Innovation for the differently-abled.
Innovation to fight climate change.
The Able Initiative designs simple products to uplift the differently abled community.
We also conduct research on weaving sustainability into communities around the world.
Recent activity
I thank the UICCA for inviting me to the Google HQ for the launch of the Google/Micrometer entrepreneurship program!
It was great to connect with other entrepreneurs in the UAE, build sustainable solutions, and engage with mentors on methods to upscale the Able Initiative.
Waste palm wood chair
35% lower emissions
Built from waste wood
Free of Mechanical fittings
The impact:
- Wasted timber is sourced, instead of deforested timber, resulting in less waste generated in land-fills.
- Reduction in the demand for fresh timber, which in-turn reduces the need for deforestation.
- Less carbon emissions to produce, resulting in a greener material.
Braille Padlock
The braille padlock is a simple solution allowing the visually impaired to secure their houses and belongings effectively. This padlock has braille digits (1-9) engraved on the surface for easy identification.
It has helped visually impaired individuals by replacing traditional locks that aren’t designed to support them. It eliminates the need for a key-based lock (which cannot be opened if the key is misplaced).
The Able Initiative has tested, reviewed and distributed this padlock in blind schools in India.
Decentralised renewable energy systems
Decentralised renewable energy is the first step to bringing sustainable development to rural regions. It reliably empowers individuals to suffice without relying on government provisions. Such renewable energy also brings electricity access to deprived regions.
Our project focuses on bringing two things to the decentralised energy products:
- Accessibility (lower costs)
- Reliability and education (through maintenance, and understanding the systems)
Developing such products would accelerate rural economic development.
About the Able Initiative
We design aids that are simple, sustainable and affordable to cure problems faced by disadvantaged communities. We hope our innovations will reach the masses.
1 in 10
Individuals with special needs do not have access to assistive technologies in low-income regions. (WHO 2021), and 1 billion individuals need assistive technologies world wide.
Our goal
- Design simple products that improve lives of individuals.
- Distribute these products to clients.
- Foster a community that researches new technologies and designs solutions to the climate problem.
Our impact
So far we have designed and distributed 40 units of the braille padlock and have manufactured a novel Oriented Stranded Board chair to reduce carbon footprints. We continue to develop technologies such as decentralised renewable energy systems, and PVA based wheelchairs.
Waste palm wood Analysis
- reduction in carbon footprints by 40% compared to traditional steel chairs.
- manufactured to desired stiffness.
- 90% fabricated from waste wood.
We will be exhibiting the OSB chair at the Emirates recycling awards on June 5th. We thank the Emirates Environmental Group for inviting us.
Testimonials
The braille padlock allows me to lock my home. I no longer need to carry a key around. In the past, I have misplaced my key. The padlock solves this problem
Sachin Patil – Computer Science engineer and member of the Banajee Bind school.
Able Initiative 