Innovation Showcase: #1: Participant Life

Innovation Showcase: Participant Assistive Products

Mobility isn’t a luxury—it’s a fundamental right. As our inaugural feature in the Innovation Showcase Series, we’re proud to introduce Participant Assistive Products (Participant Life), a forward-thinking social enterprise revolutionizing accessible, durable, and affordable mobility solutions for people with disabilities—especially children.

A Clear Vision, A Bold Mission

• Founded in 2018 by four seasoned experts with over 100 years of collective experience in assistive tech, Participant exists to bridge the gap: nearly 40 million people in middle-income countries lack access to essential wheelchairs.Instagram+4Participant Life+4LinkedIn+4Participant Life+1together.mofo.com+7Participant Life+7finifox.com+7

• Their bold mission: “No one should be left behind.” A belief anchored in inclusive design, empowering users to participate fully in life, from play to school to community.Participant Life

• As a pending B‑Corp, Participant embeds social and environmental metrics in its business model:

  • Products undergo external evaluation and lifecycle assessments.

  • No planned obsolescence—durability is baked in.

  • 5% of profits go toward nonprofit partners.LinkedIn+9Participant Life+9Sorenson Impact Foundation+9

Mobility Products That Empower

Participant’s lineup blends functionality, adaptability, and affordability—designed with real-world users in mind:

Cub — Pediatric Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair

(as pictured in many of the visuals above)

• Tilts from –9° to 45°, aiding posture and pressure relief.

• Lightweight—the heaviest part is just 13 kg (29 lb).

• Folds quickly—ideal for travel or fitting in small vehicles.

• Adjustable frame: accommodates growing children (hip widths from 7½” to 14⅜”).

• Includes activity tray, offers terrain adapters, multiple spare parts, and a 3-year warranty.finifox.com+9Participant Life+9finifox.com+9

• Available globally (Europe, Japan, and beyond) and offers Social Impact Pricing for NGOs and distributors.Participant Life+1

Wildebeest — Rugged All-Terrain Wheelchair

(pictured in the lower-right image)
Designed for adventure and durability:

• Long wheelbase for stability.

• Quick-release rear wheels and a foldable seat for transport.

• Ultra-light at 12.1–16.3 kg, supports users up to 130 kg.

• Highly adjustable: seat width (250–350 mm), backrest, angles, footrest, and center of gravity.

• Comes with repair kit and carry bag.Instagram+6finifox.com+6Participant Life+6LinkedIn+9finifox.com+9finifox.com+9

Springbok, Pony Lite, Jelly

• Springbok: Lightweight, sleek for daily mobility.

• Pony Lite: Strong, foldable transport chair—built to last.

• Jelly: A feather-light cushion for pressure relief and postural support.Sorenson Impact Foundation+4Participant Life+4Participant Life+4

All Participant products are built to thrive in imperfect accessibility conditions—rough terrain, small living spaces, and varying climates.Participant Life

Recognition & Social Impact

Participant's work isn't just innovative—it's impactful:

• Cub won the Audience Choice Award at the 2021 Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America conference.

• Selected for the 2022 Remarkable Accelerator, supporting disability-inclusive ventures.

• Won the ASME iShow award in 2024.Instagram+11Participant Life+11Participant Life+11

• Backed by a program-related investment from the Sorenson Impact Foundation in 2024. Their capital is helping Participant scale, develop accessories, and make mobility more accessible globally.Sorenson Impact Foundation+2LinkedIn+2

Putting Humanity First: Design in Partnership

• Co-developed alongside users—families, therapists, clinicians—globally, ensuring products meet real needs in diverse environments.Participant Life+1

• The iconic meerkat logo symbolizes community, vigilance, and mutual care—values central to Participant’s culture.Participant Life