Access to Success Launches Accessibility Innovation Hub in Toronto

Varun Chandak, Founder and Executive Director of Access to Success, has confirmed the launch of a new physical innovation hub in Toronto designed to support accessibility-focused startups. Speaking to Double Tap’s Marc Aflalo, Chandak outlined how the space aims to accelerate the development of inclusive technologies and provide a dedicated environment for entrepreneurs working in disability innovation.

The hub marks a significant shift for Access to Success, which has operated virtually since its founding. Chandak said the move was driven by demand from startups seeking a shared physical space. “They were the ones telling my team that they would love to have a space that they could call their own,” he explained, highlighting the importance of community in fostering innovation.

The facility is designed using inclusive principles, with features such as standing desks, wide navigation pathways, adaptable lighting, and keyless entry systems. Chandak emphasised that the goal is flexibility rather than a one-size-fits-all approach: “We are a huge believer in the idea of inclusive design… how somebody engages with their environment.”

A major component of the hub is its partnership with HP, which Chandak said was critical to making the project viable. “This hub wouldn’t have happened without HP,” he stated, noting that the company has provided fully equipped workstations, including computers, webcams, and meeting infrastructure. This allows users to focus on their work without needing to secure their own resources.

Access to Success has already supported more than 78 startups, reaching over two million people globally. Chandak said the organisation now works with innovators across 41 countries, demonstrating the scale of demand for accessibility-driven solutions.

He positioned the hub within a broader technological shift driven by artificial intelligence, warning that people with disabilities have historically been excluded from major productivity advances. “With AI… we have a small chance of not letting that mistake repeat itself,” he said.
The hub is open to both disabled and non-disabled innovators, provided they demonstrate meaningful co-design with the disability community.

The launch reflects growing investment in accessibility innovation, particularly in Canada, where Chandak noted increasing activity in disability-focused startups. The hub aims to address gaps in funding, infrastructure, and collaboration, offering a centralised space to develop technologies that improve independence and access.

Resources
* Access to Success https://accesstosuccess.ca
* Co-working Space Membership https://accesstosuccess.ca/coworking-space
* HP https://www.hp.com

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