National Braille Press is inviting entrepreneurs, educators and inventors to apply for its 2027 Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation, offering up to $10,000 to support technology and educational projects that improve braille and tactile literacy for blind and deafblind people.
Innovation in accessibility can open up new ways for people to learn, communicate and access information. The Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation is seeking ideas that help make this possible, with applications now open for its 2027 award.
Developed by National Braille Press (NBP), the prize aims to encourage entrepreneurs, educators and inventors to develop solutions that promote braille and tactile literacy for blind and deafblind people worldwide.
The award supports innovative and accessible products and resources, including computer software, apps, tactile hardware and educational curricula. Projects should demonstrate an element of tactile literacy and promote braille literacy or access to information.
Eligible ideas could include professional or educational software, apps designed to support braille and tactile learning, or hardware related to braille and tactile literacy. NBP also encourages applicants to think creatively about how innovation can improve the lives of blind people.
Up to $10,000 to support accessible innovation
The successful applicant will receive up to $10,000 to help continue developing their work in technology and education for the blind community.
Previous applicants are also encouraged to apply again, making the prize an opportunity for innovators to revisit and further develop their ideas.
The Touch of Genius Prize is supported by Susan Olivo and the Lavelle Fund for the Blind.
Applications for the 2027 prize must be submitted by 5 February 2027.
