Microsoft Italy has renewed its commitment to inclusion and social equity through technological innovation, announcing l’Hackathon “AI for Inclusion”. This initiative aims to promote the development of projects based on solutions Generative AI aimed at enhancing the diversity and ensure greater accessibility.
Microsoft Italy launches the Hackathon for accessibility through AI
Per Microsoft, l’Generative AI offers unprecedented opportunities to support people with disabilities in daily activities. A possible help both in everyday life and in the working context. This is why the announcement came during an event held at Microsoft House a Milano, in which Microsoft joined several corporate entities, startups, non-governmental organizations and associations to discuss the key role of digital in breaking down social barriers.
Participated AccessiWay, Alleanza Assicurazioni (Generali group), Italian Dyslexia Association, Capgemini, CNR, Diversity LAB, EY, FightTheStroke, FISH, Fondazione ASPHI Onlus, ISTAT, Novis Games, Polytechnic of Milan, Poste Italiane, Rai-CRITS, Telepass, UICI, Unicredit and URBI.
According to a survey conducted by STATE e FightTheStroke, in Italy 5.2% of the population is made up of people with disabilities. These people have an employment rate of 45.6%, below the EU average of 47.3%. In this scenario, theGenerative AI can play a crucial role.
L’Hackathon “AI for Inclusion” aims to support the conception, creation and development of digital-based ideas and projects. And it aims to promote social inclusion and reduce barriers in specific sectors. Open to companies, startups, associations and academic institutions, the goal of the hackathon is to combine skills, abilities and know-how to create innovative solutions in support of the inclusion of people with disabilities.
Value diversity and promote inclusion
This initiative is part of Microsoft’s broader plan, which aims to enhance diversity and promote social inclusion and equity. Microsoft has developed over the years inclusive products “by design“. Devices designed to be used by everyone right from the design phase, following a logic of Inclusive Design. Recently, it introduced Microsoft Copilot, integrating theGenerative AI in the most popular productivity tools. Which with natural language, makes the use of Microsoft tools more accessible.
Federico SuriaDirector of the Enterprise Commercial Division at Microsoft, commented: “In Italy, the employment gap between people with and without disabilities is 35.9%. Digital technologies offer unique opportunities to narrow this gapallowing individuals with disabilities to actively participate in society also through complete inclusion in the workplace”.