Launchpad empowers Hi9’s drive for digital inclusion
In the UK, a lot of people need to be online but don’t have access, and many more are digitally excluded because they lack understanding of the technology. Tech start-up Hi9 addresses this problem by making the Internet more accessible and easier to navigate: the company provides first-time users and digitally excluded people with a packaged solution of Chromebook, mobile WiFi access, support services and Deko, a self-developed bookmarking program that helps users return to the web pages they find most useful.
The Google Launchpad programme has played a big part in Hi9’s rapid growth, guiding the development of Deko with Google developer support and UX/UI design input. In a pilot project, the company tested their package of solutions, including Deko, on a small group of people in Cornwall with great success. “Around 70% of the participants went on to either get jobs, become self-employed or went into higher education,” explains Founder Wo King. “The Google Launchpad team provided incredible advice, support and tools to help you achieve your dream. For us, Google has been the difference between success and failure.”
The Google Launchpad team provide incredible advice, support and tools to help you achieve your dream.