Claire Given

Putting accessibility first in online retail

Claire Given is the founder of Equipmii, a pioneering company developing a personalised product recommendations platform for people with physical impairments. Born with one hand, Claire has always found creative ways to overcome challenges. “Having a body that doesn’t fit the status quo has shaped my passion for creating solutions that are inclusive and practical,” she explains.

With 16 million people in the UK living with physical impairments, the need for accessible online shopping is critical. Yet, 43% of people with physical impairments abandon their online purchases, and 90% report that product descriptions lack the essential information they need. Equipmii addresses this challenge by pre-evaluating items through healthcare professionals and assessing products against unique impairment parameters to deliver personalised recommendations.

Claire’s achievements include founding Limbalance, a patent-pending exercise equipment manufacturer endorsed by GB Paralympics team members, and managing the Astro-Pi Programme collaboration between the Raspberry Pi Foundation and the European Space Agency.

“I’m deeply honoured to be selected for the Women in Innovation Award,” says Claire. “This recognition has strengthened my motivation and will help us make a greater impact.” Through the programme, she aims to build the platform, secure new investment, and leverage support to enhance Equipmii’s impact.

“One of the biggest barriers I’ve had to overcome is being taken seriously – especially as a female founder with a disability,” Claire reflects. “I’ve focused on building credibility and showcasing measurable impact. By staying resilient and focusing on my vision, I’ve been able to break through these barriers, hopefully paving the way for other underrepresented founders.”

Her advice to aspiring women innovators? “If you have an idea, start doing instead of overthinking. Break it down into manageable pieces, and before you know it, your journey will be underway. Most importantly, never let yourself think, ‘I can’t.’ There’s always a way forward.”

For more information on Women in Innovation

Find out more about the Women in Innovation Award and other support available across the Innovate UK ecosystem on the Women in Innovation programme page.