Kim Joo-yoon, CEO of Dot, a startup developing information accessibility technology for the visually impaired, was selected as one of the '80 National Representatives' announced as part of the 21st Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.
The "80 National Representatives" project, commemorating the 80th anniversary of liberation, highlights individuals who have achieved innovation and contributions across various sectors of society. The project selected individuals who have achieved symbolic achievements in diverse fields, including science and technology, the arts, sports, the economy, and society. Two individuals were selected from the startup category, with CEO Kim being named in the Social Innovation Entrepreneur category for his contributions to addressing social inequality and embodying inclusive values through technology.
Dot, led by CEO Kim, is a company that commercialized the "Dot Pad," a device that utilizes proprietary tactile display technology to transform complex visual information into real-time tactile graphics. This device is recognized for expanding information accessibility for the visually impaired by providing tactile information like images, graphs, and maps, going beyond traditional text-based Braille technology.
Dot has been applying its technology to public services and education through collaborations with global organizations like Apple, Google, and the United Nations, and is also participating in the development of international standards. Key institutions, including the U.S. Department of Education, various education offices, Oxford University, and the Library of Congress, are considering adopting DotPad. The U.S. Department of Defense's Center for the Rehabilitation of the Blind is also validating its technology as a rehabilitation solution.
CEO Kim Joo-yoon stated, "Technology is not a matter of functionality, but of structure. We need technology design that considers the needs of all users, and digital accessibility will be a key priority for Dot going forward." He specifically highlighted the need to improve accessibility in key areas of life, including education, healthcare, public services, transportation, and finance.
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