Panasonic’s Inclusive Design Initiative wins “Zero Project Award 2026”

Recognized globally for empowering people of all abilities through cocreation and inclusive innovation

Osaka, Japan, December 4, 2025 – Panasonic’s Inclusive Design Initiative has received the Zero Project Award 2026, an international recognition that celebrates innovative practices advancing disability inclusion. The award highlights Panasonic’s long-term efforts to identify social challenges in collaboration with people with disabilities and diverse stakeholders, and to expand inclusive practices through cocreation.

Founded in 2008 by the Essl Foundation in Austria, the Zero Project promotes a world without barriers based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Since 2013, the initiative has partnered with the United Nations and has hosted the Zero Project Conference annually at the UN Office in Vienna since 2014.

Each year focuses on one of four key themes—Independent Living and Political Participation, Inclusive Education, Employment, and Accessibility—on a four-year cycle. The 2026 theme, “ICT and Accessibility,” attracted 586 submissions from 93 countries. Following a rigorous evaluation process exceeding 200 hours and assessment by approximately 400 experts with and without disabilities, 75 initiatives from 51 countries were selected for the 2026 awards.

Panasonic’s Inclusive Design Initiative extends beyond the design organization, engaging multiple functions including Engineering, Business Development, and Human Resources. The initiative forms diverse teams of people with disabilities, researchers, and experts to collaboratively address challenges—from identifying issues to prototyping, verification, and social implementation.

This approach has also been integrated into internal training programs and workshops, fostering a shared mindset of inclusivity across all levels, from designers and engineers to management. The Zero Project Award recognized Panasonic for embedding inclusive design throughout its business processes and for creating social impact through practical implementation.

Panasonic demonstrates its commitment to addressing overlooked challenges through cocreation with diverse partners and innovation in design. Through the development of products, services, and experiences that enhance individual well-being, the company continues its mission to create a more inclusive society.

Panasonic Inclusive Design
https://holdings.panasonic/global/corporate/inclusivedesign.html