Deafinitely: AI-Driven Sign Language Accessibility
March 11, 2025
Deafinitely have started a crowdfunding campaign on ExitValley. We use the content from the campaign to provide an overview of Deafinitely's AI-driven sign language accessibility solutions, with the help of ChatGPT.
Summary
Deafinitely is a real-time AI-powered sign language translation platform that helps businesses, streaming platforms, and service providers make their content accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The company was founded by Nimrod Livne, a father of three, two of whom are deaf, driving his commitment to improving accessibility through technology.
Deafinitely leverages natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to provide instant translation of text and speech into sign language, addressing a critical gap in digital accessibility. Their solutions align with global accessibility regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act.
The company is currently raising funding on ExitValley, seeking investment to expand its product development, commercial rollout, and regulatory compliance efforts.
Who Are Deafinitely's Customers?
Deafinitely operates as a B2B SaaS company, targeting industries where real-time accessibility is essential:
- Government & Public Services
- Municipal services, public sector websites, and emergency communication platforms need accessibility compliance (ADA, WCAG).
- Healthcare & Customer Service
- Hospitals, insurance companies, and service centers can integrate Deafinitely’s AI-powered translation tool for seamless communication with deaf patients/customers.
- Education & Learning Platforms
- Schools and universities benefit from real-time sign language translations for lectures, online courses, and student resources.
- Streaming & Media
- Streaming services, TV channels, and live event broadcasters can automate sign language interpretation for their content.
- Corporate & Customer-Facing Businesses
- Websites, e-commerce platforms, and service providers can integrate sign language translation for compliance and inclusivity.
Pilot Projects & Clients
- Israel Electricity Company
- Pfizer Israel
- Imagineer UK (O2 Arena)
- Moledet School (Deaf Student Integration)
- Signed MOU with a Global TV Channel Playout Company
Technological Pipeline
Deafinitely’s AI-powered translation engine converts spoken and written language into sign language in real time. The system consists of several key stages:
1. Natural Language Processing (NLP) & Preprocessing
- Converts text/audio into structured sign language grammar.
- Uses fine-tuned Large Language Models (LLMs) to adapt syntax and semantics.
- Context-aware translation ensures accurate representation of meaning.
2. Sign Mapping & Gesture Optimization
- Machine learning algorithms break down sentences into key sign language elements.
- NLP techniques like stemming and lemmatization optimize sentence structures.
- A scoring mechanism prioritizes clarity, context, and fluidity.
3. Multi-Platform Deployment & Real-Time Translation
- Browser Plugin → Automatically translates website content into sign language.
- Streaming Solution → Converts live and on-demand video content into sign language.
- Service Center App → Enables seamless customer support interactions.
4. Regulatory Compliance & Customization
- Optimized for ADA, WCAG 2.2, and European Accessibility Act standards.
- Can be tailored for different business sectors to meet specific accessibility needs.
Challenges & Market Opportunities
Challenges:
- Sign Language Complexity → Sign language is gestural and non-linear, making translation more challenging than spoken languages.
- Lack of Training Data → AI models require large annotated datasets, which are scarce in sign language.
- Regulatory Compliance → Accessibility regulations vary across markets, requiring ongoing legal adaptations.
- Enterprise Adoption → Many businesses are not yet aware of the financial benefits of accessibility.
Market Growth & Potential
- Global Deaf Population: Over 70 million sign language users worldwide.
- Regulatory Pressure: Businesses must comply with accessibility laws or face fines.
- B2B Demand: Growing interest from corporates, media, and public institutions.
- Scalability: AI-powered solutions can expand to multiple languages and platforms.
Investment & Future Growth
Deafinitely is currently raising funding to expand its R&D, commercialization, and market adoption. The company has strong financial backing from:
- SIBF Fund
- Rashi Foundation
- Yachdav Association
- Nvidia (Grant Recipient)
They plan to use this investment to:
✅ Refine AI models & expand language support
✅ Scale browser and streaming solutions
✅ Enter new global markets (U.S., Europe, Latin America)
✅ Secure more enterprise partnerships
Conclusion
Deafinitely is at the forefront of AI-driven accessibility, transforming digital experiences for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Their real-time sign language translation tools provide businesses, media, and public services with an easy-to-integrate solution for inclusivity and compliance. With growing market demand, regulatory shifts, and a scalable AI-driven approach, Deafinitely is well-positioned to become a leader in the sign language technology space.