDI focuses on disability-inclusive AI, and many ventures have not had access to disability-specific technical
expertise, user testing, and networks.
Yes. If you require accessibility accommodations during the application process – including screen reader-compatible formats, extended time, or alternative submission methods contact communication@at4d.org and we will support you.
Ready to Scale Your Impact?
Apply today and join Africa’s most focused programme for
disability-inclusive AI ventures
Applications close 17 July 2026
HAIDI is conducted as part of the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) program, with the financial support of the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth, Development Office (FCDO) and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
