SensePilot Wins the First Accessibility Innovation Prize by The Contentsquare Foundation
Paris, December 5, 2024 – The Contentsquare Foundation is proud to announce the winner of its inaugural Accessibility Innovation Prize: SensePilot, an assistive technology innovation that empowers individuals with low mobility to control computers using only head movements and facial gestures. The project was selected from a competitive pool of groundbreaking solutions submitted by innovators across Europe and the United Kingdom.
The Accessibility Innovation Prize, a key initiative under the Contentsquare Foundation’s Research & Innovation pillar, was launched in July 2024 to recognize and support impactful digital accessibility solutions that significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities. With its creative approach and commitment to inclusion, SensePilot exemplifies the values this prize was designed to celebrate.
SensePilot’s cutting-edge software solution enables users to control a PC using only a standard webcam, integrating features such as head tracking, facial gestures, and plans for voice and eye tracking. The platform lowers the barriers to assistive technology by eliminating the need for expensive hardware, offering an affordable and scalable solution for all. The project impressed the jury with its potential to revolutionize accessibility across gaming, shopping, and online navigation experiences.
“SensePilot is a testament to the power of innovation to drive inclusion,” said Marion Ranvier, Executive Director of the Contentsquare Foundation. “We were deeply inspired by their commitment to making assistive technology affordable and scalable.”
As the winner of the Accessibility Innovation Prize, SensePilot receives a 10,000-euro cash prize to further develop their solution. In addition, Sensepilot will receive expert mentoring from leading professionals in the field at Microsoft, L’Oréal and Skyscanner.
The jury comprised of Philippe Trotin, Director of Accessibility at Microsoft France; Anthony Babkine, Co-Founder of Diversidays; Heather Hepburn, Head of Accessibility at Skyscanner; Margaret Johnston-Clarke, Global Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at L’Oréal Group; and Marion Ranvier, Executive Director of the Contentsquare Foundation.
The announcement was made during the Contentsquare Foundation’s first annual event in Paris, where SensePilot’s CEO and Co-Founder, Mike Hazlewood, presented the project to an audience of over 100 leaders from the private and public sectors. The Contentsquare Foundation extends its gratitude to all applicants for their inspiring work and dedication to digital inclusion. We look forward to seeing SensePilot and other innovative projects continue to evolve and create meaningful change.
For more information, please visit https://contentsquare-foundation.org/apply/