Contact
CenterState CEO
CLIENT PORTAL
Meet Sign-Speak: The Startup Using AI to Break Communication Barriers

January 11, 2024

After turning down a full-ride master’s degree offer, Yamillet Payano took a leap—founding a startup with two fellow innovators she met by chance. That leap led to Sign-Speak, a real-time ASL recognition and transcription platform changing how businesses communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.

Now a participant in the Syracuse Surge Accelerator, Sign-Speak is scaling fast. The team has already grown its sign language dataset by more than 10x—giving them a significant advantage in building inclusive, AI-powered tools that can be embedded in phones, computers, and workplace tech.

“The Deaf community pays just as much for smartphones as anyone else,” said Payano. “They deserve the same experience.”

This isn’t just about innovation—it’s about equity. It’s about rewriting the tech narrative to include everyone, and Sign-Speak is leading the charge.

👉 Read the full article and learn how Sign-Speak is using technology to create lasting impact:
→ Read More

Recent News

Be Inspired!

From hands-on workshops and pitch nights to networking mixers and industry events, INSPYRE Innovation Hub is where ideas ignite and connections turn into opportunity.
View Events

Accepting New Clients!

Be a Client. Build What’s Next. With tailored client tiers, mentorship, startup support, and a community that shows up, this is where ideas become companies.
Learn More

Related Articles

Browse All Categories
New Faces, New Opportunities Across the INSPYRE Community

New Faces, New Opportunities Across the INSPYRE Community

One of our favorite signs of growth? Seeing client companies add new talent. Over the past few months, several INSPYRE client companies have welcomed new team members, adding expertise in AI, aviation, business development, customer success and more as they continue...

Client Spotlight: Danielle Jackson of Elle Rae’s Tacos

Client Spotlight: Danielle Jackson of Elle Rae’s Tacos

From Start It! Business Basics to running a thriving taco shop inside Salt City Market, Danielle Jackson has built a business rooted in community, perseverance and great food. We caught up with Danielle to talk about entrepreneurship, long days in the kitchen and what...