Background

The positive impact of computers and the internet in expanding access to opportunities, education, and knowledge is undeniable. However, this benefit remains largely inaccessible to those who can’t read and write due to limited literacy skills. In Pakistan this is over 42% of the adult population or over 142 million individuals. The challenge of making technology accessible to everyone is both urgent and impactful.

Technology

Recent advancements in machine learning have now made it possible for computers to engage in human-like conversations through voice. Breakthroughs in self-learning algorithms have made it feasible for computers to learn low resource languages like Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, and Balochi. We are in a technical era where it is feasible for people who can’t read and write to utilize computers through voice only conversations. With the right investments it will be possible for the diverse population of Pakistan to access knowledge, education, healthcare, e-commerce and opportunities through voice interfaces.

Our Work

We are developing foundational technology to power voice interfaces in Pakistani languages and dialects. Our work will enable every Pakistani, irrespective of their literacy, to benefit from technology.

Our technology will be available to Pakistani organizations, companies and startups. This collaborative approach ensures our tools are tailored to the real-world needs of Pakistanis. By doing so, we envision transforming everyday life – from enhancing access to education and healthcare to streamlining communication. Our initiative is more than just technological innovation; it's a step towards a more inclusive society where every individual can leverage technological advancements for their betterment.

We are bringing together the most innovative, driven, and humble minds from across the globe to help us with our goal. We are partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations, pooling our resources, knowledge, and passion to turn this idea into a tangible reality.

Potential Impact

Agricultural Advancements: Envision farmers querying their phones in local dialects about crop diseases, weather patterns, or best farming practices, receiving real-time, voice-guided advice that helps improve their crop yield and livelihood.

Education: Students without access to personal tutors could use voice tech to get help with homework. They could ask questions like, “How do I solve this math problem?” or “Explain the water cycle to me,” and receive step-by-step guidance in a language they are comfortable with.

Healthcare Accessibility: Imagine a scenario where a person in a remote village speaks to a mobile device in their native language to describe their symptoms, receiving immediate guidance or being seamlessly connected to medical professionals for advice.

Government and Civic Engagement: Citizens could interact with government services through voice. The voice can automatically be transcribed and complaint patterns can be summarized for local governments to take action.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Tourists could use voice translation tools to communicate with locals, enhancing cultural exchange and potentially boosting local tourism.