Kenyan innovator Elly Savatia is turning heads across Africa thanks to a groundbreaking solution which bridges the communication gap for the deaf community.
Savatia is the brainchild behind Terp 360, an AI-powered app that translates spoken language into sign language using lifelike 3D avatars.
This creation earned him the 2025 prestigious Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, along with £50,000 to scale his life-changing work.
What sets Terp 360 apart is its focus on Kenyan Sign Language (KSL). Savatia and his team recorded over 2,300 locally used signs to ensure the app reflects the cultural and linguistic context of Kenya, rather than relying on foreign sign-language models.
Since its launch, the app has begun transforming classrooms, healthcare centers, and workplaces, allowing deaf and hard-of-hearing Kenyans to access information, education, and essential services more easily. Its real-time translation feature is a first of its kind in Africa, combining cutting-edge AI with social impact.
Savatia’s achievement also highlights the potential of young African innovators to address local challenges with technology. By combining engineering expertise with empathy, he has created a solution that empowers a marginalised community and sets a new standard for socially conscious innovation.
Beyond the award, Savatia continues to engage with schools, advocacy groups, and technology partners to scale Terp 360 and raise awareness about accessibility challenges.