Remarkable, a disability technology accelerator, organized its inaugural 2025 Disability Tech Summit at Sydney Town Hall, marking the event’s first occurrence in Australia. Founded by Australia’s Cerebral Palsy Alliance in 2016, Remarkable has extended its reach to the U.S., previously hosting summits in San Francisco and San Diego. The organization manages two yearly accelerator programs: one for startups based in the U.S. and another for startups worldwide, including those in Australia.

Pete Horsley, founder of Remarkable, emphasized the Australian government’s yearly $100 billion investment in disability and aging, underscoring the immense global potential for innovation within this sector. He asserts that Australia’s research strengths and leadership capabilities can propel growth in the disability sector on a global scale.

The summit featured nine startups transforming assistive technology:

**ByStorm Beauty**: Launched by Storm Menzies, ByStorm Beauty develops makeup tools for individuals with disabilities. Drawing from her personal experiences, Menzies invented attachments that easily connect to makeup products, facilitating simpler usage. The Betty grip and Margie paddle cater to various needs and are crafted from medical-grade silicone. ByStorm Beauty ships to Canada, the UK, and New Zealand.

**Possibility Neurotechnologies’ Think2Switch**: Co-founded by Dion Kelly, Think2Switch is a brain-computer interface that allows users to operate devices through brain-sensing headsets. It presents an accessible and economical solution for individuals facing mobility and communication difficulties. Based in Canada, Think2Switch has served over 100 families and aims to venture into consumer technology and toys.

**Field of Vision**: This Irish startup, inspired by a viral video, created handheld haptic devices for individuals with low vision to follow live sports events. The device employs AI cameras or manual tracking to deliver real-time information, enabling users to engage in sports alongside others. Field of Vision intends to enhance its device’s compatibility with additional sports.

**Understanding Zoe**: An AI-supported application developed by Laetitia Andrac to monitor the health of neurodivergent children. The app records behaviors and provides insights to reveal triggers and effective calming strategies. Understanding Zoe partners with researchers and professionals to ensure ethical, strengths-based care.

**Rampey**: Established by Jay Davey, Rampey is an AI-driven robotic ramp that autonomously aligns itself at train doors, removing the necessity for staff intervention. The ramp adjusts to the angles and heights of trains, improving accessibility for wheelchair users. Rampey aims for global expansion and is exploring implementations in other transportation methods.

**Umps**: A personal alarm enterprise inspired by co-founder Adam Jahnke’s grandfather’s incidents of falling. Umps provides pendants and watches linked to a home hub, with plans to add more services and AI wellness assessments. The startup seeks to boost user autonomy and agency.

**Hailo**: Co-founded by Santiago Velasquez, Hailo is an application that supports people with disabilities in catching public buses. It notifies drivers about passengers waiting at stops while offering trip-planning and real-time vehicle information. Hailo conducted trials in New South Wales and plans to broaden its reach internationally.

**Rove**: Produces lightweight, customizable wheelchairs constructed from 3D-printed titanium and carbon fiber. Rove emphasizes both aesthetics and functionality, creating chairs that reflect users’ preferences. As it expands into the U.S. and Europe, Rove is currently selling globally through its online platform.

**Marco Polo**: A housemate matching service for NDIS participants, enabling them to select their own housemates. Co-founded by Amy Connelly and Aaron Cotton, Marco Polo focuses on fostering connections and compatibility, offering free access to participants and subscription options for care providers. The platform has already attracted over 600 users.