The International Telecommunication Union’s AI for Good Innovation Factory: A Champion for Start-ups

The AI for Good Innovation Factory, organized by the International Telecommunication Union, is a dynamic competition that champions innovative start-ups leveraging AI to address sustainable development issues. On March 19, 2024, during an engaging live pitch session, these start-ups showcased their ingenious solutions to a prestigious panel of AI experts and investors.

After rigorous evaluations and outstanding presentations, Voiceitt emerged as the champion of the event. This pioneering start-up focuses on developing patented automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology targeted specifically at individuals with speech disabilities, aging voices, and diverse accents. Voiceitt utilizes state-of-the-art machine learning techniques and a distinctive database of non-standard speech patterns, ensuring a remarkable and intuitive voice interface for users.

As part of the prize package, Voiceitt received VIP access, an exhibition booth, and a prime pitching slot at the AI for Good Global Summit 2024, along with exclusive mentoring from the judges and networking opportunities with UN representatives.

We had the chance to chat with Sara Smolley, one of Voiceitt’s co-founders, who is passionately dedicated to the start-up’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and older adults to live more independent and interconnected lives.

Five Key Insights about the AI for Good Innovation Factory Winner

1. Can you describe your award-winning solution?

Voiceitt has developed a powerful voice AI solution for individuals with non-standard speech patterns. Our core mission is to enhance connectivity and independence for people with disabilities and aging adults by utilizing advanced voice technology. Inspired by my personal experiences with my grandmother, who struggled with early onset Parkinson’s Disease, we understood the challenges faced in communication. As her condition progressed, her ability to engage with family and friends dwindled since only a few caregivers could comprehend her speech. This familial journey inspired us to create Voiceitt, aiming to restore the voice of those with speech disabilities.

Initially designed to support verbal conversations, we quickly recognized our broader impact: ensuring that all technologies are accessible to individuals with speech impairments, thereby opening up the world of Voice AI to them. Voiceitt’s mission centers on making life more accessible for those with non-standard speech, significantly increasing their opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, and entertainment. With our technology, aging adults and others with speech challenges can enhance their quality of life, engage more actively in their communities, and contribute to a more equitable, inclusive society.

Discover more about Voiceitt technologies: Voiceitt and Webex: Accessible Video Meetings – Voiceitt API
The Stuff of Champions – Voiceitt Integrations (API / App)
Unlocking the Mysteries: Aging adults and Voiceitt: Voiceitt2 Demo (App)

2. What is your place of origin and operational regions?

The co-founders of Voiceitt are Danny Weissberg, Stas Tiomkin, and Sara Smolley. Our headquarters are located in Tel Aviv, Israel, with a subsidiary in the United States. Our engineering team is primarily situated in Ukraine, while our leading algorithm researchers reside in the UK and Czech Republic. Furthermore, we have technological partnerships in Australia and the UK, with a growing network of users, partners, and community stakeholders throughout Europe.

3. How does your solution contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?

As a mission-driven AI organization, we are firmly dedicated to the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include:

• Education, training, and lifelong learning: Voiceitt ensures access to quality education and training for all, irrespective of speech disabilities.
• Equal opportunities: We advocate for fairness, enabling everyone to engage fully with their communities.
• Active support for employment: Voiceitt facilitates better employment prospects for individuals with speech dysarthria through accessible communication.
• Inclusion of people with disabilities: Our solutions allow individuals facing speech-affecting disabilities to engage in work and social situations, promoting participation in labor markets and society.

4. What do you consider your biggest challenge as an AI start-up?

For many AI start-ups, one predominant challenge remains: securing funding for research and development (R&D) as well as commercialization, especially during economically challenging times.

5. What motivated you to enter the Innovation Factory Pitching Competition?

We participated in the Innovation Factory seeking to forge partnerships, attract investors, and connect with stakeholders who share our vision: harnessing the full potential of innovative Voice AI to empower individuals with disabilities and aging adults toward more independent and connected lives.