In a quiet corner of a Nairobi innovation hub, a remarkable transformation is underway. What was once the stuff of science fiction—the seamless, real-time translation of spoken words into a visual language—is now becoming a powerful reality. At the heart of this revolution is Signvrse, a groundbreaking startup that has developed Terp 360, an AI-driven platform designed to bridge the communication gap for Kenya’s deaf community, one sign at a time.
This isn't just another app; it's a testament to the power of human ingenuity and technology working in harmony. Founded in 2023 and recently honored with the prestigious Kenya Presidential Innovation Award, Signvrse’s approach is as innovative as its mission. The platform uses advanced motion capture technology to meticulously record the movements of real human interpreters. By tracking everything from subtle body gestures and hand rotations to crucial facial expressions, the system creates lifelike digital avatars that can sign fluently and with natural precision.
As Elly Savatia, the 24-year-old founder of Signvrse, aptly puts it, “We like to call it Google Translate for sign language.” This simple but powerful analogy captures the essence of the platform: it takes text and speech input and outputs fluid, natural avatars that communicate just like a human, but with the scalability and speed of artificial intelligence. For a community that has long faced immense communication hurdles, this technology is a beacon of hope.
The daily struggles of the deaf community in places like workplaces, hospitals, and public services are profound. For Kelvin Munene, a deaf waiter in Nairobi, the promise of this app is deeply personal. "I had a lot of challenges when searching for a job, and sometimes at the hospital," he explains. "I think this app will help solve those problems and make communication easier." This sentiment underscores the potential for Terp 360 to not just facilitate conversations, but to unlock opportunities and enhance independence.
While the technology is a promising leap forward, its creators are transparent about its current limitations. Leakey Nyabaro, founder of the Galaxy Sign Language Training Centre, points out that the app, while effective, still has room for improvement. The current version is particularly effective in its sign-to-voice mode, which, while beneficial, primarily aids the hearing community in understanding sign language. This feedback is a crucial part of the development process, highlighting the need for a truly bidirectional solution that serves both deaf and hearing users equally.
Despite these challenges, the momentum behind Signvrse is undeniable. With 2,000 users already on the Terp 360 web app, the team is hard at work on a mobile version slated for release in December 2025. This move will make the technology even more accessible, bringing it directly to the pockets of millions. The long-term vision is a subscription-based service for both personal and business use, ensuring that seamless sign language access becomes a standard, not a luxury.
