Whispp

In 2018, Whispp was born out of a simple but powerful idea: to give people with voice disabilities the freedom to communicate confidently. The founders, Joris Castermans and Akash Raj Komarlu, were inspired by their personal experiences and conversations with those affected by vocal impairments. They realized that traditional assistive technology wasn’t enough, as tools relying on speech-to-text conversion were often slow, lacked nuance, and couldn’t capture the natural flow of a conversation. This led us to create something new: a real-time, audio-to-audio solution that would convert whispered or affected speech into a clear, natural voice. Real-Time Assistive Voice Technology. “For us, Whispp was always about creating something that could bring people closer, giving them back the ease of everyday conversation.” Over the next few years, our team poured its energy and expertise into making this vision a reality. We designed Whispp’s AI-powered technology to work across phone calls, video chats, and messaging, ensuring users could communicate instantly, without the latency that disrupts everyday interactions. It was challenging, but knowing the impact this technology could have kept us going. Fast forward to 2024, and Whispp is now recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions in the Accessibility category. Each year, TIME’s Best Inventions list honors innovations that significantly impact our lives, highlighting extraordinary breakthroughs in categories like Accessibility, Healthcare, Artificial Intelligence, and Green Energy, with nominations from TIME editors, industry experts, and an online application process. TIME evaluates each entry on several key factors: originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. This ensures the chosen inventions are unique and genuinely enhance how we live, work, and connect. To learn more about Whispp’s journey, our technology, and the incredible impact of being named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024, visit our website. Explore our press kit, and discover how Whispp is transforming communication for individuals with voice disabilities & severe stutters. Check out TIME’s full list: https://lnkd.in/e98jkd2m Whispp Website:  https://whispp.com/ Whispp Press kit:  https://lnkd.in/ejxvP5iK #TIMEBestInventions2024 #VoiceTech #Accessibility #Innovation

"I took for granted what everybody takes for granted.. a working voice." While disabilities can take many forms, voice disabilities remain a lesser-known challenge that can profoundly affect daily life. Millions of people worldwide experience voice loss or disorders due to conditions like laryngectomy, spasmodic dysphonia, or different health-related issues. Today is International Day of People with Disabilities, and we honor the strength, creativity, and determination of individuals living with disabilities—and highlight the importance of inclusive solutions that empower everyone to thrive. At Whispp, we believe communication is a fundamental human right. Our technology transforms affected voices, whispers, or stutters into clear and natural speech—helping people regain confidence and autonomy in their conversations. Justin is one of the first individuals to have Whispp reimbursed for his work by the UWV. After undergoing a total laryngectomy, he faced significant challenges in verbal communication, such as conducting meetings with a large group of people or the fear that going up to a parking garage and speaking to a receptionist would become impossible. The reimbursement of Whispp by the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) in the Netherlands is a significant step toward inclusivity because it removes financial barriers, enabling more people with voice disabilities to access this transformative technology. In professional settings or personal conversations, Justin uses Whispp to express himself clearly and effectively, breaking down barriers that once seemed impossible. His story is a powerful reminder of why inclusive technologies like Whispp are essential for individuals and for building a more connected and equitable world. If you're in the Netherlands and wish to use Whispp for your work, you can apply for Whispp as a provision through the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency). This opportunity is available to both employees and self-employed individuals. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/efizWpf5

Last night in Bibao was one to remember. The NN Social Innovation Startup Award brought together brilliant ideas and inspiring people. It was a privilege to represent Whispp alongside Ela Szczepaniak from Bugeto Personal Finance Simulations, Marjolein van Tilburg 🤙🏻 from ChatLicense, Mariusz Pitura from The Linghos, and Lia Menyhárt from MEROVA Health Zrt. The pitches were heartfelt and impactful, each addressing critical challenges. As the audience shared their votes through Mentimeter, we had their support. But in the end, it all came down to the jury. We’re proud to share that Joris Castermans took the stage as one of the winners, taking home €50,000. This support allows us to continue working toward a world where everyone can communicate clearly and confidently, no matter their voice challenges. A huge thank you to NN Group, Rubio Impact Ventures, Impact Europe, and the jury for believing in what we’re building. To the other finalists, your work inspires us—it was an honor to share the stage with you. Here’s to creating real social impact!

We’re heading to Impact Europe's impact week for the NN Social Innovation Startup Award, where NN Group and Rubio Impact Ventures are shining a light on startups improving financial, physical, and mental well-being. Joris Castermans, will represent Whispp and showcase our assistive voice technology, which converts whispered or impaired speech into clear, natural voices. It’s an honor to represent Whispp among such inspiring finalists: Ela Szczepaniak from Bugeto Personal Finance Simulations, Martine de Leeuw from ChatLicense, Mariusz Pitura from The Linghos, and Lia Menyhárt from MEROVA Health Zrt. If you’re attending Impact Week in Bilbao, we’d love to connect and discuss how innovation is driving change for better communication and accessibility.

Last week, Whispp participated in Inclusive Innovations 2024 in Rotterdam, organized by Envision , an event focused on making technology accessible for everyone. Joris Castermans presented a live demo of Whispp’s real-time assistive voice technology, showing how it helps individuals with vocal challenges communicate clearly and naturally. Inclusive innovation addresses the specific needs of individuals who often face barriers in daily life. Events like these highlight practical solutions and create connections between innovators, healthcare professionals, and users who benefit from these technologies. For Whispp, it’s a vital opportunity to learn, share, and contribute to a more inclusive future. We’re thankful for everyone who stopped by, shared their stories, and provided valuable feedback. Your input helps us refine Whispp to better serve those who rely on it. Want to see how Whispp works? Download the app for free using the link below and explore how it can make communication easier for you or someone you know. www.whispp.com/download Let’s continue to focus on solutions that bring people closer together. #innovation #inclusion #voice #technology #ai

A glimpse into our ongoing work at Whispp, where we're exploring the impactful ways people are using our technology. By focusing on our users' actual use cases and personal stories, we aim to highlight how Whispp transforms communication in practical, meaningful ways. From sharing a meal to staying connected on the phone, we showcase real-life moments where Whispp makes conversations clearer and more comfortable. To further enhance the Whispp experience, we constantly explore the potential of different devices, from discrete microphone rings and comfortable earpieces to portable headsets and compact speakers. These images give a glimpse into the diverse settings where Whispp can make a difference—whether at home, in a social setting, or out and about. Stay tuned to see how Roger and others use Whispp to overcome communication barriers and experience life's moments fully. Dysphonia International AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP #communication #inclusivity #voice #technology #ai

Experience Whispp in action at Inclusive Innovations 2024. On November 11th Joris Castermans will showcase our app’s real-time assistive voice technology capabilities in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Inclusive Innovations 2024 is an essential platform for us as it brings together those invested in advancing accessible and inclusive technology. This event allows us to connect with an audience that understands the profound impact of assistive tech, from potential users to healthcare professionals—as part of the ongoing conversation about accessibility, bringing attention to the specific needs of those with vocal challenges. Engaging with other innovators and industry leaders also creates opportunities for collaboration and feedback, allowing us to enhance Whispp based on real-world insights. Event Details: Date: Monday November 11th, 2024 Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM CET Location: CIC Rotterdam, Stationsplein 45, 3013 AK Rotterdam Are you curious about inclusive technology? Make sure to follow us or meet us at the event! Register here: https://lu.ma/77jr6ftw We look forward to meeting those interested in experiencing Whispp firsthand and exploring the future of inclusive technology with; Nathan Deutsch, Operations & Innovations lead at TAMI by Lighthouse Tech 🕶 – for powerful obstacle detection in fashionable eyewear. Adrian Geissel, Founder & CEO Surpass Sport Systems – for accessible trail and amenity mapping with real-time data. Thomas Brisson, Co-founder & CTO of OOrion App – using AI to assist those with low vision in navigating venues. Lennart Zielstra, Co-founder Rezolve Medical – for innovative lower-leg support. Maël F., CEO of biped robotics – an AI mobility assistant providing all-in-one guidance. Vanessa Vigar, CMO of Envision – a personal AI assistant on mobile and Envision Glasses. Jari Hazelebach, CEO of Speaksee – a solution for live event transcription and translation in multiple languages. Ivar Illing of Sensotec nv – enhancing spatial awareness for the visually impaired through AI-powered smart glasses. Liam Geschwindt, CEO of touchpulse – empowering independent navigation for people with low vision. See you there! #InIn24

In 2018, Whispp was born out of a simple but powerful idea: to give people with voice disabilities the freedom to communicate confidently. The founders, Joris Castermans and Akash Raj Komarlu, were inspired by their personal experiences and conversations with those affected by vocal impairments. They realized that traditional assistive technology wasn’t enough, as tools relying on speech-to-text conversion were often slow, lacked nuance, and couldn’t capture the natural flow of a conversation. This led us to create something new: a real-time, audio-to-audio solution that would convert whispered or affected speech into a clear, natural voice. Real-Time Assistive Voice Technology. “For us, Whispp was always about creating something that could bring people closer, giving them back the ease of everyday conversation.” Over the next few years, our team poured its energy and expertise into making this vision a reality. We designed Whispp’s AI-powered technology to work across phone calls, video chats, and messaging, ensuring users could communicate instantly, without the latency that disrupts everyday interactions. It was challenging, but knowing the impact this technology could have kept us going. Fast forward to 2024, and Whispp is now recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions in the Accessibility category. Each year, TIME’s Best Inventions list honors innovations that significantly impact our lives, highlighting extraordinary breakthroughs in categories like Accessibility, Healthcare, Artificial Intelligence, and Green Energy, with nominations from TIME editors, industry experts, and an online application process. TIME evaluates each entry on several key factors: originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. This ensures the chosen inventions are unique and genuinely enhance how we live, work, and connect. To learn more about Whispp’s journey, our technology, and the incredible impact of being named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024, visit our website. Explore our press kit, and discover how Whispp is transforming communication for individuals with voice disabilities & severe stutters. Check out TIME’s full list: https://lnkd.in/e98jkd2m Whispp Website:  https://whispp.com/ Whispp Press kit:  https://lnkd.in/ejxvP5iK #TIMEBestInventions2024 #VoiceTech #Accessibility #Innovation

While we didn’t bring home the UIL-Award this year, we’re honored to have been nominated among so many inspiring organizations dedicated to social impact. The UIL-Awards, presented by the UWV, highlight companies that go the extra mile to advance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, young job seekers, and those facing significant barriers in the job market. At Whispp, we’re proud to contribute to a more inclusive society by empowering individuals with speech disorders to communicate confidently every day. We congratulate the winners from Speaksee and all fellow nominees who continue to make a difference through Social Return on Investment (SROI). This recognition strengthens our resolve to keep pushing boundaries and making our technology accessible to everyone. Thank you to our community for your ongoing support, and a special congratulations to those recognized at the UIL-Awards for their inspiring work! KPN, Job Solutions BV, SYNRG, idc Academie - opleiding tot re-integratiecoach, Auto aanpasbedrijf Weersink & Caprilli

Live from CES Unveiled in Amsterdam, Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, has just announced Whispp as a finalist in today’s pitch battle at CES Unveiled Amsterdam! Joris Castermans, will be presenting Whispp’s innovative approach to accessible communication, alongside other inspiring tech pioneers. It’s an honour to pitch among such talented finalists (linked below), and we’re excited to showcase how Whispp is breaking barriers in communication accessibility. Join us at the Beurs van Berlage to see Joris pitch Whispp’s vision live! Earthian AI DuckDuckGoose AI FlowBeams Holoconnects Praxa Sense TracXon Hoursec MOOS Solutions