Innovative technologies shortlisted for prize

A range of creative and innovative technologies, created to improve the lives of people living with disabilities have been shortlisted for the Inclusive Technology Prize.

Two of the ideas on the shortlist include, 3D printers that are capable of producing prosthetic hands and vibrating footwear, designed to warn the wearer of potential obstacles in their path.

The Government is providing £100,000 worth of funding towards the development of innovative technologies to assist and support people living with disabilities.

Minister of State for Disabled People, Mark Harper, said: “Innovative technology can make a real difference to the lives of disabled people and I’m delighted that the Inclusive Technology Prize has inspired all of these cutting edge ideas.

“Supporting disabled people to live full lives and enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else is an absolute priority for us and I am confident that advances in technology will continue to enable us to do more. I wish all the nominees the best of luck."

The award was launched in October 2014 to inspire and encourage technological innovations from individual and British businesses to help families, carers and more than 12 million people living with disabilities in the UK.

Twenty-five designers and entrepreneurs have been awarded a share of the prize money after reaching the semi-finals of the completion. The money will be used to develop their ideas and give them the chance to win a £50,000 Government contract for March 2016.

Furthermore, the semi-finalists will benefit from mentoring to develop their product. In June, the semi-finalists will be reduced to a group of ten who will be awarded £10,000 each to create prototypes of their unique product.

Judges of the award include comedian and co-founder of Tourette’s Hero, Jess Thom and chief executive of Disability Rights UK, Liz Sayce.

The Inclusive Technology Prize was created to increase awareness of issues that people living with disabilities face on a daily basis and help to encourage the creation of more accessible products and technologies.

The prize is supported by the Department for Work and Pensions’ office for Disability Issues, Innovate UK, Nesta, Irwin Mitchell and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.