At Mind the Bridge (MTB), we believe in the power of innovation to drive positive change in the world. We are proud partners of the Microsoft Entrepreneurship Positive Impact program, which supports groundbreaking startups that are making significant strides in inclusivity and environmental sustainability. Today, we are proud to showcase six exceptional startups that are making a real difference.

Driving Inclusivity

Inclusivity is not just a goal; it’s a necessity for a progressive society. By integrating diverse perspectives, we can foster environments where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. According to the World Bank, approximately 15% of the world’s population experiences some form of disability. This represents a significant and largely untapped market, where inclusive startups can play a crucial role in bridging the gap and providing solutions that benefit both individuals and businesses.

N-Vibe is revolutionizing navigation for the visually impaired. Their innovative wearable device provides haptic feedback to guide users safely and independently through their surroundings. N-Vibe has also extended its features to provide accurate indoor geolocation, further enhancing mobility and autonomy. By making both outdoor and indoor environments more accessible, N-Vibe is making cities more inclusive for everyone.
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Company References:
With over 25,000 users, N-Vibe already counts FOUNDATION VALENTIN HAÜY, the Cities of Paris and Monaco, among its clients, and is now targeting museums, malls, and hospitals.

#Accessibility #WearableTech #SmartCities #InclusiveInnovation

Signly is breaking down communication barriers for the deaf and hard of hearing. Many deaf individuals find “standard language” to be like learning a new language, which creates significant literacy challenges. Signly’s innovative solution offers on-demand sign language translation for digital content, making information accessible to everyone. Signly is paving the way for a more inclusive digital world.
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Company References:
Signly is already gaining traction in the UK, particularly in the banking industry with Bank of Scotland, Halifax, and Lloyds Bank. However, it has the potential to expand beyond this sector and assist all regulated businesses in adhering to the law and ensuring the inclusion of deaf people in our society, rather than marginalizing them.

#Accessibility #SignLanguage #TechForGood #InclusiveTech

Mentra is a pioneering platform dedicated to neurodiverse hiring. Neurodiversity refers to the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Mentra matches neurodiverse individuals with employers who understand the value of diverse thinking and unique problem-solving skills. Mentra is bridging the gap between talented individuals and inclusive workplaces.

Company References:
Mentra is collaborating with Microsoft on an AI-powered job-matching platform designed to connect neurodivergent job seekers with suitable opportunities, highlighting their strengths and skills. The platform aims to create a gamified environment for showcasing talent, providing access to upskilling, and offering personalized career planning. Mentra is seeking to connect with large corporations interested in making their workforce more inclusive by hiring neurodivergent individuals.

#Neurodiversity #InclusiveHiring #DiversityandInclusion #HRTech

Championing Environmental Sustainability

Mitiga Solutions is at the forefront of environmental risk management. A spinoff of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, their advanced AI-driven platform helps businesses predict and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, ensuring resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change.

Mitiga incorporates new data models based on physical and transient data to complement traditional models, enabling its clients in sectors such as finance, insurance, real estate, industry and retail to comply with European CSRD/SFRD legislation and make more cost-effective and sustainable investment decisions.

Company References and Funding:
In February 2024, Telefónica made a strategic investment in Mitiga Solutions as it aligns with the Group’s strategy of sustainable digitalization and safeguarding the value of its physical assets from increasing natural disaster risks. The two companies have already begun collaborating in various Telefónica business areas.

#EnvironmentalRisk #AI #ClimateTech #Sustainability

CreditNature is redefining the approach to environmental conservation. By providing a platform for businesses to earn carbon credits through sustainable practices, CreditNature incentivizes and tracks positive environmental impact, fostering a greener economy.

Company References:
Credit Nature is collaborating with the Scottish Government to encourage restoration projects and is seeking to connect with governments, companies and land owners involved in land restoration, sustainable land management, and those looking to reduce their carbon footprint or enhance their sustainability.

#CarbonCredits #Sustainability #GreenEconomy #ClimateAction

CommuteSaver offers a comprehensive solution for tracking and reducing CO2 emissions associated with corporate commuting. This innovative, AI-based mobile application seamlessly detects the mode of transportation used by employees, whether it be a bicycle, public transport, car, or other means. By automatically monitoring these transport modes, CommuteSaver provides detailed reports on the CO2 emissions generated by each employee’s commute. These reports are then aggregated to offer insights at both the individual and office levels. In addition to tracking emissions, CommuteSaver delivers data-driven recommendations tailored to help employees and companies reduce their carbon footprints and commuting costs. For instance, the app might suggest alternative routes, promote carpooling options, or highlight the benefits of increased public transport usage. With its user-friendly interface and robust analytics, CommuteSaver not only supports corporate sustainability goals but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility within the workplace. By adopting CommuteSaver, companies can make significant strides toward reducing their overall environmental impact and contribute to broader efforts to combat climate change.

#SmartTransportation #UrbanMobility #CleanAir #SustainableCities

Join the Movement

These startups exemplify the innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact that the Microsoft Entrepreneurship Positive Impact program aims to nurture. We invite investors and corporate clients to engage with these trailblazing companies and support their missions.

“You need collaboration with people of different perspectives, because that’s the only way we are going to crack the very tough challenges we have ahead of us.” – Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice President and President, National Transformation Partnerships, Microsoft.

If you are interested in partnering with these startups or learning more about our initiatives, please reach out to Mind the Bridge, a proud partner of Microsoft.

You can also see all the startups of the Microsoft Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact in our MTB Ecosystem.