Currently, about 96% of the world’s websites do not support WCAG standards, according to Webaim. More than +285 million people globally are visually impaired, and cannot use their accessibility tools at these sites. Thats not fair!
Today’s technological support for visually impaired individuals, such as screen readers, and built-in speaker functions in computers, and phones, relies on websites adhering to the WCAG standard. Without this compliance, these technologies cannot function effectively, rendering websites inaccessible. We are developing and launching a tool for web browsing specifically designed for the visually impaired. Imagine opening an app on your computer or phone, conversing with it to obtain information, and receiving responses in an interactive dialogue. This is now possible thanks to the latest advancements in AI technology over the past year.
In the Swedish government’s decision (SOU 2021:44) regarding the accessibility directive, it states:
”The Commission’s proposal for the directive anticipates that by 2020, approximately 120 million people in the EU will have varying degrees of disabilities, partly due to an aging population. Thus, a significant number of people will benefit from improved physical and digital accessibility. The directive often refers to individuals with disabilities, aligning with the ambition to fulfill commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”
According to the Internet Foundation (2020), 30% of individuals over 65 do not engage in e-commerce. Additionally, 36% of people with disabilities are unable to shop online due to the lack of accessibility in e-commerce platforms.
Our initiative aims to bridge this gap by creating an inclusive browsing experience that empowers visually impaired individuals to interact with digital content seamlessly.
Aigetit was awared and became part of the Social tides incubator during the spring 2024. Social Tides, funded by Google.org as part of the Google.org Social Innovation Fund, aims to address these challenges, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this initiative, we commit to empowering a diversity of ideas, and the people behind them, to build the capacity and capabilities of social innovation economy.
THE TEAM
We, the founders of this social enterprise company, share several common traits:
Björn Söderberg, a distinguished sustainability entrepreneur with a rich history of impactful ventures in Nepal. Björn’s journey began when he moved to Nepal, driven by a passion to make a difference. He founded Watabaran, a paper recycling company aimed at creating jobs for unemployed orphans and youth, showcasing his dedication to social entrepreneurship.Björn’s innovative spirit led him to establish Build Up Nepal, an organization committed to rebuilding homes and livelihoods for families affected by the devastating 2015 earthquake. By empowering local entrepreneurs with the tools and training needed to construct low-cost, eco-friendly housing, Björn has significantly contributed to sustainable development in rural Nepal, creating jobs and reducing CO2 emissions in the process (BuildUp Nepal) (WIN WIN Award).
Our second co-founder is Fredrik Strauss, a seasoned entrepreneur with track record in the ad-tech and digital marketing industries. Fredrik’s passion for innovation and growth has been evident throughout his career, spanning several successful ventures. With his extensive network of publishers, agencies, and advertisers across Europe highlights his influence and commitment to the industry – combined with a long and strong background in product development and a passion for online-tech, Fredrik continues to inspire and lead by example.
Our third co-founder is the communications group Thinc, where founder and CEO Anders Wallqvist has personally committed to this project. Helping young and vulnerable individuals has long been a driving force for both the company and Anders personally. Among his many contributions, Anders has volunteered with the organization Transfer for 15 years, helping hundreds of thousands of young people better understand the job market.