Written by Kosisochukwu Charity Ani
On a continent where innovation is a daily act of resilience, the most transformative ideas often emerge from the very communities they seek to serve. For decades, communication has been a formidable obstacle for people with hearing loss in Africa, a silent struggle in a world designed for the hearing.
Communication barriers have long prevented the deaf community from fully participating in daily life, including workplaces, hospitals, and public services. However, a groundbreaking innovation is changing that. Terp 360, Africa's first locally manufactured AI-powered sign language translator, is revolutionizing the way deaf people interact with the world. Developed by Signvrse, a pioneering Kenyan startup founded by 24-year-old Elly Savatia, Terp 360 uses cutting-edge AI and motion capture technology to break down communication barriers in real time.
A vision born from personal experience
Elly Savatia's passion for assistive technology stems from personal experience growing up in northern Kenya. While taking a robotics class, Elly noticed a major communication barrier, particularly for students who were deaf. This glaring disparity fueled Elly's desire to create a solution that would empower this community and bridge the communication gap. This communication barrier is not just an inconvenience; it is a barrier to the exercise of basic rights.
Kelvin Munene, a deaf waiter from Nairobi, shares his struggles with Africa News:
"I encountered a lot of difficulties when looking for a job, and sometimes in the hospital. I think this app will help solve these problems and make communication easier."
Elly's vision has come to fruition in the form of Terp 360, a platform that uses AI to translate spoken and written language into Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) through lifelike 3D avatars. This innovation addresses an urgent need in Kenya's deaf community, where individuals often face communication barriers that limit their access to essential services.
Terp 360: Merging AI and Sign Language
Terp 360 relies primarily on advanced motion capture technology that records the gestures, facial expressions, and hand movements of fluent sign language interpreters. This data is used to train AI models that generate avatars capable of providing fluid and realistic sign language translations in real time. The platform works similarly to Google Translate, but for sign language, giving users the ability to communicate seamlessly with others, regardless of language barriers.
As Elly explains in a YouTube video, “We like to call it Google Translate for sign language. It interprets text and voice input and produces fluid, natural-looking avatars that sign like humans, but at scale.” Currently, the platform supports translation from English to KSL, but plans to expand to Swahili and other languages to reach even more users across Kenya’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Terp 360 provides a scalable, on-demand solution that empowers the deaf community to be more involved in daily life. By reducing reliance on human interpreters, individuals have the freedom to interact independently and without barriers. With Terp 360, users can more easily access healthcare, education, and other services, enabling them to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.
Recognition and future projects
Signvrse's commitment to innovation and inclusion has earned it national and international recognition. The company won the prestigious Kenya Presidential Innovation Award and was selected to participate in the Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI program, which offers technical mentorship, cloud computing credits, and financial support.
These accolades underscore Terp 360's potential to expand beyond Kenya and impact communities across Africa.
Galaxy Sign Language Training Centre founder Leakey Nyabaro notes that "the app still has errors and primarily benefits hearing users when translating signs into speech." Africa News
Highlighting its role in bridging the communication gap by enabling the hearing community to better understand sign language, he adds: "It's not perfect, but it's more effective in sign-to-voice mode, which helps the hearing community more than deaf people."
With 2,000 users currently using the Terp 360 web app, Signvrse is already making significant progress. The company plans to launch a mobile version of the platform by December 2025, allowing individuals and businesses to access the service on the go. Additionally, Signvrse plans to expand its services to other African countries, including Uganda and Rwanda, to foster greater inclusivity and provide solutions to more deaf communities across the continent.
A model of inclusive innovation
Terp 360 is a testament to how technology can be leveraged to promote inclusion and accessibility. By combining AI and sign language, Signvrse is tackling communication barriers and setting a precedent for inclusive innovation in Africa. The platform promises to transform the way deaf people interact with the world, ensuring that no one is left behind as the digital age continues to evolve.
It is much more than a translation tool: it is a profound statement about digital inclusion, a symbol of dignity, and a testament to how African innovators are paving the way for a more equitable future.
As Terp 360 continues to grow and expand, it serves as a model for how technology solutions can make a real difference in the lives of marginalized communities, empowering them to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
