Hable, the Eindhoven-based startup that gives people with blindness the option to use their smartphone, has won the 4TU Impact Challenge. Dutch 4TU Impact Challenge is a competition organized by 4 technical universities: TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, Wageningen University & Research, and the University of Twente. Out of 8 finalists, pitching on the 30th of November, Hable was selected as the best Dutch start-up of the year.

The competition took place at Slush 2021, which is one of the biggest technology events, held in Helsinki, Finland this year. 

The Hable entrepreneurs were deemed exceptional by the jury because they maintain close communication with their consumers and community. As a result, their solution integrates smoothly with the demands of its users, 86% of whom are extremely satisfied with their purchase. 
     
“We are making sure people who are blind and visually impaired can stay in control of their lives and can continue to enjoy freedom and independence”, says Freek, co-founder of Hable.
 
A long time ago Ayushman started developing Hable One’s prototype for his blind grandfather. Back in the days, he had no idea it would turn into such a promising start-up. 

Hable is already active in three markets: the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK. So far, they have received fabulous responses from their customers of all ages from 8 years old to 82. “Launching in these three countries at once allows us to operate in a market of over 2.5 million people with a visual impairment. Currently, we are focusing on helping more than 450.000 blind people first. Thanks to our partnerships we are able to move this quickly without losing quality in customer service.” – Ayushman Talwar, CEO, and co-founder of Hable. But they do not want to stop there, Hable aims to create a community and bring people together so that they can help each other. 
 

The 4TU Impact Challenge is known as a competition during which entrepreneurs show what they can return to society with their newfound knowledge and help to ensure its sustainability. During the ceremony, Ayushman Talwar and Freek van Welsenis, co-founders of Hable, mentioned that now they are even more excited and inspired, and are ready for new challenges. They state: “Our dream is to make the Hable One available in every country around the globe. Our solution solves a global problem, and we will make sure everyone can benefit.”

Contact: olga@iamhable.com