News
October 26, 2025
S’pore-developed app helps deaf people take and make calls using speech-to-text technology
CallBridge was developed during the inaugural Sparks x Build for Good Community Hackathon in June.
Singapore's deaf community is now one step closer to seamless communication thanks to a newly developed mobile application called CallBridge. This innovative app leverages cutting-edge speech-to-text technology to empower deaf individuals to make and receive phone calls with greater ease and independence.
CallBridge was born out of the inaugural Sparks x Build for Good Community Hackathon held in June, demonstrating the power of collaborative innovation in addressing real-world challenges. The hackathon brought together talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to create technological solutions that benefit the community.
The app functions by transcribing the speech of the person on the other end of the line into text in real-time, which is then displayed on the deaf user’s phone screen. This allows them to understand the caller's message without relying on traditional methods like sign language interpretation, which can be costly and not always readily available. When the deaf user wants to respond, they can type their message, which is then converted into speech and relayed to the other party. This two-way communication bridge effectively eliminates the communication barrier typically faced during phone conversations.
The development of CallBridge highlights the growing importance of accessible technology in creating a more inclusive society. By providing a user-friendly and readily available solution, the app aims to foster greater independence and social participation for the deaf community. It allows them to engage in everyday activities, such as scheduling appointments, contacting customer service, and connecting with loved ones, with greater confidence and convenience.
The team behind CallBridge is currently working on refining the app and exploring opportunities for wider distribution. They are also seeking feedback from the deaf community to ensure the app meets their specific needs and preferences. The success of CallBridge serves as an inspiring example of how technology can be harnessed to empower marginalized communities and bridge communication gaps, making a tangible difference in people's lives.
CallBridge was born out of the inaugural Sparks x Build for Good Community Hackathon held in June, demonstrating the power of collaborative innovation in addressing real-world challenges. The hackathon brought together talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to create technological solutions that benefit the community.
The app functions by transcribing the speech of the person on the other end of the line into text in real-time, which is then displayed on the deaf user’s phone screen. This allows them to understand the caller's message without relying on traditional methods like sign language interpretation, which can be costly and not always readily available. When the deaf user wants to respond, they can type their message, which is then converted into speech and relayed to the other party. This two-way communication bridge effectively eliminates the communication barrier typically faced during phone conversations.
The development of CallBridge highlights the growing importance of accessible technology in creating a more inclusive society. By providing a user-friendly and readily available solution, the app aims to foster greater independence and social participation for the deaf community. It allows them to engage in everyday activities, such as scheduling appointments, contacting customer service, and connecting with loved ones, with greater confidence and convenience.
The team behind CallBridge is currently working on refining the app and exploring opportunities for wider distribution. They are also seeking feedback from the deaf community to ensure the app meets their specific needs and preferences. The success of CallBridge serves as an inspiring example of how technology can be harnessed to empower marginalized communities and bridge communication gaps, making a tangible difference in people's lives.
Category:
Technology