Signvrse, an AI-powered platform that turns speech and text into lifelike sign-language avatars, has propelled four Kenyan students, Anthony Marugu, Branice Kazira, Gheida Abdala Al Mashjery, and Daniel Phillip from African Leadership University, Machakos University, the Technical University of Mombasa, and United States International University–Africa to a coveted Top-Three finish in the 23rd annual Microsoft Imagine Cup.
Built on Microsoft Azure AI Speech, Signvrse already handles a growing 2,300-word vocabulary and aims to make classrooms, hospitals, and workplaces more accessible for people with partial hearing loss worldwide.
“Our hearty congratulations go to the Signvrse team for reaching the global finals,” said Phyllis Migwi, Country Manager, Microsoft Kenya. “Their achievement proves once again that African youth are tackling real-world challenges with world-class innovation. Inclusive technology like Signvrse opens doors for millions to live productive, fulfilling lives.”
Now in its 23rd year, the Imagine Cup has welcomed more than 2 million students from 160+ countries since its inception. Past Kenyan champions include Team TAWI [2023] and Team REWEBA [2021]. This year’s overall winner, Argus from the United States, took the top prize of US$100,000 and a mentorship session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella. Each runner-up team, including Signvrse, receives US$25,000.
