African Assistive Technology (AT) accelerator Innovate Now has announced its eleventh cohort, featuring 19 ventures developing solutions in AI-powered accessibility, mobility, inclusive education, and digital inclusion. Innovate Now, implemented by Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D) in partnership with Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa, is a flagship accelerator of the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub, initiated with funding from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. It is currently backed by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and catalytic funding (NORAD), under the Digital AT Development and Entrepreneurship Project (2022-2026).As part of its 2026 intake, Innovate Now ran an AI for Accessibility Hackathon, where 15 ventures were built in just under 72 hours, and 10 selected to join the incubation programme. The remaining nine ventures were selected through an open call.The selected startups are Assistive Technology Launcher (ATL), BridgeTalk, J.A.R.V.I.S, Sautora, Sema Nami, AuraLearn, Chacha, ELEWA, Nikal Technologies, Smart Reader, SomaSoma AI, CoreGuard Mobility, HARIO, MAS, Orienta, Tusonge, BlackRhino VR, Gala, and Hydra.The 19 founders will now enter an eight-month incubation programme, where they will refine and validate their solutions with persons with disabilities, supported by industry experts and the Innovate Now curriculum. Through hands-on coaching, mentorship and real-world user testing with Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), startups will iterate continuously to ensure their products meet the everyday needs of persons with disabilities. The programme culminates in a Demo Day, where founders showcase their solutions to potential partners across the disability innovation ecosystem.“Being the latest cohort, these ventures are joining a programme shaped by years of learning and refinement over the years. We are excited to work alongside these innovators as they build promising solutions that will drive meaningful impact,” said Bernard Chiira, founder and CEO of AT4D.