Whispp

In 2018, Whispp was born out of a simple but powerful idea: to give people with voice disabilities the freedom to communicate confidently. The founders, Joris Castermans and Akash Raj Komarlu, were inspired by their personal experiences and conversations with those affected by vocal impairments. They realized that traditional assistive technology wasn’t enough, as tools relying on speech-to-text conversion were often slow, lacked nuance, and couldn’t capture the natural flow of a conversation. This led us to create something new: a real-time, audio-to-audio solution that would convert whispered or affected speech into a clear, natural voice. Real-Time Assistive Voice Technology. “For us, Whispp was always about creating something that could bring people closer, giving them back the ease of everyday conversation.” Over the next few years, our team poured its energy and expertise into making this vision a reality. We designed Whispp’s AI-powered technology to work across phone calls, video chats, and messaging, ensuring users could communicate instantly, without the latency that disrupts everyday interactions. It was challenging, but knowing the impact this technology could have kept us going. Fast forward to 2024, and Whispp is now recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions in the Accessibility category. Each year, TIME’s Best Inventions list honors innovations that significantly impact our lives, highlighting extraordinary breakthroughs in categories like Accessibility, Healthcare, Artificial Intelligence, and Green Energy, with nominations from TIME editors, industry experts, and an online application process. TIME evaluates each entry on several key factors: originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. This ensures the chosen inventions are unique and genuinely enhance how we live, work, and connect. To learn more about Whispp’s journey, our technology, and the incredible impact of being named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024, visit our website. Explore our press kit, and discover how Whispp is transforming communication for individuals with voice disabilities & severe stutters. Check out TIME’s full list: https://lnkd.in/e98jkd2m Whispp Website:  https://whispp.com/ Whispp Press kit:  https://lnkd.in/ejxvP5iK #TIMEBestInventions2024 #VoiceTech #Accessibility #Innovation

Experience Whispp in action at Inclusive Innovations 2024. On November 11th Joris Castermans will showcase our app’s real-time assistive voice technology capabilities in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Inclusive Innovations 2024 is an essential platform for us as it brings together those invested in advancing accessible and inclusive technology. This event allows us to connect with an audience that understands the profound impact of assistive tech, from potential users to healthcare professionals—as part of the ongoing conversation about accessibility, bringing attention to the specific needs of those with vocal challenges. Engaging with other innovators and industry leaders also creates opportunities for collaboration and feedback, allowing us to enhance Whispp based on real-world insights. Event Details: Date: Monday November 11th, 2024 Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM CET Location: CIC Rotterdam, Stationsplein 45, 3013 AK Rotterdam Are you curious about inclusive technology? Make sure to follow us or meet us at the event! Register here: https://lu.ma/77jr6ftw We look forward to meeting those interested in experiencing Whispp firsthand and exploring the future of inclusive technology with; Nathan Deutsch, Operations & Innovations lead at TAMI by Lighthouse Tech 🕶 – for powerful obstacle detection in fashionable eyewear. Adrian Geissel, Founder & CEO Surpass Sport Systems – for accessible trail and amenity mapping with real-time data. Thomas Brisson, Co-founder & CTO of OOrion App – using AI to assist those with low vision in navigating venues. Lennart Zielstra, Co-founder Rezolve Medical – for innovative lower-leg support. Maël F., CEO of biped robotics – an AI mobility assistant providing all-in-one guidance. Vanessa Vigar, CMO of Envision – a personal AI assistant on mobile and Envision Glasses. Jari Hazelebach, CEO of Speaksee – a solution for live event transcription and translation in multiple languages. Ivar Illing of Sensotec nv – enhancing spatial awareness for the visually impaired through AI-powered smart glasses. Liam Geschwindt, CEO of touchpulse – empowering independent navigation for people with low vision. See you there! #InIn24

In 2018, Whispp was born out of a simple but powerful idea: to give people with voice disabilities the freedom to communicate confidently. The founders, Joris Castermans and Akash Raj Komarlu, were inspired by their personal experiences and conversations with those affected by vocal impairments. They realized that traditional assistive technology wasn’t enough, as tools relying on speech-to-text conversion were often slow, lacked nuance, and couldn’t capture the natural flow of a conversation. This led us to create something new: a real-time, audio-to-audio solution that would convert whispered or affected speech into a clear, natural voice. Real-Time Assistive Voice Technology. “For us, Whispp was always about creating something that could bring people closer, giving them back the ease of everyday conversation.” Over the next few years, our team poured its energy and expertise into making this vision a reality. We designed Whispp’s AI-powered technology to work across phone calls, video chats, and messaging, ensuring users could communicate instantly, without the latency that disrupts everyday interactions. It was challenging, but knowing the impact this technology could have kept us going. Fast forward to 2024, and Whispp is now recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions in the Accessibility category. Each year, TIME’s Best Inventions list honors innovations that significantly impact our lives, highlighting extraordinary breakthroughs in categories like Accessibility, Healthcare, Artificial Intelligence, and Green Energy, with nominations from TIME editors, industry experts, and an online application process. TIME evaluates each entry on several key factors: originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. This ensures the chosen inventions are unique and genuinely enhance how we live, work, and connect. To learn more about Whispp’s journey, our technology, and the incredible impact of being named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024, visit our website. Explore our press kit, and discover how Whispp is transforming communication for individuals with voice disabilities & severe stutters. Check out TIME’s full list: https://lnkd.in/e98jkd2m Whispp Website:  https://whispp.com/ Whispp Press kit:  https://lnkd.in/ejxvP5iK #TIMEBestInventions2024 #VoiceTech #Accessibility #Innovation

While we didn’t bring home the UIL-Award this year, we’re honored to have been nominated among so many inspiring organizations dedicated to social impact. The UIL-Awards, presented by the UWV, highlight companies that go the extra mile to advance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, young job seekers, and those facing significant barriers in the job market. At Whispp, we’re proud to contribute to a more inclusive society by empowering individuals with speech disorders to communicate confidently every day. We congratulate the winners from Speaksee and all fellow nominees who continue to make a difference through Social Return on Investment (SROI). This recognition strengthens our resolve to keep pushing boundaries and making our technology accessible to everyone. Thank you to our community for your ongoing support, and a special congratulations to those recognized at the UIL-Awards for their inspiring work! KPN, Job Solutions BV, SYNRG, idc Academie - opleiding tot re-integratiecoach, Auto aanpasbedrijf Weersink & Caprilli

Live from CES Unveiled in Amsterdam, Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, has just announced Whispp as a finalist in today’s pitch battle at CES Unveiled Amsterdam! Joris Castermans, will be presenting Whispp’s innovative approach to accessible communication, alongside other inspiring tech pioneers. It’s an honour to pitch among such talented finalists (linked below), and we’re excited to showcase how Whispp is breaking barriers in communication accessibility. Join us at the Beurs van Berlage to see Joris pitch Whispp’s vision live! Earthian AI DuckDuckGoose AI FlowBeams Holoconnects Praxa Sense TracXon Hoursec MOOS Solutions

We are introducing Whispp’s new video message feature! You can easily send personalized video messages to friends, family, and colleagues. Check out this message from Justin, the first to have Whispp reimbursed by UWV to support him at work. Justin’s story is just the beginning, and now we want to hear from you! 🎥 Send us your video messages using Whispp, and you can be featured on our social channels! Whether it’s a quick hello or a heartfelt story, we’d love to share your experience with the Whispp community. How to Share: - Record your video message with Whispp. - Send it to our Whispp WhatsApp at +31 6 42877151, tag us, or DM us on social media. Ready to show the world how you Whispp? Let’s inspire more accessible communication together! Download the latest app version here: www.whispp.com/download #accessibility #innovation #voice #community #speech

Whispp will attend CES Unveiled Amsterdam by Consumer Technology Association on October 15th, showcasing the latest innovations. Representing Whispp at the event will be Joris Castermans, who will be ready to showcase how our groundbreaking technology is giving a voice to those with speech disorders and many others. Fun fact: Joris’ picture even made it into the CES pitch battle email, adding a personal touch to this exciting journey! We look forward to connecting with fellow innovators and sharing how Whispp transforms lives through real-time assistive voice technology. Want to connect beforehand? Please leave a message in our inbox! See you there! #CES #innovation #technology #voice #communication

KPN highlights Whispp as a critical example of how inclusive technology can break down communication barriers, emphasizing its role in creating a more accessible future. Whispp's real-time speech conversion app transforms whispered and impaired speech, such as that from individuals with stuttering, throat cancer, vocal cord paralysis, or neurological conditions like Parkinson's and ALS, into clear, natural-sounding speech using AI. This revolutionary tool improves telephone communication for people with speech limitations, reducing anxiety and empowering them to engage more confidently. For KPN, inclusivity is a priority. Through the Coalition for Technology and Inclusion, KPN demonstrates its commitment to accessible technology by supporting initiatives like Whispp. This partnership shows how technology can cater to the diverse needs of all users, ensuring that everyone can communicate effectively, regardless of physical limitations. KPN's involvement in the Dutch pilot program for inclusive technology underscores the potential of innovations like Whispp. This program, in collaboration with patient organizations and governmental bodies, has led to Whispp's active adoption, showcasing the potential of such technologies to foster inclusivity in workplaces and beyond. Do you want to be a part of it?  Visit our website, try out the app & share it to spread awareness. Read the full article here (in Dutch): https://lnkd.in/eDZ22zDq Rijksoverheid Arbeidsdeskundig Kennis Centrum (AKC) Patiëntenvereniging HOOFD-HALS #inclusivity #technology #telecom #communication

Join Whispp at the NASRA TRS Conference in Louisville, Kentucky! Joris Castermans, will attend the NASRA Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Conference on September 9th and 10th at the Galt House Hotel. In addition, Joris will be participating as a panel member, contributing to key discussions on the future of accessibility technology. As a panelist, Joris will provide insights on critical topics, including: - Regulatory Lag: Are current regulations evolving quickly enough to keep up with advances in AI-driven communication tools? - Equivalency Standards: Do existing standards truly ensure equivalent services for individuals with communication challenges? - Consumer Advocacy: What role can advocacy groups play in driving the adoption of AI-powered accessibility tools within the TRS framework? - Impact of AI on Accessibility: How can AI enhance communication access for non-hearing and voice disabled individuals? These discussions will address the vital role AI and emerging technologies will have in shaping the future of TRS services. We look forward to engaging with industry peers and stakeholders to advance the future of communication access. Don’t hesitate to connect with Joris to explore how Whispp can support the future of accessible communication. #innovation #accessibility #NASRA #AI #VoiceAI

I’m excited to share an initiative that’s close to my heart: Whispp’s “Pay It Forward” program. Through this program, you can sponsor access for individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Your contribution not only supports the continued development of Whispp's innovative technology but also makes a tangible difference in people's lives worldwide. Whispp is dedicated to ensuring that clear communication is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Please like this post and tag anyone interested in supporting this cause. Your engagement helps us reach more people who can make a difference. Thank you for your support and for helping us make a difference! 💬💖 #PayItForward #Whispp #AssistiveTechnology #MakeADifference #voiceai