By Our Reporter
A team of four Kenyan students has captured global attention by finishing among the top three finalists in the prestigious 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup. The innovators, from African Leadership University, Machakos University, Technical University of Mombasa, and United States International University – Africa, developed Signvrse, an AI-powered platform designed to bridge communication gaps between Deaf and hearing communities worldwide.
Central to Signvrse is Terp, a revolutionary tool using lifelike 3D avatars and Microsoft’s Azure AI Speech technology to translate spoken language into sign language in real time. This breakthrough has profound implications for sectors where communication access remains a challenge, including education, healthcare, and employment.
The Microsoft Imagine Cup, now in its 23rd year, is widely regarded as the foremost global technology competition for student innovators using artificial intelligence. This year’s contest attracted over 15,000 participants from 150 countries, with only 18 teams reaching the semi-finals and three, including Kenya’s Signvrse, advancing to the finals.
While the grand prize was awarded to a US team from Stanford University for their AI wearable aiding visually impaired individuals, the Kenyan team received a commendable $25,000 prize, underscoring their technological excellence and social impact.
For team member Daniel Phillip, who is Deaf, Signvrse is more than a tech project, it is a mission born from lived experience. “Growing up, people often focused on my deafness before seeing me. Signvrse is about changing that, proving that Deaf individuals are capable, intelligent, and can lead innovation,” he explained.
With a rapidly expanding database of over 2,300 sign language vocabulary words and plans to incorporate community contributions, Signvrse aims to address the global shortage of qualified interpreters, offering millions of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people newfound digital independence.
Phyllis Migwi, Microsoft Kenya’s Country Manager, praised the team’s ingenuity: “We are proud to see Kenyan talent shine on the global stage, creating powerful solutions that address real-world challenges. Signvrse is a testament to the creativity and resilience of African youth.”
Signvrse’s success adds to Kenya’s growing legacy of innovation at the Imagine Cup, highlighting the nation’s role as a rising hub of technological advancement and social entrepreneurship.
