Signvrse

Signvrse
Company type
Private
IndustryArtificial intelligence, Accessibility technology
Founded2023
FounderElly Savatia
HeadquartersNairobi, Kenya
Area served
Africa
Key people
Elly Savatia (Founder and CEO)
ProductsTerp 360
Websitesignvrse.com

Signvrse is a Kenyan technology startup that develops artificial intelligence (AI) tools for sign language translation and digital accessibility.[1] The company is best known for creating Terp 360, a real-time sign language translation platform that uses AI-powered 3D avatars to interpret speech and text into sign language.[2][3] Founded in 2023 by Kenyan entrepreneur Elly Savatia, Signvrse claims to make communication inclusive for deaf and hard-of-hearing communities across Africa.[1]

History

Signvrse is based in Nairobi, Kenya. The company claims to bridge communication gaps between hearing and non-hearing individuals through technology.[4] The company’s flagship product, Terp 360, functions as an assistive technology platform that converts spoken and written language into visual sign language using animated avatars powered by AI.[1]

The platform supports both English and Swahili input and outputs translation in Kenyan Sign Language (KSL). Signvrse has announced plans to expand Terp 360’s capabilities to include other sign languages such as Rwandan Sign Language, Ugandan Sign Language, South African Sign Language, British Sign Language and American Sign Language by 2027.

Technology

Signvrse employs motion capture and AI-driven modelling to record and reproduce human sign language gestures. The company has built one of Kenya’s largest sign language datasets, comprising thousands of recorded signs collected in collaboration with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.[4][5]

The Terp 360 system combines motion sensors that track a signer’s hand and arm movements in three-dimensional space, machine learning models trained on large datasets of sign language recordings, and digital avatars that render the gestures in real time for users.[6] With focus on Kenyan Sign Language, Signvrse claims to differentiates itself from international accessibility tools that primarily support American or British Sign Languages, addressing a gap in representation for African users.[4]

Recognition

Signvrse and its founder gained international attention for innovation in assistive technology. In 2025, Elly Savatia won the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation from the Royal Academy of Engineering for developing Terp 360. The project was commended for its social impact and for making African sign languages visible in global AI systems.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Sykes, Jasmin (2025-10-22). "App that translates speech to sign language in real-time wins top innovation prize". CNN. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  2. ^ "Post from BBC News Africa". YouTube. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  3. ^ Adoyi, John (2025-08-18). "5 startups making assistive tech more accessible with AI". TechCabal. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  4. ^ a b c Desk, News (2025-05-22). "Signvrse: Kenyan Innovators Among Top Finalists in Microsoft Imagine Cup 2025". Trendsnafrica | 24/7 Africa News. Retrieved 2025-10-22. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ "Kenyan app uses AI to produce sign-language translations – DW – 06/22/2025". dw.com. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  6. ^ "Africanews | Kenyan startup signvrse pioneers AI-powered sign language translation". Africanews. 2025-08-11. Retrieved 2025-10-22.

Content Disclaimer

Informasi ini disarikan dari Wikipedia dan disajikan kembali untuk tujuan edukasi. Konten tersedia di bawah lisensi CC BY-SA 3.0. Kami tidak bertanggung jawab atas ketidakakuratan data yang bersumber dari kontribusi publik tersebut.

  1. The information displayed on this website is sourced in part or in whole from Wikipedia and has been adapted for the purpose of restating it. We strive to provide accurate and relevant information, however:
  2. There is no guarantee of absolute accuracy. Wikipedia is an open, collaborative project that can be edited by anyone, so information is subject to change.
  3. It is not intended to constitute professional advice. The content displayed is for informational and educational purposes only. For important decisions (e.g., medical, legal, or financial), please consult a professional.
  4. Content copyright. Wikipedia is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License (CC BY-SA). This means that content may be reused with appropriate attribution and shared under a similar license.
  5. Responsible use. Any risk arising from the use of information from this website is entirely the responsibility of the user.