Signapse

Company Overview

Signapse is a technology company that specializes in developing AI-powered sign language translation solutions. The company is located in Guildford, Surrey, UK, with their office at the Surrey Technology Centre. Signapse was founded with the mission of breaking down communication barriers for the Deaf community by bringing together AI and sign language to enable better communication, connection and collaboration.

Products Overview

Signapse offers three main product lines:

1. Video Sign Language Translator: This product translates videos into British Sign Language (BSL) or American Sign Language (ASL) using AI technology. It integrates sign language translations into existing videos through a picture-in-picture setup.

2. Website Sign Language Translation: This solution translates website content into BSL or ASL, making information about products and services instantly accessible to the Deaf community. It uses a signer overlay that can be easily activated by users.

3. Transport Sign Language Translator: This product translates transport announcements (like train and airport announcements) into BSL or ASL in real-time using AI technology. It can be integrated into existing screen displays to deliver live translations of departure, disruption, and delay messages.

The company is also launching a video translation platform in September 2024, which aims to simplify video translation and creation.

Founding Team

While the full founding story is not provided, some key team members include:

• Sally Chalk (CEO): Has a background in building organizations that provide innovative services making a significant difference.
• Ben Saunders (CTO): Has a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence researching Sign Language Translation.
• Prof. Richard Bowden (Chief Research Officer): Focuses on computer vision and AI, specifically around people and behavior.
• Rachel Benyon (Head of Translation and Data): Is profoundly Deaf and a BSL user with a background in Social Care.

The team is described as diverse, composed of Deaf and hearing entrepreneurs, engineers, and researchers.

Problem and Market Fit

Signapse addresses the significant communication barriers faced by the Deaf community, particularly in public spaces, online content, and transport hubs. The company notes that 99% of websites are not accessible for Deaf people, and that 80% of the 7 million profoundly Deaf people worldwide can’t fully comprehend the spoken language of their country. By providing real-time sign language translations, Signapse aims to make information more accessible and empower Deaf individuals to navigate public spaces, consume online content, and use transportation services more independently.

Business Model

Signapse appears to operate on a B2B model, providing its translation technologies to businesses, transport operators, and website owners who want to make their content and services more accessible to the Deaf community. They likely charge for their translation services and technology integrations.

Funding and Runway

Specific funding details are not provided in the given information. However, the company mentions several investors and partners, including the University of Surrey, Deep Tech Seed Fund, Empirical Ventures, Soulmates Ventures, FSE Group, Growth Works with Skills, and others.

Competitive Landscape

While specific competitors are not mentioned, Signapse positions itself as a leader in AI-powered sign language translation. The company emphasizes its use of real Deaf translators combined with AI technology as a differentiator.

Customers

Some of Signapse’s notable customers and partners include:

• Network Rail
• CVG Airport
• AdviserPlus
• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
• Transport for All
• UK Sport

Relevant News

• Signapse is launching a new video translation platform in September 2024.
• The company has won several awards, including the Innovator of the Year Award (Ben Saunders) at the University of Surrey’s Vice-Chancellor Awards 2022 and Start Up of the Year at Surrey Business Awards 2022.
• Signapse is currently generating over 5,000 BSL train announcements daily throughout the UK, and their technology is being used in over 2,500 UK train stations.
• The company’s ASL translations are being used in 500 US airports and by 50 global airlines.

This comprehensive overview showcases Signapse as an innovative company addressing a significant accessibility issue for the Deaf community through the application of AI technology in sign language translation.