Imphal: Imphal-based startup Akumen Artificial Intelligence (AI) met with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on July 15 to showcase INSIGHT, an AI-powered smart glasses system for the visually impaired.
Designed to read text, identify objects, and support 22 Indian languages, including Manipuri, the device aims to enhance the independence of visually impaired individuals in the state.
In a major step forward for indigenous assistive technology, Thiyam Akuvan, founder of Imphal-based Akumen AI, called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan on July 15.
Akuvan, a local computer science engineer, briefed the Governor on the startup’s mission to develop affordable, AI-powered assistive devices aimed at improving the independence of persons with disabilities.
During the meeting, Akuvan showcased INSIGHT, the startup’s flagship wearable smart glasses. Designed specifically for blind and low-vision users, the device enables individuals to read printed text, identify objects, and perform everyday tasks without assistance.
Developed with the vision of promoting global accessibility, INSIGHT supports 22 Indian languages, including Manipuri.
The development comes as an affordable alternative to traditional assistive eyewear, which is particularly significant for Manipur, where an estimated 0.7 million individuals live with visual impairments.
Additionally, specific vision problems such as refractive errors affect up to 29.14 per cent of school-going children in urban areas.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla appreciated Akumen AI’s efforts in using emerging technologies for social good. He lauded the startup’s commitment to inclusive innovation and expressed hope that such indigenous solutions would significantly empower persons with disabilities and improve accessibility across the state.
The venture receives support from the state’s Startup Manipur initiative, which promotes youth-led entrepreneurship through incubation infrastructure, mentoring, and venture funding.
Akumen AI’s progress reflects the potential of local engineering talent to transform the assistive technology landscape for visually impaired individuals.