Equipmii wins Innovate UK award, redefining shopping for people with physical impairments

At Equipmii, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been recognised as one of the UK’s top 1.5% most innovative companies, with our founder, Claire Given, named a winner in the prestigious Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards 2025.

This recognition is more than just a milestone—it’s a validation of our mission to make shopping more inclusive for the 14.6 million people in the UK living with physical impairments.

Some people

Backed and funded by Innovate UK

A person

Innovation Starts with a Question

Equipmii’s journey began with a simple but powerful question: “But does it have to be this way?”

For Claire, this question sparked a mission to challenge the status quo in retail. Why should shopping be difficult, frustrating, or inaccessible for so many people? And why should retailers miss out on connecting with a market that represents 25% of the UK population and £274 billion in spending power?

From that moment of curiosity and determination, Equipmii was born—a platform built to bridge the gap between consumers and brands, ensuring that products work for everybody.

A Technology-Led Revolution

Equipmii’s innovative matching engine is powered by lived experiences and healthcare expertise. It delivers personalised product recommendations that connect people with physical impairments to products designed for their unique needs. Whether it’s prams, hairdryers, or any everyday item, Equipmii ensures every product fits how the individual’s body works.

But we don’t stop there. Equipmii also works with retailers to drive real change by:

  • Improving product designs
    Our insights help brands create products that work for everyone
  • Enhancing product descriptions
    We identify and fill the gaps in the information disabled consumers need to make confident purchases.
  • Lowering return rates
    Inclusive design and clear descriptions lead to fewer returns and higher customer satisfaction.
  • Building trust
    By connecting brands with customers who are the perfect match for their products, we help foster loyalty and drive sales.

Why It Matters

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 90% of disabled consumers say product descriptions lack crucial details.
  • Over half of disabled people feel brands aren’t doing enough to create inclusive products.

This is a problem that needs solving—and fast. Equipmii is here to lead the charge, empowering consumers and helping businesses tap into the potential of inclusive design

A Word from Claire

Claire Given shared her thoughts on this incredible recognition:

It’s thrilling to be recognised alongside such highly talented and inspirational women and, for Equipmii, it’s a massive validation of our mission to improve the shopping experience for millions of people living with a physical impairment. I know from personal experience how difficult it can be for people to find products that suit their individual needs, and we’re setting out to fix this problem for both consumers and retailers.

Redefining the Future of Retail

Equipmii is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, proving that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about making life better for everyone.

This Innovate UK award is a celebration of what’s possible when we challenge the status quo, listen to lived experiences, and push for change. It’s proof that when innovation starts with a simple question, the results can transform industries and lives.

Join the Movement

We’re not just redefining shopping—we’re building a better, more inclusive future. Explore how Equipmii is changing the retail landscape and helping brands do better for everybody.