Singapore-based startup FingerDance is working to transform accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities with their FingerDance AI Sign Language large models, providing 24/7 sign language translation services.

This innovation is designed to improve information and service accessibility, offering seamless communication support for those who use sign language.

“We are collaborating with the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) and the deaf communities as we develop our product,” FingerDance Co-Founder Gong He mentioned in an email to e27.

“For example, we engage deaf participants in our Singapore Sign Language data collection workshops.”

Operating on a B2B model, FingerDance plans to expand its reach by partnering with more organizations. Their goal is to deploy their sign language translation technology at various service points, ensuring that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can easily access public spaces and essential services.

Currently, FingerDance is working with partners like SBS Transit and SADeaf to implement their solution at the Chinatown MRT station, allowing the deaf community to access passenger services with ease.

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Innovating for a difference

FingerDance is among the seven innovative startups from the inaugural cohort of the Technology for Sustainable Social Impact (TS2) accelerator program, a collaborative initiative by NUS Enterprise and raiSE.

Through TS2, FingerDance has received the guidance, resources, and network support needed to refine and scale its solution, enabling it to reach a wider audience and have a greater impact.

The FingerDance team consists of 10 members, including five co-founders. The company was part of Run 8 of the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP).

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For 2024 and beyond, FingerDance aims to further expand its presence in Singapore by integrating sign language across various platforms to benefit the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

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Image Credit: NUS Enterprise

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