We Value Working With Those Who Want to Be Part of the Future of Equality and are Keen to Improve Operational Efficiency: Sally Chalk, CEO of Signapse

Signapse is a leading Sign Language translation software company harnessing Generative AI to deliver photo-realistic and highly accurate translations, revolutionizing accessibility for the Deaf community. By addressing the inaccessibility of broadcast media, public announcements, and digital platforms for sign language users, Signapse empowers organizations to provide inclusive experiences. With a mission to transform the global landscape of digital communication, the company strives to ensure that all written and audible information is seamlessly available in Sign Language, leaving no barriers for the Deaf community.

SME Business Review reached out to Sally Chalk, founder and CEO of Signapse, for an interview to discuss the company's mission, innovative technology, and the impact it is making in creating inclusive communication solutions. Here’s what Sally had to say.

Interview Excerpts

What inspired you to establish Signapse?

The inspiration came from a deep understanding of the communication barriers faced by the deaf community. I’ve always believed that technology has the power to bring people together, but I noticed that inclusivity was often an afterthought in many innovations. I wanted to create something that directly addressed these challenges. The idea of building a platform that uses artificial intelligence to translate spoken and written content into sign language felt like the right step toward bridging that gap.

How does Signapse work, and what sets it apart from traditional methods of communication support?

Signapse uses AI-powered technology to translate spoken and written content into sign language in real time. What makes it unique is its focus on accessibility and scalability. Unlike traditional methods that rely on human interpreters, which can be limited and expensive, our platform operates continuously and adapts to various settings. We also prioritize the cultural nuances of different sign languages, which is critical to creating meaningful and accurate translations.

What challenges did you face while developing the platform?

One of the biggest challenges was addressing the diversity within sign languages. Many people don’t realize that sign languages are not universal. Each has its own grammar, structure, and regional variations. Our team had to work closely with linguists and the deaf community to ensure our solutions were both functional and culturally relevant. Another challenge was building awareness around the importance of inclusivity in technology. It’s been a journey of education and collaboration.

Could you tell us about the role of collaboration in your work?

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We actively engage with the deaf community to understand their needs and incorporate their feedback into our development process. Partnering with advocacy organizations, educational institutions, and businesses has also been key. These collaborations allow us to refine our platform and expand its reach, ensuring it addresses real-world challenges effectively.

How is Signapse making an impact in education?

Education is one of the areas where Signapse has the most profound impact. Deaf students often face significant hurdles because of the lack of sign language resources. Our platform provides a scalable solution by integrating sign language translation into classrooms and online learning environments. This not only empowers students to engage fully with educational content but also supports teachers in creating inclusive learning spaces.

What has been the response from the healthcare industry to your technology?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Miscommunication in healthcare can have serious consequences, and accessibility is often overlooked in this field. By introducing our platform in medical settings, we’ve been able to improve the quality of care for deaf patients. It enables clear communication about symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment plans, which is a critical step toward equitable healthcare.

Media and entertainment are other areas you focus on. How has Signapse made an impact there?

Media and entertainment are powerful tools for storytelling and connection, but they’ve historically excluded deaf audiences. Our technology integrates sign language translation into videos, live broadcasts, and digital platforms, making content accessible to all. This has opened up opportunities for more inclusive creative expression and has allowed producers to reach a broader audience.

How do you approach raising awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf community?

Awareness starts with education. Many people aren’t aware of the daily hurdles faced by the deaf community because these issues often go unnoticed. We make it a priority to share stories, host events, and engage with organizations that amplify these voices. Through our work, we aim to foster empathy and understanding, which are essential for driving change.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward despite the challenges?

The motivation comes from the impact we’re making. When I hear stories of how our technology has changed someone’s life, it reinforces why we started this journey. Knowing that we’re creating opportunities for inclusion and breaking down barriers is incredibly rewarding. It’s this sense of purpose that keeps me and our team driven every day.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to create socially impactful ventures?

Focus on understanding the problem you want to solve and listen to the people who are directly affected by it. Collaboration and empathy are critical. It’s not enough to create a solution; it has to be meaningful and sustainable. Also, be prepared for challenges and stay adaptable. Social impact ventures are as much about resilience as they are about innovation.

How can people support Signapse and its mission?

Support can come in many forms. For individuals, simply spreading the word about accessibility and inclusivity helps. Organizations can adopt our technology to make their environments more inclusive. We’re always open to collaborations with partners who share our vision for a more connected and equitable world. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

What’s your vision for the future of Signapse?

My vision is to make Signapse a global standard for accessibility. I want to see our technology implemented in every sector where communication is essential, from workplaces to public services. We’re also investing in research and development to enhance our platform’s capabilities and adapt to the evolving needs of the deaf community. Ultimately, the goal is to create a world where language is no longer a barrier to connection.

Sally Chalk, Founder & CEO, Signapse

“Our diverse team, composed of Deaf and hearing entrepreneurs, engineers, and researchers, is dedicated to creating cutting-edge AI sign language solutions. We specialise in providing seamless British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL) translation and interpretation for clients who prioritise accessibility and inclusivity.”