Call for
Zero Project Awards for Innovative Solutions
About Organisation
The Zero Project is a global initiative committed to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. It works to identify, promote, and support innovative solutions that effectively remove barriers in different areas of life, including education, employment, accessibility, and independent living. The project brings together a diverse community of changemakers comprising NGOs, governments, academic institutions, businesses, and persons with disabilities from over 180 countries.
Hosted annually at the United Nations Office in Vienna, the Zero Project Conference serves as a unique platform where awardees present their impactful solutions to a wide international audience. The Zero Project further strengthens global collaboration through thematic reports, a publicly accessible database, and AI-based tools built from awardees’ data to inform inclusive decision-making.
By highlighting practical, scalable solutions, the Zero Project inspires and enables replication worldwide. It aims to build a world with zero barriers for people with disabilities by creating a global movement rooted in innovation, impact, and inclusion. Through its awards and extensive networks, the Zero Project connects thought leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders to create sustainable and inclusive change for all.
About the Grant
The Zero Project Awards recognize and support outstanding, innovative solutions that advance disability inclusion globally. For the 2025 cycle, the awards focus on three key themes: Accessibility, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Crisis Response.
Awardees of the Zero Project Awards receive global visibility and networking opportunities by presenting their solutions at the Zero Project Conference 2026 (#ZeroCon26), hosted at the United Nations Office in Vienna. Selected initiatives are also featured in the widely circulated Zero Project Report and listed in the Zero Project Database, which informs global stakeholders and is used to power disability-inclusive tools and technologies.
Further benefits include the opportunity to join the global Zero Project Network of over 10,000 experts and participation in regional and thematic initiatives, such as those in India, Ibero-America, and the Asia-Pacific.
Nominations must clearly show how the solution demonstrates innovation, has measurable impact, and offers scalability. The selection process is highly focused on clear, factual presentations that make the solution understandable to both experts and the wider public. Awardees may also be involved in follow-up initiatives aimed at replication and scaling of their projects.
Who can Apply?
The Zero Project Awards are open to changemakers and organizations from around the world, regardless of sector, organizational size, or country. This includes non-profits, social enterprises, corporations, government bodies, academic institutions, and grassroots initiatives working on disability inclusion.
To be eligible, applicants must nominate a solution that is innovative, impactful, and scalable. The solution should directly address barriers faced by persons with disabilities and fall under one or more of the thematic areas for this cycle: Accessibility, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or Crisis Response.
Each nomination must be submitted in English. While AI-translation tools may be used, applicants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all information provided. The nomination should focus on concise, factual content that clearly outlines how the solution meets the selection criteria. Submissions must include 3 to 5 photographs illustrating the solution’s impact or functionality.
Optional supporting materials such as annual reports or presentations may be uploaded, provided they offer new and relevant insights. These additional documents should not repeat or duplicate content already submitted in the form.
All applicants must demonstrate how their solution benefits persons with disabilities and has potential for replication or scale.
How to Apply?
To apply, submit your nomination through the designated form in English, clearly outlining the solution’s innovation, impact, and scalability. Upload 3 to 5 relevant photographs and, optionally, supporting documents such as reports or presentations. Use clear, concise language to help reviewers understand your solution. Ensure all content is accurate, especially if using AI-translation tools, and highlight how your solution benefits persons with disabilities.
Application Deadline
All nominations for the Zero Project Awards must be submitted by 22 June 2025. Late submissions will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
Last Date To Apply
The final date to submit your application for the Zero Project Awards is 22 June 2025. Ensure all materials are complete and submitted before this deadline to be considered for evaluation.
Grant Amount
The Zero Project Awards do not offer direct financial grants. Instead, they provide global recognition, networking opportunities, international presentation platforms, and access to a powerful community and database to scale your impact.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
