Google has launched a $20m fund for nonprofits using technology to improve the lives of those with physical disabilities.
Through Google Impact Challenge, Google.org provides grants to startups working in the charitable sector, and has now launched one aimed squarely at helping the "one billion people that society is not designed to serve". According to the UNICEF stats Google cites, only five percent of children with disabilities complete primary school, while a World Health Organisation survey found half of all those living with disabilities cannot afford healthcare. "Historically, people living with disabilities have relied on technologies that were often bulky, expensive, and limited to assisting with one or two specific tasks," writes Google. "But that's beginning to change."
Startups developing novel tools tackling these issues are encouraged to apply for the grant, with winning entries likely to be awarded around $1m each.
To get the ball rolling, and to demonstrate the types of innovations that will impress it, Google has already provided funds to two organisations: e-NABLE, and World Wide Hearing. The former connects those in need of quality, low-cost prosthetics, with 3D printing communities that use open source software to build them. "With Google.org's support we will systematically collect feedback and data from users and testers, organise global design challenges, and improve handomatic and develop other tools proving -- and improving -- our devices and our processes," wrote Ivan Owen, on the Enable Community Foundation board of directors, on hearing the news of the $600,000 grant. "As a volunteer network, we're excited to put Google.org's generous funding to use to increase the number of devices we are able to produce for people in need around the world."
World Wide Hearing plans on using its $500,000 grant to develop and test a prototype for a low cost smartphone-enabled hearing lost test. "The tool will enable more screenings, especially in remote areas where expensive medical equipment is not available," said Google.
Any non-profit can apply for the grant (by 30 September) as long as it can provide an early prototype or data to back up its efficacy. And of course, technology should be at the heart of the innovation, whatever it is. It shouldn't, says Google, "just make your existing work more efficient; it should create or enable entirely new solutions and approaches". Advisors on the project -- Google Impact Challenge typically provides mentorship as well as funding -- include UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities Catalina Devandas Aguilar, professor of animal science, Colorado State University Temple Grandin, and Google VP Vint Cerf.
Google is also asking the public to submit their "what ifs" -- it gives examples, such as "what if playgrounds were designed for all children" -- so that it can get an idea of where the demand truly lies.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
