[DIP, SW Convergence Cluster 2.0 Achievements] CHERRY Initiates Development and Demonstration of Barrier-Free Donation Kiosk

CHERRY, a blockchain-based donation platform company led by CEO Soo-jung Lee, has launched the development and demonstration of a “Barrier-Free Donation Kiosk” designed for the visually impaired, following its AI-powered photo booth, “CHERRY Photo”.

Recently, CHERRY was selected for the 2025 SW Convergence Service Demonstration Support Project organized by the Daegu Digital Innovation Promotion Agency (DIP).Through this project, the company has been advancing the software of the donation kiosk by integrating AI voice recognition and voice guidance technologies, and has conducted pilot testing in Jeju to ensure accessibility for visually impaired users.

Founded in 2022, CHERRY is a fintech and social venture company that successfully established Korea’s first blockchain-based transparent donation platform, enabling real-time tracking of donation flows.With cumulative donations surpassing 21.7 billion KRW and over 280,000 users, CHERRY has proven its technological excellence.More than half of its users are from the MZ generation, driving active participation from younger donors and reshaping the paradigm of Korea’s donation ecosystem.

Expanding beyond online giving, CHERRY also introduced ‘CHERRY Photo,’ a photo booth that combines photo-taking with donations, offering an enjoyable way to give offline.The service has been recognized for its blockchain-powered transparency, AI-based photo filter technology, and multilingual and international payment support, earning positive reviews at CES 2025.CHERRY Photo has now expanded to five countries, including Canada, the United States, and Spain, proving its potential as a global social impact platform.

Through the “SW Convergence Service Demonstration Support Project,” CHERRY is currently developing a “Barrier-Free Donation Kiosk.” Traditional kiosks have relied heavily on visual information, making independent use difficult for visually impaired individuals. To address this, CHERRY has integrated AI voice recognition and voice guidance technologies into its new system. Users can connect their own earphones to receive voice guidance and complete the donation process independently through voice commands or a physical keypad, without the need for assistance from others.

The Barrier-Free Donation Kiosk provides full audio guidance for all menus and instructions once a user connects their personal earphones. With simple voice commands, users can complete the entire donation process on their own. For those who have difficulty using touchscreens, a physical Braille keypad is also available, expanding accessibility and user choice. Importantly, existing kiosks can be upgraded easily — requiring only a software update and a small hardware module — minimizing replacement costs and reducing resource waste. Building on this innovation, CHERRY has also filed a patent for a “Hybrid Barrier-Free Kiosk System and Method.”

CHERRY CEO Soo-jung Lee stated, “Technological progress should never become another barrier for anyone. Through this project, we aim to realize inclusive values and create a culture where everyone, regardless of disability, can participate in giving easily and joyfully.”

In parallel with its R&D efforts, CHERRY signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the popular rice bowl restaurant franchise ‘Tteumdeurida’ to introduce the barrier-free kiosk in its stores, accelerating commercialization. Through this partnership, the two companies will install barrier-free kiosks in franchise locations to enhance accessibility for customers with disabilities, while also co-developing a model for “everyday giving” that integrates charitable giving into daily life. This collaboration is expected to become a leading example of ESG-driven innovation and social value creation.

CHERRY has begun full-scale pilot operations by installing the newly developed barrier-free donation kiosks at the Jeju Welfare Center for the Visually Impaired and Seogyeong Industries in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. Ten visually impaired participants from the welfare center took part in the initial demonstration, successfully completing the entire donation process independently by following voice instructions through earphones and using the Braille keypad or voice commands.

During the pilot, CHERRY collected direct feedback from visually impaired users to further improve service completeness. Additionally, CHERRY plans to collaborate with “From Jeju,” a local influencer in Jeju, to launch a donation campaign titled “Supporting Rehabilitation and Leisure for the Visually Impaired”, aiming to raise awareness of the project’s social impact and promote inclusive technology.

Building on the success of the Jeju demonstration, CHERRY intends to expand the Barrier-Free Donation Kiosk nationwide, partnering with local governments, public institutions, and ESG-driven private enterprises. Furthermore, leveraging the global network of CHERRY Photo, the company plans to introduce an inclusive K-content-based donation solution to audiences around the world.