TLDR: Signvrse, a Kenyan tech startup, has developed Terp 360, an AI-powered platform that translates spoken and written words into Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) using motion-captured 3D avatars. Launched in 2023 and recognized with the Kenya Presidential Innovation Award, the platform aims to bridge communication gaps for the deaf community in various sectors. A mobile version is slated for release by December 2025, with a long-term vision for a subscription-based service.
Signvrse, a pioneering Kenyan tech startup, is making significant strides in real-time sign language interpretation with its innovative platform, Terp 360. Launched in 2023, Terp 360 is Africa’s first AI-driven tool designed to translate spoken and written words into Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) using advanced motion-captured 3D avatars. The company has garnered notable recognition, including the Kenya Presidential Innovation Award, the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation Award, and a spot on the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize Shortlist.
At the core of Terp 360’s technology is artificial intelligence combined with sophisticated motion capture. This process meticulously records the gestures, hand rotations, and facial expressions of real sign language interpreters, transforming them into lifelike digital avatars that can sign fluently. Elly Savatia, the 24-year-old founder of Signvrse, likens it to ‘Google Translate for sign language,’ highlighting its capability to interpret text and speech input and output ‘fluid, natural avatars that sign just like a human—but at scale.’
This innovation is crucial for Kenya’s deaf community, which frequently encounters communication barriers in essential areas such as workplaces, hospitals, and public services. Kelvin Munene, a deaf waiter in Nairobi, shared his personal struggles, stating, ‘I had a lot of challenges when searching for a job, and sometimes at the hospital. I think this app will help solve those problems and make communication easier.’ However, Munene also expressed a desire for future updates to include Swahili translation, as the current app primarily converts English to KSL.
While the technology holds immense promise, it is not without its limitations. Leakey Nyabaro, founder of the Galaxy Sign Language Training Centre, pointed out that Terp 360 still exhibits errors and, in its current ‘sign-to-voice’ mode, predominantly benefits hearing users. ‘It’s not perfect, but it’s more effective in sign-to-voice mode, which helps the hearing community more than the deaf,’ Nyabaro noted.
Despite this feedback, Savatia remains optimistic about the platform’s future. Terp 360 currently boasts 2,000 users on its web application, with plans to launch a mobile version by December 2025. The long-term vision for Signvrse includes a subscription-based service catering to both personal and business users, aiming to provide seamless sign language access to millions across Africa.
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Signvrse’s mission extends beyond technology; it is a social enterprise committed to building a more inclusive future where sign language is seamlessly integrated into everyday digital experiences. The company emphasizes that its work is guided by extensive real-world testing, leadership from the Deaf community, and a steadfast commitment to ethical and inclusive innovation. Their track record includes over 8,000 hours of user testing, 7,000+ development hours, and successful piloting in two countries, with a focus on impacting the more than 70 million deaf people in Africa. Signvrse operates from Nairobi, Kenya, and Kigali, Rwanda, collaborating with organizations, NGOs, governments, and institutions to champion deaf inclusion and advance communication equity.
