Signwave

Team details

Track: Communication & under 18

Project Overview: Signwave

Inspiration: Signwave is a revolutionary project born out of a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the 1.5 billion people globally with some form of hearing impairment, including the eight out of 100,000 born mute. Communication barriers for the deaf or hard of hearing can lead to frustration, isolation, and exclusion, even with sign language interpreters available, as they may not always be accessible or affordable.

Functionality: Signwave is a comprehensive platform designed to address the diverse needs of individuals with hearing impairments. Recognizing that different impairments require different functionalities, Signwave aims to be a one-stop solution. Focusing initially on Indian Sign Language (ISL), the platform addresses the linguistic and cultural diversity in India. Since existing datasets for ISL are limited, Signwave has created its own dataset, capturing around 7000 images covering 25 classes, including gestures for words and phrases.

Future Goals: The project has ambitious goals for the future. Firstly, improving the accuracy of the translation by collecting more data will be a continuous effort. Signwave envisions expanding its scope to support multiple sign languages and spoken languages, making the app inclusive and accessible to users worldwide. Additionally, the project foresees the development of a mobile app to enhance accessibility on-the-go, providing a convenient solution for users.

Business Prospective: Signwave is not just a technological advancement but also a utility provided to a specific section of society. The project envisions collaboration with organizations committed to promoting inclusivity in the workplace. By forming partnerships and seeking sponsorships and donations from such entities, Signwave aims to scale its product to reach a broader user base. This business model not only ensures the sustainability of the project but also aligns with the broader goal of fostering an inclusive society.

In summary, Signwave represents a pioneering effort to break down communication barriers for individuals with hearing impairments. By combining technological innovation with cultural sensitivity, the project aims to make a significant impact on the lives of millions, fostering a more inclusive and connected world.