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7 Remarkable new startups


One of the largest under-served global markets is disability, and we have just launched our fourth cohort with 7 startups creating technology for the benefit of people with disability.

From startups using AI to teach children with dyslexia to read, to others using virtual reality to take physically disabled people on virtual excursions, these startups are doing more than just creating tech to make life that little bit easier – they are creating technology to make life possible.

“We’re excited to welcome this latest cohort. There is great diversity in the startups and each of the founders have a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities,” said Pete Horsley, founder of Remarkable.

“Applications came from Australia and across the globe – including Azerbaijan, Israel, Ghana, Brazil and Portugal, however we are really proud of the startups who were selected.”

The Cohort 4 Startups are:

  • Bookbot empowering those with learning disabilities to become confident, independent learners through a reading assistant app.
  • JobMatcher – using predictive artificial intelligence to match the most relevant positions for each job seeker, particularly tackling the low employment rates for people with disability.
  • NomadVR – bringing highly stimulating virtual reality experiences to empower anyone without the means to go outside with the ability to do so much more.
  • Our Care Journal – an app created with carers for carers, offering a way to organise everyday care needs, find services, communicate with others and arrange important information.
  • PolySpine – a customised, modular torso and head support system that enables people with physical disability to participate in various recreational and rehabilitation activities.
  • sameview – a trusted online platform for easier, and better disability care coordination.
  • Spokle – a speech therapy app in your pocket that provides practical, family- centred communication strategies to support children with communication disorders.

Since inception in March 2016, Remarkable has worked with 26 startups to make a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities. They have seen 82 full-time equivalent jobs created through the startups, and 2,517 customers with a disability served.

Two minutes with the Founder of Autism Swim, Erika Gleeson


Erika Gleeson
Erika Gleeson, Founder of Autism Swim

Erika Gleeson is the Founder of Autism Swim, one of seven startups in Cohort 3 of the Remarkable Accelerator this year. We sat down with Erika to find out more about Autism Swim, what parts of the program she’s looking forward to and what she’s nervous about….

Tell us about Autism Swim. What’s the problem you’re solving for people with disability?

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism Swim are water safety and swimming specialists, on a mission to facilitate change, and address the many reasons as to why the problem exists.

What inspired you to start this?

We stumbled across the hugely underreported drowning statistics, specifically that children with ASD are 160 times more likely to drown than their paediatric peers. Being that we are ASD specialists, we leapt into action and as a result, Autism Swim was born.

What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing with building Autism Swim and how do you think Remarkable can help you overcome it?

We are autism specialists who understand the problem very well, however we’re excited to work with Remarkable to come up with a more tech-focus to the organisation. Through Remarkable’s guidance and network, we look forward to reaching as many swimming instructors, families and participants as possible in order to facilitate as much change as we intend to.

What parts of the accelerator are you most looking forward to?

I’m particularly looking forward to the concentrated support which will be received through our mentors; as well as working collaboratively with the other teams in the cohort – watching them all grow and us learning from one another.

Are there any parts of the accelerator that you’re nervous about?

Regardless of how much public speaking I’ve done, I still get nervous about pitching; so I can’t say that part of it excites me, however it’s obviously one of the many necessary and very valuable evils of startup life!

Do you have any tips for startups who are trying to get on an accelerator program?

Articulate exactly what you are hoping to get out of the program, not only because you will be asked this question a lot along the journey, but because it will help you with your application. I’ve met a lot of startups that can articulate the problem they are trying to solve well, however when it comes to explaining their solution, it’s not succinct and transparent enough. Knowing how to explain your organisation (particularly the solution) effectively and efficiently, will be a constant golden ticket throughout the journey.

What is your top tool, blog, book or podcast that you recommend to others?

I’m reading a lot of change-making books right now for inspiration (e.g just finished the Fred Hollows autobiography). Enjoying Hidden Brain podcast as well as any books centred on efficiency, of which there are many great ones.

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