MaRS Discovery District,
101 College St,
Toronto,
M5G 1L7
What’s happening The Accessibility Innovation Showcase profiles innovative accessibility technology and assistive device companies. Motivational speakers, artists and athletes will share their
What’s happening
The Accessibility Innovation Showcase profiles innovative accessibility technology and assistive device companies. Motivational speakers, artists and athletes will share their experiences and demonstrate how technological advancements can improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Coinciding with the 2015 Parapan American Games and in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this high profile event brings together top innovators, investors, local and international dignitaries, government and the public.
Hackathon
Teams of programmers will use rapid-prototyping to solve an accessibility-related challenge in just 48 hours. The winning team will receive $5,000. Catch the results, including 3D printed models, and learn who wins on August 9.
Tech pitch competition
Companies will compete for a grant of $20,000 from the Ontario Centres of Excellence to help them develop their accessibility technology and business. Don’t miss the semi-finalists as they pitch their ideas to a group of investors on August 9. The winner will be announced on August 10.
Inspiring speakers and entertainers
Discover how technology developed to help people with disabilities — like touch screens and gesture control — is changing the world for everyone. Learn how para-athletes train and find out what it takes to become a world champion. Be inspired by talented singers and musicians.
View the main stage schedule
Exhibitor showcase
Discover more than 50 innovative companies and their newest developments including exoskeletons and wearables, specialized apps, prosthetics, personalized robotics, and smartphone-delivered treatments and therapies. Visit the Kids Zone and Sport Zone to enjoy live technology demonstrations and interactive exhibits.
View the exhibitor list and floor plan
Jane’s Walk and iDAPT tours
Join our Jane’s Walk accessibility-focused guided tour through downtown Toronto, and then tour the iDAPT lab to learn how we’re solving common problems like slipping on icy sidewalks.
Who should go
The showcase will appeal to:
- investors looking for companies with high investment potential in this relatively untapped industry (for more information, contact us at accessibility.showcase@ontario.ca or use the Contact Us form)
- innovators wanting to exhibit their technological innovations and participate in investment and industry networking opportunities
- members of the public interested in innovative new technologies and how they are helping people with disabilities and changing the world