NEC X is proud to share that Elev X! participant WeWALK has been named to Forbes’ first-ever Accessibility 100 list, which honors companies making the most meaningful impact in advancing accessibility and inclusion worldwide.
WeWALK’s patented smart cane and app harness cutting-edge technology and advanced AI to detect above-ground obstacles and tackle key challenges for blind and visually impaired people.
Its latest model, the WeWALK Smart Cane 2, adds enhanced obstacle detection alongside next-generation safety, navigation, and AI features. The cane connects via Bluetooth to an app, enabling users to speak into the handle for step-by-step directions or nearby transit information. Integration with agentic AI tools like ChatGPT further empowers users to get answers, discover nearby points of interest and learn more about the world – without needing to take out a phone.
This recognition from Forbes places WeWALK among a global community of innovators, advocates, and changemakers – from groundbreaking startups to technology leaders like Apple and Google – all working to create a more equitable future.
“WeWALK’s inclusion on Forbes’ Accessibility 100 recognizes that their innovation can truly change lives,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President & CEO of NEC X. “From the day they joined our Elev X! program, their vision to reimagine mobility for visually impaired people has inspired us. We’re proud to have fueled their journey and can’t wait to see how far they’ll go.”
WeWALK first connected with NEC X after winning the NEC Innovation Challenge 2022. Soon after, it joined our Elev X! Venture Studio Program, where it gained access to mentoring, technical support, validation from NEC researchers, and access to NEC’s computer-vision technology.
“Being named to Forbes’ Accessibility 100 is an honor,” said Kursat Ceylan, Co-founder of WeWALK. “NEC X gave us more than funding. Their guidance, technology and support helped us scale our impact and advance our mission of helping visually impaired people move with greater confidence and independence.”
WeWALK exemplifies the transformative innovation NEC X champions: solutions that not only harness advanced technology but also drive real-world change.
For more information about WeWALK, visit https://wewalk.io/en/.