Essl Foundation - Zero Project
Austria
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Areas of Activity
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Zero Project Awardee 2025
Supporting mainstream employers in hiring highly-educated persons with disabilities
CareER Association Ltd., a Hong Kong DPO, promotes inclusive hiring for educated people with disabilities. Its 2021-launched Disability Inclusion Index (DII) helps 30 employers yearly enhance inclusivity, enabling 200 job placements annually.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A brand certifying inclusive employers in the hospitality sector
Valueable, founded in Italy in 2014, promotes employment for people with intellectual disabilities in hospitality. By 2024, it spanned 8 countries and facilitated 350+ placements with inclusive employers.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Comprehensive and effective job-placement model working countrywide
Fundacja Aktywizacja, a Warsaw NGO, supports persons with disabilities via tailored education and employment services. In 2023, 3,120 benefited, and 1,137 found open-market jobs with employer support.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A global and free platform for creating and sharing assistive technologies
TOM Global connects engineers, caregivers, and people with disabilities to develop assistive tech. Operating in 35+ countries, it offers solutions 80%-99% cheaper, with 62 university campuses innovating in assistive devices and distributed manufacturi
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Large DPO supporting the business sector with regional inclusion centres
NOWPDP in Pakistan created a capacity-building programme for employers. Between 2016-2023, it created 1,400 jobs, collaborated with major firms, and established inclusive standards in the banking sector.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Self-sustaining restaurant based on inclusive employment and internships
Pirmas Blynas, a Vilnius social enterprise, employs people with disabilities in its restaurant. Seven of 11 staff have disabilities, while 15 interns are trained yearly. It advocates inclusive career paths.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A university training and employing students with intellectual disability as education professionals
Inklusive Bildung Sachsen-Anhalt trains people with disabilities as educators. Since 2018, 5 educators were employed and 4 new trainees began in 2024, delivering inclusive education across Saxony-Anhalt.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A global start-up accelerator run by and for entrepreneurs with disabilities
2GI, a DC-based accelerator for entrepreneurs with disabilities, supported 80+ startups from 2019-2024. Participants raised $70M+ with backing from Comcast, Amazon, Google.org, and JP Morgan Chase.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Empowering young people affected by armed conflict with training and job opportunities
SOPRODE in Congo trains conflict-affected youth in vocational skills. Between 2020-2024, 485 trained (186 with disabilities), 24 found jobs, and 76 started businesses in agriculture, tailoring, and more.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Empowering women with disabilities living in extreme poverty to set up their own small business
FITIMA Guinée supports women with disabilities. From 2022-2024, it trained 110 women, enabling 50 to start businesses and create jobs through rights education, micro-management, and practical skills.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Empowering women with disabilities through smart and app-based poultry farming
Halabja Disabled Organization empowers women with disabilities via smart poultry farming. From 2022-2024, 52 farmers trained, including 15 women, using tech to improve livelihoods and monitor farm conditions.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Creating an ecosystem for labour market inclusion in Latin American countries
Por Talento Latinoamérica, led by IDB Lab and Fundación ONCE, improves disability employment in Latin America. By 2024, 1,900 people with disabilities gained jobs in 5 countries via training and business networks.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A youth-for-youth with disabilities programme creating a whirlwind of activities and jobs
100% Handinamique in France supports youth with disabilities in employment. Managed by youth with disabilities, its peer-led program helped 150 people find jobs from 2021 to 2024, engaging 632 members in 2023.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
An internship programme preparing young people with disabilities to become entrepreneurs
SAMEE in Bournemouth offers self-employment internships for young people with disabilities. In 2023, 12 participants completed training, with 9 starting businesses and 3 securing part-time jobs.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Multidisciplinary culture centre operated by a majority of employees with sensory disabilities
Na Laga’at, a cultural centre in Israel, employs over 100 staff, 70% with sensory disabilities. Its theatre, restaurant, and workshops have hosted 1M+ visitors since 2007, promoting vocational training.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Quality brand and female leadership promoting textile production of women with disabilities
Alnour in Marrakech employs women with disabilities in Moroccan embroidery. By 2024, 40 women gained social security and skills training, collaborating with global institutions like NYC’s MET Museum.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A touring arts institution producing performing arts in sign language
Riksteatern Crea in Sweden creates sign-language performances for deaf audiences. With 6 staff, it is the largest Nordic employer of deaf artists, reaching 7,400 viewers annually.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Professional integration of people with disabilities in the local garment industry
FKDB in Central Java promotes inclusive employment in the garment sector. Its Kresna Patra program trained 500+ people by 2024, with 57 securing jobs in the industry or starting businesses.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Business and government-backed vocational training and job placement in the ICT sector
EmployAbility by the Guyana Council offers ICT and entrepreneurship training for individuals with disabilities. From 2016-2024, 624 were trained, with 42% employed and 80 starting businesses with grants.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Access, a DPO in Germany, bridges education and employment for people with disabilities. By 2024, it supported 350 job seekers yearly, leveraging a network of 1,500 employers and 70 staff.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
An online platform for the promotion of musicians with disabilities
Handiclapped in Berlin launched Pinc Music, a platform for musicians with disabilities, in 2021. By 2024, it featured 97 acts and attracted 25,000+ visitors annually, promoting inclusive concerts and bookings.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Vocational training for jobseekers with intellectual disabilities rolled out countrywide
Chance B’s KomKom program in Austria aids disadvantaged youth via dual apprenticeship models. Expanded nationally in 2019, it involved 270 trainees by 2024 with a strong certification system.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A large NGO prioritizing purchases from entrepreneurs with disabilities
World Vision Zambia connects entrepreneurs with disabilities to supply chains. By 2024, registered suppliers rose from 12 to 30, delivering goods like food and cleaning supplies via WhatsApp-based coordination.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
QADER’s Q-Hub in Palestine empowers youth with disabilities with jobs and business training. From 2020-2024, it trained 568 people, leading to 24 jobs and 42 self-employment opportunities.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
The Kennedy Center’s RKI program in DC offers arts internships to youth with disabilities. By 2024, 910 alumni excelled in roles like actors, filmmakers, and administrators, with annual intakes of 15-30 interns.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Yo Puedo, ¿Y Vos? in Costa Rica advances workplace diversity. From 2012-2024, it trained 1.5K people with disabilities, adapted 5K workplaces, and expanded regionally, promoting inclusive employment.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A replicable inclusive internship model for the civic sector
AHRC NYC’s PII program creates public-sector opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By 2024, 174 internships led to 45 hires across NYC, state, and federal agencies.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Fundacion Saraki's Mbarete Project in Paraguay supports entrepreneurs with disabilities. By 2024, 800+ were trained, 76 funded, and the program influenced tools by the Ministry of Labour.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
TRRAIN's Pankh program in India trained 30,500 persons with disabilities by 2024, leading to 22,763 employments. It empowers retail employees and creates inclusive workplaces nationwide.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A microfinance model built by persons with disabilities in rural sub-Saharan Africa
NUDOR's Save and Invest in Rwanda established 750 Savings Groups by 2024, with 22,500 members with disabilities starting microenterprises. The program plans to expand across provinces.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
An app for the labour inclusion of persons with high support needs
Fundación ONCE’s Ayho digital tool in Spain launched in 2024, aiding workers with disabilities via job coaching, support, and training. It reached 160 organizations and 850 users by year's end.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
High-tech based vocational training for deaf students and job placement in technology companies
Changsha College in China trains deaf jobseekers with ICT tools and specialized courses. In 2024, 282 students enrolled, maintaining a 96% graduate employment rate over three years.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
National mentorship model building confidence and disability-inclusive workplaces
CASE's MentorAbility in Canada organized 700 mentorships and 1,000+ events by 2023, connecting job seekers with disabilities to employers through mentorship hubs nationwide.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Making a global coffee supply chain fully inclusive – from growing to trading, roasting, and selling
The Lucy Foundation in New Zealand runs an inclusive coffee supply chain with workers with disabilities in Mexico and New Zealand. It employs, trains, and empowers individuals with disabilities.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Research institute that is fully inclusive in its staff, research, and publishing
The Donald Beasley Institute in New Zealand advances disability rights via inclusive research. A 13-member team, including researchers wirh disabilities and indigenous researchers, promotes accessibility.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
HandicapNL in the Netherlands launched 'From Learning to Earning' in 2023, with 400 apprenticeships for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Most participants work in retail or hospitality.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Easy-to-use, one-stop government service for the employment of persons with disabilities
Australia’s JobAccess hub offers comprehensive disability employment support. By 2024, it aided 500,000 people through helplines, workplace adjustments, and employer engagement.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Monopolverwaltung in Austria revamped tobacco store licenses for entrepreneurs with disabilities. By 2024, 1,218 stores were managed by individuals with disabilities under an EU-compliant process.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
An AI framework promoting inclusive employer practices for workers with disabilities
PEAT by the U.S. Labor Department promotes accessible technology. By mid-2024, its AI resources were accessed 130,000 times globally, aiding audits, certification, and scholarship programs.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Saudi Arabia's Mowaamah certifies inclusive companies. From 2014-2023, 3,000 workplaces improved accessibility standards, supported by 32,000 app subscribers.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
MAS Holdings in Sri Lanka employs 450+ workers with disabilities via the Supported Employment Process. By 2024, 19 SEOs trained to aid inclusivity across the organization.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Assessment, training, and job coaching for ICT professionals with autism
Critical Software in Portugal launched a Neurodiversity Program in 2021 in partnership with Specialisterne. The initiative expanded to other companies and cities hiring 28 autistic individuals in ICT roles by 2024.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A supported employment model for persons with intellectual and severe disabilities
Arbas Tirol in Austria’s Mittendrin program supported 104 individuals with disabilities by 2024, with 76 securing open-market jobs. The program focuses on personalized support and mentorship.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
On-demand, remote visual interpreting for the blind and low-vision community
Aira in California provides remote visual interpreting for visually impaired users. By 2024, it served 100K-250K users, partnering with firms like Amazon and state governments.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Enabling people with disabilities to work as delivery drivers by adapting their wheelchairs
NeoMotion in India launched Livelihood on Wheels in 2022, enabling 300+ delivery partners with disabilities with specialized mobility tools. By 2024, 5,000 users accessed its products.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A disability-inclusive waste management centre as a valuable partner for the circular economy
Kyklos in Chile runs CIR, a recycling center employing individuals with disabilities. By 2024, it employed 19 of 30 staff, combining waste management and inclusion.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Eight-month vocational training programme for young deaf people to become Apple software developers
iSchoolAfrica in South Africa started Deaf Developers in 2022, training youth in iOS development. By 2024, 7 of 8 graduates were employed, some teaching coding to deaf students.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A large manufacturing company tackling labour shortages with a strategic inclusion programme
Falcon Farms in Colombia integrates employees with disabilities into flower export operations. By 2024, 100+ workers with disabilities received equal pay, with 80 having hearing impairments.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Diakonie de La Tour in Austria created 20 jobs for individuals with disabilities via small enterprises. By 2024, businesses in catering and education fostered inclusivity.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A social robot ‘buddy’ for those with psychosocial disabilities
Happybots in the Netherlands developed Felix, a 'buddy' for psychosocial disabilities. By 2024, Felix supported 270 users across 55 organizations to improve mental well-being.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A large ICT company working strategically to train and employ people with visual disabilities
Salesforce’s Workforce Navigators trains professionals with disabilities in CRM software. From 2020-2023, 222 individuals earned certifications in inclusive tech roles.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A leading media company aiming at a target of 12 per cent of employees with disabilities
The BBC's Extend program reserves job roles for applicants with disabilities. By 2024, 100+ roles were adapted for accessibility, with a target of 12% of its workforce identifying as disabled.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A support programme for micro-entrepreneurs with complex disabilities
Sense International's Kenya program aids deaf-blind entrepreneurs. Launched in 2021, it supports microbusinesses and links them to commercial enterprises for sustainability.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A large ICT consulting company implementing a global programme to support neurodiverse employees
Capgemini's NeuroInclusion program creates ICT jobs for individuals with disabilities. By 2024, 5,000 employees across 6 countries received training for an inclusive workplace.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
An international ICT-service company expands based on its employees within the autism spectrum
Auticon employs 436 autistic IT specialists in 15 countries. By 2023, it trained 6,000 professionals globally, offering neurodiversity consulting and inclusion services.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A comprehensive and steadily growing employment model of a leading food retail company
Kaufland Romania hires workers with disabilities via the ACCES model. By 2024, 450+ staff with disabilities joined the workforce, with inclusive tools in stores and an expansion to Moldova.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A café chain employing 90 per cent of its staff with disabilities
Give & Take Coffee in China employs 93 workers with disabilities in accessible cafes. By 2024, it operated 14 stores, including a Singapore branch, using assistive AR technology.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A social enterprise creating inclusive jobs in the digital marketing sector
SOFAN in Chile trains individuals with disabilities in ICT via the SOFIA program. By 2024, 136 participants graduated, with 61 securing jobs using tailored, accessible resources.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Upskilling and matching academy to gain employment for the blind and visually impaired
Blind Institute of Technology’s IT program in the U.S. trained 251 professionals with disabilities by 2023, helping them secure high-paying jobs in tech with accessible tools.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A museum creating employment opportunities for people with various disabilities
Dialogue Japan trains persons with disabilities and elderly guides for inclusive museum programs. From 2020-2023, 94 individuals were employed in diverse entertainment initiatives.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Film production by deaf entrepreneurs, making accessible films for a hearing-impaired audience
Supervisuell AS in Norway produces accessible films for the deaf community. By 2024, it created 400+ videos and provided permanent jobs for 7 deaf individuals and temporary roles for 30 annually.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Making employment more inclusive through a country-wide movement of short-time work
SoftBank Corp in Japan launched a short-time work initiative from 2021-2023, increasing participating organizations from 121 to 170. It supports diverse work styles for people with disabilities.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Leading clothing company rolling out an inclusion programme on a global scale
Inditex in Spain employed 2,041 individuals with disabilities by 2024 through its Inclusion Programme, promoting accessibility across stores, logistics, and offices in 41 countries, focusing on intellectual disabilities.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Helm in Egypt launched Helm Academy, offering vocational training in Arabic and English. By mid-2024, 8,000 individuals were trained, with 40% securing employment within six months.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Bringing high-tech, brain-controlled prosthetics to users globally
Bioniks in Pakistan sold 700 prosthetics by 2024, leveraging AI tools and 3D scanning for custom designs. It employs 50 staff and aims for global expansion with affordable prosthetic solutions.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Developing various strategies to share eBooks with millions of deaf students
LoHo Learning in Kenya creates eBooks for the deaf using sign language. Partnering with eKitabu, it piloted projects in schools, enhancing digital access for teachers and children with hearing impairments.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Affordable solar-powered hearing aids with repair services and children’s hearing screenings
Deaftronics in Botswana sells solar-rechargeable hearing aids assembled by workers with disabilities. By 2023, it sold 7,500 units and partnered with WHO and UNICEF for expansion across Africa.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A fast growing, cross-country provider of video remote services for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons
Deafcom in the Czech Republic develops VRS/VRI software for deaf users, supporting phone calls and communication. By 2024, it operated in 9 European countries, facilitating 30,000 interpretations.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Online map providing detailed and verified data about the accessibility of medical facilities
The Avalon Foundation in Poland launched the Accessibility Map in 2020 to locate accessible medical facilities. By 2024, it covered 400 facilities and served 20,000+ users with specific accessibility needs.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A small and easy-to-wear mouse to control a computer with head movements
Quha Oy in Finland introduced Zono X, a head-controlled mouse for users with disabilities, in 2022. By 2024, it sold 350 units across 28 countries, improving accessibility in computing.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A free online vocational training and company engagement programme for all
Incluyeme.com in Argentina trained 4,000 individuals with disabilities in skills development by 2024. Over 518 participants gained employment with the support of 700 partnered companies.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A government-run inclusive employment ICT-platform used by several countries
Bangladesh's NISE project facilitated 2,000 employments for persons with disabilities by 2024. It offers career guidance, skill development, and job fairs through its inclusive ICT platform backed by UNDP.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Affordable, custom 3D-printed prostheses for underserved rural areas
Humanos 3D in Colombia supports 400+ prosthetic users via mobile clinics and open-source technology. Its 3D printing solutions reach rural areas, promoting affordable accessibility.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Empowering young people with dyslexia and other learning difficulties with a playful ICT-platform
Blink Foundation in India developed DLearners, aiding 2,120 dyslexic students by 2024. Using AI and game-based tools, it improves reading and writing skills in vernacular languages.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Making audio-translations from all types of contents available and affordable in 60 languages
Trestle Labs in India created Kibo, an AI tool converting text to audio in 60 languages. By 2024, it reached 193,000 users and operated in 650 institutions, promoting accessibility globally.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
Empowering clinicians with the skills and tools to deliver affordable prosthetic arms
Victoria Hand Project in Canada provides 3D-printed prosthetics to low-income amputees. Since 2015, it served 350 patients in 11 countries and trained 50+ healthcare workers globally.
Zero Project Awardee 2025
A global and free accelerator programme for start-ups building assistive technologies
Access to Success in Canada’s ATS Labs supports accessible start-ups. From 2019-2024, it funded 60 entrepreneurs in five countries through mentorship, resources, and funding.