Africa’s disability innovation landscape has taken a major step forward with the launch of the Momentous Fund Pilot, a new early-stage initiative designed to support Assistive Technology startups across the continent. Announced through a partnership between the Judith Neilson Foundation and AT4D (Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust), the pilot marks a powerful shift toward locally led and disability-led innovation. It arrives at a time when millions of Africans with disabilities continue to face barriers that limit their full participation in society and it brings new hope for practical solutions that can change lives.
The partnership was signed in Sydney during the Remarkable Summit and witnessed by the Inclusive Innovation Network (+N) founding team. For Bernard Chiira, Founder and CEO of AT4D, this moment represents both progress and purpose. He said, “I’m excited to share that we have signed a new partnership with the Judith Neilson Foundation to launch the Momentous Fund Pilot, the first African and disabled-led early-stage initiative supporting Assistive Technology startups in Africa.” He described the signing as “a momentous moment for Africa’s Assistive Tech ventures” and a deeply meaningful step in his journey and in the mission of AT4D.
A Pilot That Puts African Leadership and Disability Inclusion at the Center
The Momentous Fund Pilot is designed to fill a long-standing gap in early-stage investment for Assistive Technology ventures in Africa. Bernard explained the vision clearly, saying the pilot will “provide catalytic investment to AT ventures, build the evidence base for sustainable early-stage investing, publish the Momentous Playbook and lay the groundwork for Momentous Fund I.”
This is not only about supporting startups. It is about building a system that allows disability-led innovation to thrive. Bernard said, “This is a deeply meaningful milestone in my journey and for Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust, as we work to unlock innovative solutions that can transform the lives of millions of persons with disabilities across Africa.”
AT4D brings strong experience into this new chapter. The organisation is Africa’s leading disability innovation body, created to continue the impact of the Innovate Now Accelerator, which supported more than 100 entrepreneurs and accelerated 45 startups into the market. Its work has reached innovators in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, the USA and the UK in just four years.
AT4D focuses on more than technology. It works to build an inclusive innovation ecosystem where new ideas can be tested, validated and scaled. The organisation helps founders access training, mentoring, coaching and funding while also working with governments, corporates, universities and development partners to strengthen policies and evidence for disability inclusion.
Through this ecosystem, AT4D accelerates access to affordable and high-quality assistive technologies that people with disabilities need to live independently and participate fully in society. The Momentous Fund Pilot will now expand this mission by supporting ventures at the earliest and most challenging stage of development, where most innovative ideas struggle to survive.
A Partnership Built on Trust, Equity and Long-Term Impact
The Judith Neilson Foundation brings its own strong values into this collaboration. The Foundation invests in people, places and ideas that strengthen communities and address inequality across Africa, Australia and other regions. Guided by principles of equity, creativity and local knowledge, the Foundation supports long-term partnerships and practical solutions that can make meaningful change.
The partnership reflects a shared belief that inclusive innovation requires trust, collaboration and a willingness to learn. The Judith Neilson Foundation emphasises listening to communities, supporting bold ideas and backing organisations that understand local realities. This aligns with AT4D’s mission to develop African-led solutions rooted in lived experience and disability leadership.
Bernard expressed his gratitude for this partnership, saying, “Thank you to the Judith Neilson Foundation for believing in African innovation and disability leadership.” He added that “the future of inclusive innovation is bright” and emphasised that “the time to invest in African AT founders is now.”
The Momentous Fund Pilot will not only support startups. It will help build the first structured evidence base for early-stage Assistive Technology investing in Africa. It will also produce the Momentous Playbook, a practical guide that will share learnings from the pilot and inspire future investors, innovators and policymakers. This knowledge-sharing component is designed to encourage long-term growth in the sector and help Africa become a global leader in inclusive innovation.
Through this collaboration, AT4D and the Judith Neilson Foundation aim to create a system that goes beyond grants. Their shared vision is to unlock sustainable investment, build stronger innovation environments and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities across the continent.
A Stronger Future for African AT Founders
The launch of the Momentous Fund Pilot is a reminder that disability-led innovation in Africa is rising. It shows the power of partnerships built on purpose and the importance of supporting early-stage founders who often face the hardest challenges.
For Bernard Chiira and the AT4D team, this milestone is both a celebration and a beginning. It is a step toward a future where African Assistive Technology ventures receive the investment, support and recognition they deserve. It is also a promise to millions of people with disabilities who stand to benefit from more inclusive, accessible and human-centered technology solutions.
