Hat-trick of award recognition for accessibility startup

The Leeds-based startup IMAGINaiTION has achieved recognition in Insider Media Yorkshire's 42 Under 42 awards and has been shortlisted as a finalist in two categories of the North East, Yorkshire & the Humber final of the StartUp Awards.

Jason Crispin, the founder of IMAGINaiTION, has been highlighted in the 2024 class of Insider's 42 Under 42, celebrating outstanding young business directors in Yorkshire and the Humber. Additionally, the company is in the running as a Rising Star at the StartUp of the Year Awards and is nominated in the Mobile Technologies category.

Founded in 2023, IMAGINaiTION is pioneering the use of AI and machine learning to streamline accessibility testing for mobile apps. The startup's mission is to enhance digital accessibility for the over a billion people worldwide with disabilities and neurodivergence, including dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD. By automating the accessibility evaluation process, IMAGINaiTION aims to assist app-based companies in developing inclusive digital offerings.

This year's UK StartUp Awards saw over 900 businesses shortlisted, all established within the past three years. These startups have significantly contributed to the economy by creating nearly 6,000 new jobs and generating annual revenues of £480 million.

Jason Crispin, founder of IMAGINaiTION, said: “Being shortlisted for these prestigious awards is not just an honour, it's validation of the hard work, dedication, and innovation that defines IMAGINaiTION. It signifies our commitment to breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive digital world. This recognition fuels our passion to continue driving change and shaping the future of mobile app accessibility.”

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the UK StartUp Awards, said: “Startup businesses are the lifeblood of any economy, being responsible for new jobs, innovation and wealth creation across the UK. All the finalists this year represent the best of those entrepreneurs who have spotted an opportunity and through their sheer hard work, talent and perseverance, have created amazing new businesses that are creating real impact in their sectors. Building on the success of previous years, we are now looking to identify the ‘best of the best’ with all the finalists who win their category in their region going on to represent their region at the first ever UK National StartUp Awards final later this year.”

Supported nationally by ScoreApp, GS1 UK, Starling Bank, OVHcloud, GiftRound, Airwallex, the StartUp Awards programme will celebrate the achievements of the amazing individuals who have turned an idea into an opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.

The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures. The winners from each region will then be invited to the first UK final taking place at Ideas Fest, the Glastonbury for Business festival in Tring, Hertfordshire on 12th September 2024.

Jason will join his peers in celebrating 42 Under 42 at Insider Media Yorkshire’s ceremony on April 18th at Royal Armouries, Leeds.