Last week we found the three winners of our Abilitypreneur of the Year award which is an unique innovation contest which highlights entrepreneurs that focus on diverse abilities.
The thinking behind the contest is to nurture business ideas that include an ability variation perspective in their business concept as Nordea wants to contribute to more inclusive workplaces and societies. This year it was held in Finland for the second time, ran for the third time in Denmark and in Sweden the contest celebrated its 6-year anniversary.
Åsa Nilsson Billme, Strategic Advisor on Diversity & Inclusion.
“Through the Abilitypreneur of the Year award, we want to put the spotlight on businesses and organisations that do more for inclusion with regards to ability variations,” says Åsa Nilsson Billme, Strategic Advisor on Diversity & Inclusion in Nordea and continues:
“This way, we want to encourage a positive development where all people are experiencing equal value, both as employees and customers. We want learn more, share the learnings and contribute to new thinking and ideas around innovation, target groups and workplaces.”
The three winners
Finland
Quha Oy who designs and manufactures electronic assistive devices for people with mobility impairments was the Finnish winner. Their best-known products include a wireless gyroscopic head mouse that enables computer use without hands. Founded in 2012, Quha sells its products globally in over 30 countries.
Winner in Denmark was ReeLieve who has developed an app that serves as a digital assistance dog. The solution uses smartwatch technology and is designed for people affected by PTSD. The solution helps manage stress and anxiety in real-time which widens the users ability to participate in society.
The Swedish winner was Min Ekonom, a solution which aims at preventing financial digital exclusion. Min Ekonom is a digital tool – a coach – that supports people in understanding the value of money in a society where fewer and fewer shops and cafés accept cash as a means of payment.
Everybody should have equal access to an active life
Entrepreneurship
Lasse W. Madsen, who was last year's winner of our Danish Handipreneur prize, insists that all amputees should be able to afford a prosthetic leg. That has given both himself and other leg amputees all over the world their future back.
We believe that a variety of personalities, backgrounds and experiences lays the foundation for great performance, and that making use of all our different qualities enables us to serve our diverse range of customers much better.
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