Empowering pilots to communicate even when voice fails
The proposed Voice Assistive Mask leverages advanced facial muscle sensing and real-time speech synthesis to convert silent facial movements into clear, intelligible speech. This breakthrough technology enables pilots and aircrew to communicate effectively without relying on audible voice, overcoming the challenges posed by protective gear and high-noise environments.
Big_20, BIRAC
A provisional patent has been applied. The full patent is under First Examination Report along with a PCT application. Application Number: 202411030495, Date of Filing: 16/04/2024. PCT Application Number: PCT/IN-2025/050603.
A summary of achievements includes being shortlisted for the Global Bio-India Event-2024, winning the Best Entrepreneur Award (Technology Innovations) in May 2024, and receiving the BIRAC BIG-20 Award in August 2022. Earlier recognition includes the Best Story Award in DST-AWSAR 2021, and an appreciation for a project on a "transparent, breathable, antifogging, and antimicrobial face mask" from the Honorable Former Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare of India, Dr. Harshvardhan in March 2021. The individual also won the Best Innovation Award in MEDIC-2019 at IIT Bombay and secured multiple fellowships: CSIR Pool Scientist Scheme (June 2019), SERB-Indo-US Postdoctoral Fellowship Award (August 2017), and National Postdoc Fellowship under the SERB scheme (January 2017). The achievements also feature several Best Paper Awards, including one at the International Conference on Nanotechnology for Better Living (NIT Srinagar, 2016) and another at the International Symposium for Research Scholars (IIT Chennai, 2014). Other notable awards are a Gold Medal for securing the top position during M.Tech at Thapar University (2010) and a reward from the Honorable Chief Minister of Punjab for merit in the matriculation examination (2001).
The team consists of a founder well-versed in materials engineering and device development, a co-founder with expertise in human resources, scientific mentors from IIT Bombay and CSIR-CSIO Chandigarh specializing in sensors, devices, electronics, and signal processing, and experienced mentors from IIT Kanpur with knowledge in device development, materials, and startup ecosystems, complemented by business mentors, a chartered accountant (CA), and interns for smooth operations, along with Lt Cdr Sanjeev Kumar from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Co-founder
