About DeafSync
Connecting deaf and hearing communities through inclusive technology.
A World Without Communication Barriers
A world where every person, regardless of their difference, can communicate freely, be heard, and thrive without barriers. Our work is aligned with the UN SDGs (Goals 4, 10 & 17) and supports Bénin's Alafia 2030 national development plan.
- Community-first approach to product development
- Deaf-validated sign language datasets
- Open to partnerships with NGOs, schools, and institutions
Connecting Communities Through Inclusive Technology
Our mission is to connect deaf and hearing communities through inclusive technology. We believe technology should break barriers, not create them - and that innovation must serve people first.
- Break barriers for 40M+ deaf people across Africa
- Build AI tools accessible to everyone, everywhere
- Co-create solutions with the deaf community
- Make inclusive technology the standard
- Drive lasting social change through innovation
What Drives Us
Here are the values with which we accomplish our mission.
Inclusion
Equal participation for all, regardless of ability or background.
Universal Accessibility
Solutions usable by everyone, free of any barrier.
Social & Tech Innovation
Technology in service of people to solve real challenges.
Continuous Learning
Lifelong education and skill development for all.
Social Impact
Lasting, positive change in the communities we serve.
From an Idea to a Movement
Every great company starts with a problem worth solving. Here's how DeafSync went from a conversation to a continental mission.
The Idea
A group of friends with a shared desire to give back identifies a critical gap: the deaf community in Africa has no digital tools. The ambition is set - build Africa's Top #1 technology company, starting with the most underserved.
The Creation
DeafSync is officially founded at the end of 2023, supported by the Mastercard Foundation's entrepreneurship program - turning the vision into a structured, mission-driven organization.
First Version
The team ships the first version of DeafSync's products, bringing AI-powered sign language tools to life for the first time.
International Recognition
DeafSync wins the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) grant and the FAST program by the Mastercard Foundation - international validation of our model and impact.
Community Revalidation
The solution is revalidated directly with the deaf community, ensuring every product decision is grounded in real needs and co-built with those it serves.
Data & Products
Phase 1 of Beninese Sign Language (LSB) data collection reaches 1,000+ validated words. Lambdy, our inclusive learning platform, enters development. The modeling phase of the sign language dataset is underway.
Acceleration
DeafSync joins the Social Impact Incubator, accelerating growth and impact. Integration of Beninese Sign Language into our full product suite begins, deepening our roots in the community.
Lambdy Launches
Lambdy officially launches, bringing the first inclusive e-learning platform in sign language and local language to communities across Africa.
MTN Innovation Lab
DeafSync wins selection into Cohort 2 of the MTN Innovation Lab in Benin, joining an incubation program with access to MTN's tech infrastructure and mentorship.
Our Impact in Numbers
Concrete results from our work on the ground with deaf communities across Africa.
People directly reached through our events and awareness programs
Beninese Sign Language words collected and community-validated in our dataset
Development of the first version of HandVoice for American Sign Language
Young people trained in sign language
Development and co-validation of HandVoice v2 in Beninese Sign Language (LSB) including LSB learning tools
Young people trained in digital and computer literacy
Users reached through Lambdy, our inclusive e-learning platform
Foundations and organizations reached: DELL, Mastercard Foundation at UAC, Handicap Actions Togo
Actors in the disability and education sector reached, including 9 inclusive schools and organizations
What We Have Built
- Creation of a 1,000-word Beninese Sign Language (LSB) dataset
- Development of the first version of HandVoice ASL
- Training of 15 youth in sign languages
- Development and co-validation of HandVoice v2 in LSB + LSB learning tools
- Training of 30 youth in digital and computer literacy
- Over 3300 users reached through Lambdy, our e-learning platform
- 3+ foundations and organizations reached (DELL, Mastercard Foundation at UAC, Handicap Actions Togo)
- 25+ actors in the disability and education sector reached, including 9 inclusive schools and organizations
Meet Our Creative Dedicated Team
Behind every great project, there's a dedicated team of passionate innovators. Meet our experts who bring creativity, expertise, and commitment to drive excellence.
