Bleetech Innovations began as a college project at MIT Pune, where founders Jahnavi Joshi and Nupura Kirloskar designed a smartwatch to help the deaf experience music through vibrations. This initial venture into assistive technology led them to recognize the broader educational challenges faced by the deaf community in India. In 2015, they launched Bleetech Innovations to bridge the learning gap through technology, focusing on ISL-based educational content.

Breaking Language Barriers in Classrooms

The educational landscape for the deaf in India is fraught with challenges, primarily due to the reliance on oralism, which emphasizes speech and lip-reading over sign language. This approach often leaves deaf students with underdeveloped linguistic skills. Bleetech’s BleeTV app and BleeTV Library offer a solution by providing over 1,000 ISL video resources covering diverse topics such as news, financial literacy, and science. This content is curated to enhance comprehension and engagement, making education more accessible and effective for the deaf community.

Supporting India’s Inclusion and Education Goals

Bleetech’s innovation aligns with the objectives of NEP 2020, which advocates inclusive and equitable quality education, including the integration of children with special needs. It supports Digital India by digitizing educational resources and increasing access for underserved communities. Moreover, the startup contributes to the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates the development of inclusive learning material and accessible technologies. Through initiatives like converting school textbooks into ISL videos with QR access, Bleetech reinforces India’s commitment to universal education and accessibility under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and Accessible India Campaign.

Expanding Reach and Driving Recognition

Bleetech’s impact is evident in its reach and recognition. The startup has touched the lives of over 12,000 users across 15 Indian states, including Maharashtra, Meghalaya, and Karnataka. In Pune alone, it serves over 600 students and 100 teachers, with content being viewed 5,000–7,000 times monthly. The startup’s innovative approach has earned it numerous accolades, including the Forbes India 30 Under 30 and the National Entrepreneurship Award in 2018. Additionally, its tablet-based ISL video kits, priced at ₹2,000 per student, have significantly reduced the need for interpreters, making education more accessible and cost-effective.

A National Gamechanger for Accessible Learning

Bleetech Innovations stands as a testament to the power of technology in transforming education for the deaf community in India. By providing accessible, ISL-based educational content, the startup not only addresses immediate learning needs but also contributes to the long-term goal of an inclusive and empowered society. As Bleetech continues to innovate and expand, it holds the potential to be a national gamechanger in the realm of accessible education, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.