Scottish disability app wins global acclaim in United Nations-backed awards 

An Edinburgh-based startup which builds tech solutions for disabled people has won acclaim at the United Nations-backed World Summit Awards.

The accessibility app WelcoMe, designed by Neatebox, gives disabled people access to customer experiences in ways that meet their needs, improving communication between them and shop staff.

The digital solution links venues with customers, giving real-time advice on giving the best service to individuals tailored to their disability and their reasons for visiting.

The platform won the Inclusion and Empowerment Award at the summit awards and was announced as the only UK business within the WSA Global Top 40.

Neatebox, Founder and CEO, Gavin Neate, said: “The entire team at Neatebox has worked tirelessly to bring WelcoMe into existence. WelcoMe is a service which will truly revolutionise the way in which society interacts with its disabled members.

To be recognised at any time is fantastic but to represent your country and win a World Summit Award for inclusion and empowerment at a time when disabled people are under such dreadful strain due to the effects of Covid-19 is truly inspiring for us all.

“We very much hope that this award will raise awareness of what is possible and lead to us working with those countries and businesses who see the provision of services for disabled and vulnerable people as a reflection of their international standing in the world.”

The World Summit Awards select and promote digital solutions that address global issues and improve society. Following a rigorous assessment programme, the final jury of 43 internationally recognised experts selected 40 solutions from 26 countries announcing the winners last month. The winning organisations are diverse, and united by their impactful solutions for local communities, their technical finesse and strength in design and all receive the WSA globally recognised quality seal for digital innovation.

WSA Chairman Peter A. Bruck said: “The WSA Winners combine two major focus points – the commitment on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and solving societies’ issues with smart content applications. Evaluated by an international expert jury in two stages – a multi-stakeholder college unique in terms of diversity and background – the 40 WSA Winners have been tried for sustainability, aim, technical and strategic finesse. This year’s challenges show more than ever how much digital means can offer progress and solutions. This year’s WSA Winners present a wonderful showcase of purpose-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.“