Our story
Inspiration Behind the Start
As an eager engineering student, I embarked on an eye-opening journey during my internship at a Blind School. The experiences I encountered there left an indelible mark on my heart. Witnessing Visually Impaired navigating their daily lives and bumping into obstacles ignited a fire within me. It was a wake-up call to the stark reality that amidst the rapid advancements of smart cities, smartphones, and automated cars, there was a glaring absence of solutions to assist visually impaired individuals in maneuvering through their surroundings safely.
Motivated by a desire to make a tangible difference, I turned to my mentor at the NGO, a remarkable individual who happened to be Visually Impaired themselves. He shared with me the disappointing truth that many interns before me had expressed grand plans of developing a solution, only to fall short on commitment and follow-through. Determined to break this cycle, I resolved to turn my vision into reality.
With unwavering dedication, I delved into the world of engineering and innovation, drawing inspiration from an obstacle-avoiding robot. It occurred to me that the same technology could be harnessed to assist the visually impaired. I envisioned a device that could detect obstacles, provide real-time feedback, and empower Visually Impaired to navigate their surroundings with confidence and independence.
Saarthi as empowering lives
Thus, the seed of Saarthi was planted. Driven by passion and guided by empathy, I embarked on a relentless journey of iteration and refinement. The road was filled with challenges, requiring countless prototypes and iterations to achieve the desired result. Sixteen attempts later, the final product emerged, encompassing the essence of precision, accuracy, and simplicity. However, Saarthi's impact transcended the boundaries of technology. It became a beacon of hope ‘Saarthi as empowering lives’, igniting a sense of empowerment within the community. The device not only reduced collision rates but also heightened obstacle awareness and instilled newfound confidence among the visually impaired.
AI smart glasses,
In 2020, as I visited various Blind Schools and NGOs, I was consistently met with gratitude from users who found Saarthi incredibly beneficial for their daily navigation. They shared how the device effectively identified all kinds of objects in their path, making their day-to- day lives much easier. However, a recurring piece of feedback I received was the desire for more detailed information about the objects detected. Users expressed that while knowing something was ahead was valuable, being able to specifically identify what it was would be even more empowering. This sparked an idea in me—what if we could create AI-powered glasses that not only detect objects but also provide detailed information about what’s in front of the user? This concept marked the beginning of my journey into developing a more advanced, AI-driven solution for enhanced independence. In our relentless pursuit to empower the visually impaired, our journey has taken us beyond boundaries. From the triumph of Saarthi to the horizon of possibilities, we are revolutionizing accessibility. With the advent of AI smart glasses, we are rewriting the narrative of independence for our visually impaired friends. Bound by determination, we shatter limitations, unlocking a world where disabilities are eclipsed by potential. Together, we pioneer innovation, transforming lives with every ground-breaking creation.
The story doesn’t end there. As more people began using our solutions, they started asking for even more capabilities. They were thrilled to be able to see objects, recognize colors, and identify currency, but they wanted more detailed information. In response to their requests, we developed features like scene description and the ability to read text in any language. This led to the creation of Jyoti AI Pro, an even more powerful tool designed to provide comprehensive assistance and independence!
What is your solution and how is it creating change?
Our solution at TorchIt revolves around the development & deployment of innovative & affordable assistive technologies tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities. Through our range of assistive solutions, we aim to break down barriers and empower individuals with disabilities to lead more independent, fulfilling lives.
Our assistive technologies span various categories, mobility devices, inclusive education aids (Smart AI solutions to read any printed material), sensory aids, and communication tools. These solutions are designed to address specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, whether it’s navigating physical environments, accessing information, or communicating effectively.
By providing affordable and accessible assistive technologies, we’re creating change on multiple fronts:
Enhanced Independence: Our solutions enable individuals with disabilities to perform daily tasks with greater ease and independence. Whether it’s using a mobility aid to navigate public spaces or leveraging a communication tool to express themselves effectively, our technologies empower users to live life on their own terms.
Improved Access to Education and Employment: Access to education and employment opportunities is crucial for individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. Our assistive technologies break down barriers to learning and employment by providing tools that facilitate access to information, communication, and training. This, in turn, opens up new avenues for personal and professional growth.
Inclusive Society: By promoting the adoption of assistive technologies and advocating for disability rights, we’re working towards creating a more inclusive society. Our solutions not only benefit individuals with disabilities but also contribute to changing societal perceptions and attitudes towards disability. Through awareness-raising initiatives and community engagement, we’re fostering a culture of inclusion where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully.
Empowerment and Self-Advocacy: Through the use of our assistive technologies, individuals with disabilities gain a sense of empowerment and self-advocacy. By providing them with tools that cater to their unique needs and preferences, we’re enabling them to assert their rights, make informed choices, and actively participate in society.
Overall, our solution is creating change by leveraging technology to overcome barriers, promote inclusivity, and empower individuals with disabilities to live life to the fullest. Through continuous innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, we’re committed to driving positive social impact and building a more accessible and equitable world for all.
Continuous Improvement and Feedback
TorchIt’s commitment to continuous improvement and feedback-driven iteration ensures that their solutions remain responsive to evolving needs. This iterative process allows TorchIt to stay ahead of the curve and deliver relevant, effective, and impactful solutions over time. Overall, TorchIt’s unique approach combines affordability, innovation, comprehensiveness, collaboration, and continuous improvement to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities more effectively than traditional responses. By prioritizing the needs and aspirations of individuals with disabilities and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, TorchIt is driving positive social change and building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
We are committed to creating impactful, accessible solutions
