Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Imphal startup Akumen AI met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan on July 15. Founder Thiyam Akuvan demonstrated INSIGHT, a pair of smart glasses built for the blind and low-vision community. It reads text and identifies objects. The device supports 22 Indian languages, including Manipuri.
Akuvan is a local computer science engineer. He pushed to create affordable technology for people with disabilities. The glasses offer a local alternative to expensive eyewear, serving a state where 0.7 million people live with visual impairments. Refractive errors currently impact 29.14 per cent of school-aged children in urban parts of the state.
Governor Bhalla praised the tech for its social impact. He noted, "Akumen AI’s efforts in using emerging technologies for social good" represent a major shift in inclusive innovation. The startup currently operates with backing from the Startup Manipur initiative. That program provides mentorship, infrastructure, and venture funding for local entrepreneurs. This tool aims to give users more independence in their daily lives.
Comments