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Octopus Future

Octopus Future Limited

Technology should include everyone.

We are an independent not-for-profit working to make accessibility, inclusion and equitable participation real — for people with disability and others who face barriers — including through the responsible use of AI, data and digital systems.

At a glance

A young organisation with a clear mandate

We were established in 2026 for one purpose: public benefit. These are the facts about how we are built — not impact numbers we haven't yet earned.

2026
Established as an independent Australian not-for-profit, in New South Wales.
5
Connected areas of work, held by one organisation and one mission.
2
Programs the mission runs through — Octopus Community and Octopus Research.
100%
Of any surplus applied solely to our charitable purpose — no private profit.

Our vision

A world where technology, information and opportunity include everyone — and where the people most often left behind help shape what comes next.

Read our vision
What we do

Five ways we advance the mission

Our current work centres on Auslan and accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. It spans five connected areas — from community programs to applied research, wellbeing, responsible AI and inclusive innovation — and reaches people through concrete current and planned activities.

Octopus Community

Accessibility programs, inclusive education and community initiatives — where the mission meets people directly.

Octopus Research

Applied, public-benefit research and evaluation directly connected to accessibility and inclusion.

Wellbeing

Improving quality of life and wellbeing for people with disability through inclusive, human-centred technology.

Responsible AI

Advancing accessible, safe and accountable uses of AI, data and digital systems for the people we serve.

Inclusive innovation & ventures

Supporting accessible, mission-aligned innovation and social ventures whose work advances inclusion.

How we work

A simple way of working, held to honestly

We try to work the way inclusion actually happens: with people, from evidence, in the open.

  1. 1

    Listen first

    We start with the lived experience of people who face barriers — not with our assumptions about them.

  2. 2

    Build with, not for

    We co-design programs and tools alongside disability-led groups and the communities we serve.

  3. 3

    Test honestly

    We evaluate what we do against real accessibility and wellbeing outcomes, and we publish what we learn — including what doesn't work.

  4. 4

    Open & improve

    We share resources, methods and findings openly where it helps, and we keep iterating.

How we fit

Independent, within a shared ecosystem

Octopus Future is part of the wider Octopus ecosystem but stands on its own — structurally and legally independent, with its own board, assets and accountability.

Diagram: the Octopus ecosystem holds two independent legal entities — Octopus Core Pty Ltd, which owns the Octoryn trademark, and the independent not-for-profit Octopus Future Limited — linked only by documented, arm's-length agreements.
The Octopus ecosystem
Commercial entity

Octopus Core Pty Ltd

Builds and commercialises technology. A separate company with its own purpose and owners.

Octoryn™ trademark
Independent not-for-profit

Octopus Future Limited

Works for public benefit. Not a subsidiary of Octopus Core; governed for charitable independence.

ACN 701 584 447 · not-for-profit
Linked only by documented, arm's-length agreements — never by control

This independence matters. Octopus Future is not controlled by, and its charitable assets are not owned by, any commercial entity. Where we collaborate across the ecosystem, we do so transparently and on fair, arm's-length terms that advance our charitable purpose.

Accessibility is not a feature to be added at the end. It is the question we start with — because a future that doesn't include everyone isn't the future we want to build.
Octopus Future Limited
What guides us

Principles we hold to

A few commitments shape every program, partnership and decision.

Nothing about us without us

People with lived experience of disability help lead, design and evaluate our work.

Evidence over hype

We favour honest evaluation and real-world impact over claims that can't be shown.

Open by default

We share resources, methods and findings openly where it helps the people we serve.

Independent for good

Our charitable purpose is never subordinated to any commercial interest.

Common questions

Questions people ask us

Not yet. We are a registered Australian not-for-profit company (a public company limited by guarantee), and we have submitted our application to the ACNC for registration as a charity — that registration is now in progress. We'll update this page the moment it is finalised.

Build a more inclusive future with us

Partner on accessibility, collaborate on research, bring your community — or find support. We would love to hear from you.

Get help