Access Activator
Whaikaha, in collaboration with Creative HQ, is piloting Access Activator to find, fund and grow accessibility solutions from across New Zealand.
Applications for the 2026 Access Activator programme have now closed. Thank you to everyone that applied.
Our Access Activator programme is about facilitating ideas that improve access for Deaf and disabled people, Turi Māori, tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau.
Successful applicants for 2026
The successful candidates for the 2026 Access Activator programme are:
- Access Quest – an app that helps to plan accessible journeys
- āhei – a platform making sport more inclusive for disabled children that is already being used by schools across the country
- People First: Easy Read Mobile Library – making Easy Read more available on mobile phones
- INSIGHT Research – a toolkit to make homes more autism-friendly
- Intermentis – an AI-driven smart doorstep assistant for disabled and elderly people
- Veera – an app for organisations to improve the accessibility of their buildings.
Types of funding and support
Idea stage – up to $25,000
For early concepts ready to build a prototype and test quickly with users.
Scale stage – up to $100,000
For solutions already tested and working, with a credible plan to expand adoption and impact.
Key dates for 2026
- Applications close: 11:59pm, Sunday 29 March
- Shortlisting: early April
- Decisions: late April
- Mentoring and delivery support: May to June
- Showcase/reporting: late June to July
Who can apply to the Access Activator programme
Anyone can apply. We want to encourage a wide range of ideas that improve access for Deaf and disabled people.
We consider relevant lived experience as part of each application.
When applications are open, we invite:
- disabled‑led groups and collectives
- Māori organisations and iwi entities
- NGOs
- social enterprises
- startups/small and medium enterprises
- partnerships that combine lived experience with delivery capability.
Individuals can apply with a fundholder (a legal entity that holds the grant).
Private companies can apply if they are a legal entity and meet contracting requirements.
How we assess applications
Applications are assessed on:
- lived experience and equity – involvement of Deaf/disabled people/Turi Māori/tāngata whaikaha Māori — and clear outcomes
- problem clarity and evidence – a real, defined need supported by insights
- feasibility – a realistic plan, team capability, and delivery by 30 June 2026 (with final reporting by 31 July 2026)
- impact and value — measurable benefits for users and a pathway for adoption or scale.
Note: our Accessibility Advisory Group helps guide our Accessibility Work Programme and is providing advice on the Access Activator project. The group does not have a decision-making role.