Israeli accessibility startup RightHear, which aids people who are blind or visually impaired to get orientated in public spaces, recently won a global startup contest.

The Connect AI: Social Impact award was bestowed to RightHear for the best pitch, in which CEO Idan Meir presented the company’s vision to a panel of journalists from international business and tech magazines. The event was sponsored by the Publicize digital communications services company.

“I’m very proud of this incredible recognition, and thank the judges for choosing us as the winners,” Meir said following the win.

“Unlike other startups, RightHear has created a growing movement of people who strive to see a more accessible world for all of us. This is our unfair advantage at such competitions.”

RightHear was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Ra’anana in central Israel. Its accessibility solution is installed in more than 2,300 venues in Israel and worldwide. The small self-powered sensor utilizes Bluetooth technology to alert users of their surroundings via app.

Users can gain information on services, opening hours and special events, as well as on nearby points of interest and how to get to them. A live assistant feature enables users to request more information or guidance.

In Israel, the RightHear solution is deployed across business such as McDonald’s, Aroma coffee shops and the Azrieli Group malls, as well as locations such as the Open University campus and the Ramat Gan Safari.

Abroad, it has been put in use in a Dubai coffee shop, a Vancouver convention center and a bank in London, among others.

Earlier this year, RightHear was named one of 71 Zero Project award winners of 2023, which recognizes companies enabling disability inclusion.