Spacefelt

The specific problem we are addressing is the pervasive lack of educational accessibility for visually impaired individuals at various levels, including infrastructure, physical and digital materials, and laboratories. 

In India, an estimated 4.95 million individuals are blind, and 70 million are visually impaired. Yet, only 29.16% of blind individuals are enrolled in the educational system, according to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Additionally, merely 6.86% of schools offer Braille books and audio content.

Braille is traditionally viewed as a means of accessibility but is read by only 1% of the visually impaired population in India. Digital materials show promise for improved accessibility; however, a study in Telangana (India) discloses that merely 4.5% of e-textbook chapters are fully accessible with screen readers. Moreover, the lack of accessible STEM laboratories and resources such as images, tables, and graphs impairs full comprehension for visually impaired students, steering them away from technical and STEM fields. 

Therefore, there is an essential demand for a low-cost, scalable solution to make educational environments genuinely inclusive and to guarantee equal access to learning resources.

Spacefelt employs low-cost smartphone and QR code technology to improve educational access for visually impaired students. It empowers educational institutions and teachers to enhance navigational and learning experiences by tagging audio and text descriptions to various environments and educational materials with QR codes. Students use the Spacefelt app to scan these codes and receive auditory information, facilitating independent navigation and inclusive education.

For infrastructure, acrylic QR tags can be affixed in schools—on hallways, classroom doors, laboratories, etc.—guiding visually impaired students with audio cues for orientation and navigation.

Content-wise, Spacefelt's web platform allows easy conversion of educational materials into accessible formats. Textbook excerpts, diagrams, graphs, and maps are audio described and made accessible via printable QR codes. Scanned by the app, these resources are audibly presented in the user’s preferred language, enhancing understanding of complex subjects, notably in STEM education, at any location.

Optimized for accessibility with screen readers and magnifiers, the Spacefelt Android and iOS app is designed to function offline, essential for low-connectivity areas. Moreover, the QR labels are compatible with standard QR scanners, broadening content inclusivity for all students, including those with learning disabilities, and facilitating support by parents and educators in home tutoring.

Demo: Video 1, Video 2

Spacefelt primarily serves visually impaired students in Indian educational institutions, a group deeply affected by the lack of suitably adapted educational materials and infrastructure. These students are marginalized due to the high costs and production time associated with Braille materials in a system largely tailored for sighted individuals. Spacefelt seeks to transform this scenario by offering quick-access audio descriptions for complex STEM materials and navigational assistance on campuses, enhancing independence and educational engagement.

Moreover, Spacefelt's compatibility with standard QR scanners broadens its inclusivity, making its content accessible not only to visually impaired students but also to those with other learning disabilities. This feature supports an inclusive educational environment that benefits a diverse student population and aids parents and educators in providing effective and personalized content.

Our solution aims to improve enrollment rates, reduce dropout rates, and encourage more visually impaired students to pursue STEM degrees, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. While initially focused on India, our strategy includes expanding to other developing countries where cost-effective educational solutions are essential, aiming to globally enhance access and equity in learning.

Our team's journey began as volunteers for the visually impaired, which is where our three co-founders first collaborated. Further, our 5-member team includes 2 individuals with visual impairments. This shared experience has deeply informed our understanding and commitment to this community.

1. Vivian Manohar, our CEO, leverages his engineering expertise and volunteer insights to drive technical innovations at Spacefelt, ensuring that our solutions meet real-world needs efficiently.

2. Aishwarya Tulsi Vijay, Co-Founder and a visually impaired individual herself, brings invaluable personal insights into the systemic barriers faced by the visually impaired in accessing education. Her background as a Vision Rehabilitation Counselor directly influences the practicality and inclusiveness of our product designs.

3. Prathyusha Potharaju, another Co-Founder, combines her biotech knowledge with her advocacy for marginalized communities to enhance our product's reach and effectiveness, ensuring that our solutions are grounded in empathy and inclusivity.

4. Nivedha Christabel, an optometrist, offers a clinical perspective to our approach, ensuring that our solutions are both medically informed and tailored to the specific needs of visually impaired individuals.

5. Shaikh Mohammed Hannan, our Outreach Associate and a individual with visually impairment, provides critical insights into the social challenges and needs of our target users, enhancing our community engagement strategies.

Our diverse backgrounds and personal commitments to the community ensure that Spacefelt is uniquely positioned to deliver solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply human-centered and community-driven.

Spacefelt launched in India in 2022 with a basic Android app enabling individuals with visual impairments to label personal belongings using QR codes. Quickly gaining traction, the app expanded to over 500 users. Our pilot extended into public spaces, beginning at the LV Prasad Eye Institute's Center for Vision Rehabilitation, serving over 100 individuals in training programs. Following successful user feedback, we implemented Spacefelt at Purple Fest, an event by the Ministry of Social Justice and Welfare in Goa, enhancing accessibility for disabled participants.

We then focused on educational settings, integrating Spacefelt at Dr. BRR Degree College, Hyderabad to facilitate campus navigation and access to educational content. In 2024, we developed a unified app for Android and iOS, along with a web portal for institutions to create and distribute accessible content. New features include orientation guidance and better QR detection using object detection via machine learning.

To date, in the pilot phase, Spacefelt has benefited over 5,000 individuals by working alongside prominent organizations in India like the National Association for the Blind; Design Bridge Foundation, Pune; State Gallery of Art, Hyderabad; District Collectorate, Tirunelveli; Museum of Possibilities, Chennai; and the Ministry of Social Justice and Welfare, Government of Goa, to extend its impact. This extensive engagement showcases our solution’s readiness for broader implementation and the significant, direct impact on our target community.

We are applying to Solve because we believe their resources and network align perfectly with the challenges Spacefelt faces in scaling our solution. Currently, in our pilot phase, we encounter significant hurdles in securing funding for expansion, accessing technical expertise to enhance our platform, and optimizing our product distribution channels to effectively reach a broader audience.

Solve's financial support and capacity-building resources will be instrumental in fueling our growth. Their tailored workshops and networking opportunities are pivotal for connecting with potential investors and refining our fundraising strategies.

Additionally, the optimization of our distribution logistics is crucial as we aim to expand our reach to visually impaired students across varied educational settings in India. Solve’s extensive network and partnerships promise valuable insights and connections that could streamline our distribution processes.

Moreover, as we continue to evolve our technology platform, access to Solve's expertise in app development and machine learning will be vital. This support will enable us to refine our offerings to better meet the needs of our users, ensuring our technology remains at the cutting edge and highly effective.

By partnering with Solve, we anticipate overcoming these barriers, enabling Spacefelt to grow sustainably and maximize our impact on the communities we serve.

Spacefelt introduces a novel approach to Furthermore, the increasing adoption of smartphones among visually impaired individuals in developing countries enhances the relevance and potential reach of our solution.accessibility for visually impaired individuals, innovatively using QR code technology combined with smartphones to enhance educational and navigational access. Unlike traditional methods like Braille, which is underutilized in India due to low literacy rates among the visually impaired (only 1%), our solution allows for real-time content updates and provides more detailed information, making it adaptable and scalable.

Our use of QR codes overcomes the constraints of traditional tactile systems by delivering audio descriptions instantaneously. This capability facilitates the understanding of complex STEM subjects and improves navigation, significantly cutting the time and cost associated with producing Braille. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of smartphones among visually impaired individuals in developing countries enhances the relevance and potential reach of our solution.

Spacefelt's potential to transform how educational content is delivered could catalyze global changes, inspiring adaptations across various sectors needing inclusivity and possibly influencing policy and setting new accessibility standards.

Moreover, by providing an affordable alternative to other complex and expensive technologies like NFC, RFID and Bluetooth, Spacefelt challenges existing market norms and positions itself as a leader in accessibility solutions. Its adaptability and seamless integration into technological ecosystems make it appealing to educational institutions and could reshape the market towards greater inclusivity.

Activities: Spacefelt utilizes QR code technology integrated with smartphones to provide audio descriptions of educational materials and navigational aids for visually impaired students. We deploy our technology in schools and institutions, equipping physical spaces and educational content with QR codes that can be easily scanned by smartphones. We also conduct training sessions for students and educators on how to use the Spacefelt system effectively.

Immediate Outputs:

1. Enhanced Accessibility: QR codes in educational settings allow visually impaired students to independently access detailed descriptions of texts, diagrams, and navigational cues.
2. Increased Engagement: Students engage more actively with educational content and campus environments thanks to real-time, easy-to-access information.

Short-term Outcomes:

1. Improved Educational Outcomes: With better access to educational materials, visually impaired students are likely to understand and retain information more effectively, enhancing their learning outcomes.
2. Greater Independence: By facilitating easier navigation around campuses and through educational materials, students become more independent and confident.

Long-term Outcomes:

1. Higher Enrollment and Lower Dropout Rates: Improved accessibility and engagement in educational settings encourage higher enrollment rates among visually impaired students and reduce dropout rates.
2. Broader Inclusivity in Education: As more institutions adopt Spacefelt, the educational landscape becomes more inclusive, encouraging policy shifts and wider implementation of similar technologies.

Evidence Supporting Links:

• According to research by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), only 29.16% of blind individuals are enrolled in education, largely due to accessibility barriers. Spacefelt directly addresses these barriers, thus it's projected to increase enrollment.
• Feedback from pilot implementations at institutions like Dr. BRR Degree College, Hyderabad shows that Spacefelt improves the ease of navigating campus environments and accessing complex STEM content, which supports the expected outcomes of improved educational engagement and independence.
• Studies suggest that increased access to educational resources and supportive learning environments correlate strongly with better academic performance and lower dropout rates among disadvantaged groups, including those with visual impairments.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Spacefelt will continuously gather user feedback and monitor engagement metrics through our app and partner institutions. We will also conduct regular evaluations to assess the impact on educational outcomes and adapt our solution based on these insights.

Impact Goals and Measurement for Spacefelt:

1. Increase Educational Accessibility: Our goal is to enhance access to educational materials for at least 10,000 visually impaired students by the end of the year.

• Indicators: Number of QR codes generated, educational institutions adopting Spacefelt, and user engagement metrics within the app.

2. Improve Learning Outcomes and Independence: We aim to demonstrate a measurable improvement in educational performance and navigation independence among Spacefelt users.

• Indicators: Increases in test scores post-adoption, student surveys on navigational confidence, and qualitative feedback from users.

3. Reduce Educational Disparities: Our target is to reduce dropout rates among visually impaired students by 10% in participating institutions over two years.

• Indicators: Comparative dropout rates pre- and post-Spacefelt implementation.

4. Promote Inclusivity in Education: We strive to ensure equitable education opportunities for visually impaired students, achieving parity with their sighted peers.

• Indicators: Enrollment rates compared between visually impaired and sighted students, availability of accessible resources, and parity in STEM participation.

Measuring Progress:

• Data Collection: We conduct regular analytics on app usage and QR code utilization, supplemented with bi-annual feedback surveys from students and educators.
• User Feedback: Through semi-annual interviews and focus groups, we gauge user experience and satisfaction.
• Educational Partnerships: We maintain data-sharing agreements with institutions to monitor performance and retention rates, ensuring continuous improvement.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals: Spacefelt aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), particularly focusing on:

• SDG 4.5.1: Enhancing the proportion of disabled individuals receiving education.
• SDG 4.a.1: Increasing the number of schools with accessible learning resources.
• SDG 10.2 and 10.3.1: Promoting and ensuring equal opportunities and outcomes for all, irrespective of disability.

By leveraging a comprehensive measurement approach, Spacefelt is well-positioned to demonstrate significant impact, underpinning our commitment to a more inclusive educational environment.

At the heart of our solution is a mobile app compatible with major mobile operating systems, designed to facilitate the scanning of QR codes. The app leverages advanced machine learning algorithms including object detection models to enable the detection of QR codes from a distance, making it easier for visually impaired users to locate and interact with the codes, thereby accessing audio descriptions and other content.

In parallel, Spacefelt's intuitive web platform offers a user-friendly interface for educational institutions and content creators to translate their materials into accessible formats. The platform is crafted using contemporary web development frameworks, ensuring a seamless and responsive experience for users across devices.

Our backend infrastructure is hosted on a robust and secure cloud environment, providing reliable data storage, fast content delivery, and the computational power needed for our machine learning models. This backend also includes functionality to dynamically generate QR codes, which can be printed and placed in physical locations and educational materials.

To ensure inclusivity and ease of access, the QR codes generated by Spacefelt are designed to be universally scannable. This means that any standard QR scanner can retrieve the link to our web application, where users can access the content. The web application also features a built-in scanning function, further simplifying the process for users.

Overall, Spacefelt leverages a blend of adaptive mobile applications, machine learning, and responsive web technology, all integrated within a secure cloud-based infrastructure to provide a comprehensive solution for improving educational accessibility for the visually impaired.

Our team comprises 5 members, with 4 working full-time and 1 working part-time.

2 years, since April 2022

We prioritize diversity and inclusion within our team, reflecting in our composition— 2 out of 5 members have visual impairments, and 3 are women, with female employees holding over 50% of our startup's ownership. We accommodate our employees with visual impairments with necessary tools like screen readers and magnifiers and ensure our internal resources are accessible via Spacefelt. Alternative accessible solutions are in place for areas like payment and HR portals to ensure complete accessibility.

Furthermore, we've established ongoing DEI open forums for team members to actively participate in shaping our DEI strategy. These initiatives aim to promote awareness, facilitate open dialogue, and drive meaningful change.

Through these measures, we strive to ensure that all team members feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.

Spacefelt operates on a socially-driven business model designed to maximize accessibility for visually impaired individuals. At the core, our offerings span both individual and institutional solutions.

For Individuals (B2C): We provide a mobile application that enables visually impaired users to independently navigate their environment and access educational content through QR code scans. This service empowers them in their daily lives, making it a sought-after tool for personal use. Users can download our app for a basic version at no cost, with a premium option available for advanced features, ensuring that essential services remain accessible while also creating a revenue stream to support and expand our offerings.

For Institutions (B2B): Spacefelt collaborates with educational entities and public institutions to implement our QR code system on a larger scale. We offer a subscription-based platform that allows these organizations to create, manage, and distribute accessible content effectively. This model not only ensures a steady revenue flow but also embeds our solution into the infrastructure of educational systems, enhancing our societal impact.

Value Proposition: The value to our customers lies in the tool’s ease of use, the independence it affords visually impaired individuals, and the inclusive environment it fosters within educational institutions. With the rise of smartphone usage and QR code technology, Spacefelt taps into an existing behavioral trend, ensuring a low barrier to entry for users and institutions alike.

Delivery: Our products are delivered through the mobile application and the web platform for content management, leveraging cloud technologies for scale and reliability.

Revenue Streams: Our revenue is derived from premium app subscriptions, institutional subscriptions, and partnerships with educational organizations and NGOs. This multifaceted approach not only sustains our business but also facilitates reinvestment into product development and community initiatives.

Spacefelt has established financial sustainability through a mix of direct sales, institutional partnerships, and grant funding. We began by bootstrapping and selling our MVP personal version to individuals with visual impairments, which has shown consistent success.

Expanding our reach, we've secured contracts with organizations like the Ministry of Social Justice and Welfare, Goa and the LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad to enhance public accessibility. These contracts complement our sales revenue and confirm the market's need for our product.

Our financial strategy was further validated by a 5,000 USD grant from Social Shifters in April 2023, underscoring the social impact and viability of Spacefelt. Looking forward, we aim to diversify our funding by applying for government grants, such as 'Nidhi Prayas', and exploring more institutional contracts, ensuring a steady growth in our financial resources.

This balanced approach positions Spacefelt for sustainable growth, leveraging both commercial and philanthropic opportunities to fund our mission.