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INNOVATEAble Pitchfest 2025 Results: The Envelope Please…

July 30, 2025 by lkarl

The virtual competition took place last Friday, July 25th, and highlighted impressive pitches from:

  • ADAPTS: A lightweight transfer sling for safer mobility in tight or inaccessible spaces.
  • BoardSafe Docks: Adaptive kayak launches and floating docks that expand waterfront access.
  • Koda: AI-powered live captioning that works on any device, no app required.
  • Lotus: A smart ring that controls devices with a simple point—no Wi-Fi or rewiring needed.
  • RightHear: Audible wayfinding for blind and low vision travelers navigating indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • ScanMeHome: A QR-code ID system that helps quickly reunite loved ones who may wander.
  • Touch2See: 3D Tablets that let blind sports fans follow the action in real time.

The judges praised the caliber of entries and noted just how tough the competition was this year. With so many standout innovations, choosing winners wasn’t easy. In the end, real-time announcements revealed the final rankings:

1st Place (tie): BoardSafe Docks and Lotus
2nd Place:
ScanMeHome
3rd Place:
Koda

People’s Choice Award: Scan Me Home

Special thanks to our judges: Nick Nerbonne of Travel Michigan, Chris Maher of Samaritan Partners, Autumn Saxton-Ross from the National Recreation and Park Association, and Kristine McConnell of Travel Oregon.

Stay tuned for videos and special features highlighting each innovation!

Rethinking Accessibility Survey Highlights How Travel Industry Partners Can Better Share Accessibility Features Already in Place
Calling All Filmmakers: TravelAbility Launches Inaugural Film Festival Showcasing the Future of Accessible Travel Storytelling

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Filed Under: Blind and Low Vision Travel, Disability Advocates, Disability Awareness, Hearing, Mobility, Neurodiversity, Parks and Public spaces, Technology, TravelAbility Events, Vision

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