Those of us who work in the disabilities sector see the large and growing demand for assistive technologies (defined by the United States Assistive Technology Act of 1988 as “any product, device, or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with a disability”). The United Nations calls persons with disabilities the largest minority group in the world. The World Health Organization says that more than 2 billion people will need at least one assistive technology product by 2030. Coherent Market Insights, forecasts that the global elderly and disabled assistive devices market will surpass $31 billion by 2027. But where will all of these assistive technologies come from? One answer: Israel.
First, Israel, the “Startup Nation”, has solidified its global reputation as second only to Silicon Valley for spawning technology businesses. In some sectors, such as cybersecurity and financial technology, Israel is a world leader. The country is now applying the Startup Nation innovation mentality to the world of accessibility, with over 230 companies producing assistive technology products.
Second, with numerous top-tier rehabilitation centers and hospitals caring for persons with disabilities and the elderly, Israel’s assistive technology companies have a smooth path to partnering with such facilities to prototype, test and improve their products. In fact, several Israeli rehabilitation facilities now house incubation and innovation centers within their confines. Examples include ALYNnovation at ALYN Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation Hospital in Jerusalem and ARC Innovation Center at Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer.
Third, with its culture of tikkun olam (literally, repairing the world) Israel is home to several maker communities spurring creativity and development of assistive technology solutions with the potential to be scaled into global businesses. TOM - Tikkun Olam Makers runs global makaeathons that create and disseminate affordable solutions to neglected challenges of people living with disabilities, the elderly and the poor. Carmel 6000 handpicks highly qualified and motivated young Israelis to spend their two years of mandatory National Service developing innovative applications and solutions that benefit disadvantaged populations.
Fourth, there is growing Israeli governmental support specifically for the development of assistive technology. One example is the recently created “Assistive Technology for the Disabled Incentive Program”, a collaboration between the Israel Innovation Authority and the National Insurance Funds to offer up to 900,000 NIS grants (~$250,000) for research and development of technologies that serve groups with physical, mental or cognitive disabilities.
Fifth, my company, the newly formed INLET (the Israeli Network of Life Enhancing Technologies), is working with all the strong ingredients and entities in place in Israel and serving as a bridge to connect the Israeli assistive technology ecosystem to the growing global demand. Among other service areas, INLET is building a network of global relationships with entities such as Disability Cocoon, governmental agencies, insurance companies, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and corporations to streamline the complicated distribution of assistive technology products.
Let’s look at a small range of the promising assistive technologies coming out of the emerging Israeli ecosystem.
Atvisor is the first digital platform for online assistive technology consultation – helping users and their caregivers find exactly what they need. The AI-based (artificial intelligence) platform enables healthcare professionals and individuals to type in specific limitations or needs and the Atvisor digital platform will instantly suggest assistive technology recommendations that best match that specific user’s needs. Recommended assistive technology products can then be purchased online, on Atvisor’s website, or via local suppliers, according to the user’s location. Atvisor’s innovative matching algorithm integrates decision rule procedures — usually employed by an assistive technology advisor in a lengthy consultation process – and provides more accurate matching results in less time.
RightHear uses tiny, smart beacon sensors to create the world’s most advanced spatial orientation solution for people who are blind or visually impaired. When using the free RighHear app in a venue in which the solution is installed (airports, restaurants, hospitals, universities, stores, etc.) the user receives audio cues to navigate him/her around that facility and notifies him/her where there are stairs, elevators, restrooms and more.
Tongo is a tongue-based operating system that wirelessly controls smartphones, computers, wheelchairs and smart homes using only tongue muscles. For the tens of millions of people worldwide living with SCI, stroke, neurological disorders and a wide variety of other conditions that result in limited control over their fingers and hands, Tongo enables significantly increased independence and productivity.
Tunefork is leveraging the science that every human has a unique “earprint” just as they have unique fingerprints. Both founders have people close to them with hearing disabilities whose struggles with everyday activities, such as phone conversations, watching television and listening to music, motivated the Tunefork team to seek ways to improve the quality of life for people affected in similar ways. Using just a regular smartphone and regular set of headphones, the Tunefork solution enables the user to perform a simple hearing test and grades the user's specific hearing problem. Those test results, paired with sophisticated algorithms to adjust frequencies, create an optimal, custom-made audio experience for the user on their smart devices such as smartphones, smart homes, smart assistants, smart automotive and more, all of which rely on clarity of sound for efficient operation.
UPnRIDE is a wheeled robotic device for wheelchair users and anyone else with difficulty standing or walking. The device offers a safe ride whether going uphill, downhill, lateral slopes or on level surfaces in both standing and sitting positions. The standing position enables the user to have eye-level social interactions, enhancing dignity, self esteem and quality of life.
by Jon Polin; a serial entrepreneur who previously founded several technology companies, now runs INLET. Just as an inlet is a narrow body of water acting as a conduit connecting a small body of water to a large body of water, INLET (the Israeli network of life enhancing technologies) acts as a conduit to bring the best life-enhancing technologies from Israel to people with disabilities and the elderly around the globe.
For questions, contact jon@inlet.co.il