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Signify

Signify is a web extension that makes virtual communication more inclusive by converting sign language into real-time text during video calls on platforms like Zoom, Meet, and Teams. Designed to support individuals with hearing or speech impairments, it ensures seamless, accessible conversations with minimal setup—just plug in and communicate.
September 5×5 Night on the Road in Spanish! Hosted at LAUP in Holland- All entries and presentations must be in Spanish.
Voting Closes:

September 22, 2025 11:59 pm

About this idea
The core of our idea is a browser-based extension that translates sign language into real-time text during live video calls—no expensive hardware or manual captioning required. It uses computer vision and AI-trained gesture recognition models to identify hand movements and facial expressions, then instantly converts them into accurate, readable text on-screen.
Impact
Signify empowers individuals with hearing and speech impairments to participate fully in virtual meetings, classrooms, and professional settings—without needing a human interpreter or specialized hardware. It removes communication barriers, promotes independence, and creates a more inclusive digital world. By integrating real-time sign-to-text translation into everyday platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, we’re not just improving accessibility—we're redefining it. The impact reaches beyond individuals: it helps schools, companies, and institutions comply with accessibility standards (like WCAG and ADA), while fostering a culture of inclusivity and representation. We’re giving a voice—literally and figuratively—to those who have been left out of the digital conversation.
What I'll do with $5,000
We’ll use the $5,000 to move from prototype to pilot. Here's how: $2,000 – Expand our AI training dataset with more diverse sign language inputs (ASL variants, lighting, hand angles, skin tones). $1,000 – Refine the sign recognition model for accuracy and speed in real-time. $1,000 – Build and test cross-platform compatibility (Zoom, Meet, Teams) as a browser extension. $500 – Accessibility-focused UX/UI testing with actual users from the deaf community. $500 – Legal, privacy, and IP groundwork to ensure we meet ethical and compliance standards. This funding would help us go from concept to a working MVP that real users can test and benefit from.
Quick Bio
I’m a graduate student at Iowa State University, passionate about building inclusive technology.
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