Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Bridging the gap in STEM education for deaf, dumb and upper limb students with real-time sign language translation on a stem dataset by robotic prosthesis, fostering inclusivity.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Zerobionic is aimed at revolutionizing STEM education for disabled students. Our innovative solution addresses the communication barrier faced by educators when teaching complex STEM concepts to students with hearing impairments. Using advanced technology, including robotic prostheses trained on STEM datasets, we enable real-time translation of STEM concepts into sign language. This empowers deaf students to fully engage with STEM topics, fostering inclusivity and ensuring they are not left behind in the rapidly advancing fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Our mission is to break down barriers to education and promote diversity in STEM fields by providing accessible and inclusive learning experiences for all students, regardless of their abilities.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem we're addressing is the lack of accessibility to STEM education for deaf students. Traditional teaching methods often fail to accommodate their communication needs, hindering their ability to grasp complex STEM concepts. Zerobionic aims to bridge this gap by providing real-time sign language translation of STEM content, empowering deaf students to fully participate in and benefit from STEM education. Through our robotic prosthesis, we facilitate both in-person and remote learning, ensuring that deaf students have equal access to educational opportunities and can pursue careers in STEM fields without limitations.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Zerobionic offers transformative benefits that revolutionize STEM education for deaf students. Firstly, it provides unparalleled accessibility by breaking down communication barriers. Through real-time sign language translation, deaf students can fully engage with STEM content, fostering inclusivity and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities. Secondly, Zerobionic enhances the learning experience by facilitating deeper understanding and retention of STEM knowledge. By translating complex concepts into sign language, it enables deaf students to grasp challenging topics more effectively, leading to improved academic outcomes. Lastly, Zerobionic enables remote learning, empowering deaf students to participate in virtual STEM sessions from anywhere. This flexibility ensures that all students, regardless of their location, can access quality STEM education and pursue diverse career opportunities in the field.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Zerobionic's product/service is aimed at serving deaf students who aspire to pursue STEM education. Our targeted beneficiaries include deaf individuals of all ages who face barriers to accessing STEM content due to communication challenges. By providing real-time sign language translation of STEM concepts, we empower deaf students to fully engage with and benefit from STEM education, ensuring equal opportunities for academic and professional success.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-06-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Norah Kimathi brings a background in computer science, focusing on AI and ML, Winstone Were is proficient in multiple programming languages and frameworks, including Python, PHP, Java, JavaScript, and Laravel, Salome is strong in UI/UX development and has extensive experience in project management and leadership roles within tech communities, she is a technology expert in robotics, who has led numerous projects integrating advanced technologies into educational solutions.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Zerobionic enhances accessibility and inclusion for the deaf and mute population, enabling them to access education, employment and many opportunities. This increases their chances of being empowered financially and breaking the cycle of poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

By providing the deaf and mute community with an opportunity to gain knowledge on various topics, Zerobionic promotes nutrition literacy and healthy eating habits. This translates to them making more informed dietary choices and reduces the risk of malnutrition.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Through zerobionic, the deaf and mute community has access to information about healthcare accessibility, preventive care and general health education.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Zerobionic provides accessible learning tools such as interactive software applications, specifically designed to accommodate the needs of the deaf and mute community. This improves on their general language and literacy development.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Zerobionic provides employment opportunities that are tailored to the deaf and mute community, hence contributing to economic growth and social inclusion.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

By introducing Innovative assistive technology specifically designed for the deaf and mute community, this will enhance communication, access to information and social inclusion for individuals with hearing and speech impairments.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

By providing an access to better education and more career options, the start up has helped reduce inequalities in terms of opportunities and has empowered these individuals with skills and more employment opportunities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Zerobionic advocates for accessibility and inclusion in climate action initiaves and policies and steers the conversations that ensure that the needs and perspectives of the deaf and mute community are considered. This includes advocating for sign language interpretation services at climate related events.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Zerobionic aims at empowering the deaf and mute community to advocate for their rights, access justice and participate in desicion making processes that affect their lives.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

6

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

3

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Unlike traditional educational tools, our solution leverages advanced technology, including robotic prostheses trained on STEM datasets, to provide real-time translation of complex STEM concepts into sign language. This approach not only addresses the communication barrier but also ensures that deaf students can fully engage with and understand STEM topics. Our mission to foster inclusivity and diversity in STEM fields by making education accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities, sets us apart from other educational initiatives. Additionally, the integration of AI and ML for personalized learning experiences and the use of cutting-edge technology for real-time translation highlight the innovative nature of our project.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors in the field of STEM education for disabled students include organizations like Gallaudet University, Hands & Voices, and SignSchool, which provide resources and educational tools for hearing-impaired students. However, Zerobionic stands out due to its innovative use of advanced robotic prostheses and real-time translation technology, specifically designed to address the communication barriers in STEM education. Unlike traditional methods, our solution leverages AI and machine learning to offer dynamic, real-time translation of complex STEM concepts into sign language, ensuring a more engaging and interactive learning experience. Additionally, our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, combined with cutting-edge technology, positions us uniquely to transform STEM education for disabled students, fostering diversity and inclusion in these fields.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

We run mentorship programs specifically for aspiring female entrepreneurs in the tech sector, providing them with guidance, resources, and support to develop their ideas and grow their startups. We organize and host workshops and seminars focusing on empowering women in technology and entrepreneurship, covering topics such as leadership, business development, and technical skills. Partnerships with Women's Organizations: We collaborate with various women's organizations and networks to create opportunities for female entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences, and support each other. We regularly feature and celebrate successful female entrepreneurs within our community and network, showcasing their achievements and providing inspiration for others.