Behind the Scenes at Zero Project

Building on our previous discussion about how we structure innovation data, this episode takes listeners behind the scenes of the Zero Project’s selection process—where hundreds of global nominations are screened, discussed, and narrowed down to build our annual Shortlist. Drawing on years of evaluation experience, Michael explains how clear thematic boundaries, disciplined criteria, and strategic categorization help turn a massive pool of submissions into a cohesive, impactful global community. What does it really mean for a project to be “on topic”? How do we evaluate innovation, impact, and scalability across diverse regions? And how are new AI tools like the "Nomination Buddy" set to transform the way organizations prepare their nominations in the future? Tune in to discover the practical steps, peer-review mechanics, and strategic choices that shape the Zero Project Shortlist and bring the disability-inclusion ecosystem together. 🔗⁠ Read Disability Innovation Insights on LinkedIn⁠Note: This audio version is offered to support accessibility and is not intended as a full podcast production.Human + AI Collaboration BreakdownWriting, editing, fact-checking, and all editorial decisions done by Michael Fembek (the human).Data analysis used during the creation of this blog post was powered by Zero Project Responsible AI.Proofreading was supported by ChatGPT.Audio versions of this post were generated using Eleven Labs, with an AI voice model of Michael.The visual uses original photography from the Zero Project Conference 2025, with image editing by Alessandro Gobello.

In this episode, Michael Fembek moves from theory to practice, exploring how useful clusters are actually built.Building on the previous discussion about why clustering matters, this episode takes listeners into the everyday reality of managing innovation data—where Excel spreadsheets, dropdown menus, and carefully designed categories become powerful research tools. Drawing on years of experience from the Zero Project, Michael explains how thoughtful data structures can prevent inconsistencies, accommodate overlapping categories, and create datasets that remain flexible as research evolves.Why should every cluster have its own column? What happens when projects fit into multiple categories at once? And how are AI tools like ChatGPT beginning to transform the way we discover patterns in large datasets?Tune in to learn practical principles for building clustering systems that are robust, adaptable, and genuinely useful for understanding innovation ecosystems.🔗 Read Disability Innovation Insights on LinkedInNote: This audio version is offered to support accessibility and is not intended as a full podcast production.Human + AI Collaboration BreakdownWriting, editing, fact-checking, and all editorial decisions done by Michael Fembek (the human).Data analysis used during the creation of this blog post was powered by Zero Project Responsible AI.Proofreading was supported by ChatGPT.Audio versions of this post were generated using Eleven Labs, with an AI voice model of Michael.The visual uses original photography from the Zero Project Conference 2025, with image editing by Alessandro Gobello.

In this episode, Michael Fembek explores a deceptively simple question: what makes a cluster useful?Building on the previous discussion about clustering innovation, this episode dives into the many different ways projects can be grouped—from regions and sectors to disability types, themes, and technologies. Drawing on examples from the Zero Project’s global research, Michael explains why there is rarely a single “correct” way to cluster innovations, only approaches that are more or less useful depending on the purpose.Why can alphabetical clustering be almost meaningless? What makes regional classifications surprisingly complicated? And how do research teams navigate overlapping categories, evolving disability definitions, and cross-cutting innovations?Tune in to learn how thoughtful clustering helps uncover patterns, improve decision-making, and better understand innovation ecosystems.🔗 Read Disability Innovation Insights on LinkedInNote: This audio version is offered to support accessibility and is not intended as a full podcast production.Human + AI Collaboration BreakdownWriting, editing, fact-checking, and all editorial decisions done by Michael Fembek (the human).Data analysis used during the creation of this blog post was powered by Zero Project Responsible AI.Proofreading was supported by ChatGPT.Audio versions of this post were generated using Eleven Labs, with an AI voice model of Michael.The visual uses original photography from the Zero Project Conference 2025, with image editing by Alessandro Gobello.

What does it take to truly understand innovation—and scale what works?In this episode, Michael Fembek explores why clustering is a key tool for analyzing and scaling innovation. Drawing on the Zero Project’s work, he explains how grouping innovations helps reveal patterns, differences, and standout features.From employment models to accessibility guidebooks, many solutions emerge independently around the world. But are they unique—or part of broader trends? And how can decision-makers identify what is truly scalable?Tune in to learn why clustering sits at the heart of innovation and accessibility.🔗⁠ Read Disability Innovation Insights on LinkedIn⁠Note: This audio version is offered to support accessibility and is not intended as a full podcast production.Human + AI Collaboration BreakdownWriting, editing, fact-checking, and all editorial decisions done by Michael Fembek (the human).Data analysis used during the creation of this blog post was powered by Zero Project Responsible AI.Proofreading was supported by ChatGPT.Audio versions of this post were generated using Eleven Labs, with an AI voice model of Michael.The visual uses original photography from the Zero Project Conference 2025, with image editing by Alessandro Gobello.

What does real accessibility look like when it’s built from the ground up—not by governments or corporations, but by communities, innovators, and people with lived experience?In this episode, Michael Fembek explores the stories and insights behind the Zero Project’s 2026 Call for Nominations, which received a record 586 innovations from 93 countries. From AI-powered navigation tools and inclusive health care models to tactile learning kits made with local materials, these initiatives show how accessibility is being redefined—decentralized, community-driven, and deeply human.Drawing from thinkers like Amartya Sen, John Rawls, and Elinor Ostrom, Michael reflects on what these innovations reveal about progress, justice, and the power of self-organizing ecosystems.Tune in to hear how people across the globe are building accessibility!Note: This audio version is offered to support accessibility and is not intended as a full podcast production.🔗⁠ Read Disability Innovation Insights on LinkedIn⁠Human + AI Collaboration BreakdownWriting, editing, fact-checking, and all editorial decisions done by Michael Fembek (the human).Data analysis used during the creation of this blog post was powered by Zero Project Responsible AI.Proofreading was supported by ChatGPT.Audio versions of this post were generated using Eleven Labs, with an AI voice model of Michael.The visual uses an original photo from the Zero Project Conference, with image editing by Alessandro Gobello.

For more than a decade at the Zero Project, Michael Fembek has collaborated with entrepreneurs, academics, practitioners, policymakers, and experts around the world to identify, understand, and replicate innovations that advance disability inclusion.This new podcast goes beyond storytelling — combining data, analysis, and thoughtful commentary to uncover what truly drives progress in accessibility and inclusion.In this short teaser episode, Michael introduces the vision behind the series and what listeners can expect in the episodes to come.🔗Episode's transcript 🔗Read the newsletter on LinkedIn