Paraspeak: AI Innovation for Speech Impairment in Hindi-speaking Communities

Paraspeak: A Transformative AI Device for Hindi-speaking Patients

In a world where technology often caters to English-speaking users, a 16-year-old from Gurugram, Pranet Khetan, is breaking barriers with Paraspeak, a revolutionary AI device that translates dysarthric speech into clear Hindi. This innovation not only addresses a critical gap in healthcare but also highlights the potential of AI in enhancing communication for those with speech impairments.

The Genesis of Paraspeak

Khetan, a Class 11 student at Shiv Nadar School, was inspired to develop Paraspeak after a visit to a paralysis care center near New Delhi. Witnessing the struggles of stroke patients and individuals with cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease to articulate themselves, he saw an opportunity to bridge this communication gap using AI. With the guidance of his robotics teacher, Nitesh Kumar, Khetan embarked on a journey to create a device that could understand and translate slurred speech.

A Custom-Built Database

One of the most significant challenges Khetan faced was the lack of a large-scale database of dysarthric Hindi speech. Unlike English, which has extensive datasets, Hindi lacked the necessary resources for training AI models. Undeterred, Khetan took it upon himself to build a custom database. He spent months visiting hospitals and shelters, recording the speech of around 30 individuals with speech impairments. This 42-minute database is a groundbreaking resource, allowing Khetan to train his AI model to accurately translate slurred speech in real-time.

How Paraspeak Works

The Paraspeak device is a matchbox-sized, low-cost prototype that records the user's slurred speech and sends it to a cloud server. The server hosts the AI translation model developed by Khetan, which processes the speech and sends the translated, clear words back to the device. The prototype, which hangs on a ribbon around the patient's neck, ensures easy access for recording and playback. This simple yet effective design makes Paraspeak an accessible solution for those in need.

Impact and Recognition

Khetan's innovation did not go unnoticed. His project received the fourth prize in biomedical engineering at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2025, the world's largest pre-collegiate science fair. Additionally, he was awarded a special prize from the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). However, for Khetan, the most rewarding aspect has been the positive impact on the lives of patients. Seeing their reactions when they realized that someone could understand them for the first time was a deeply moving experience.

Future Prospects

While Khetan is proud of his achievement, he is not content to rest on his laurels. He is working with firms to bring Paraspeak to the market, making it available to a wider audience. His vision extends beyond Hindi, as he aims to develop similar solutions for other vernacular Indian languages, further broadening the scope of his impact.

The Bottom Line

Paraspeak represents a significant leap forward in AI and healthcare innovation. By addressing the unique needs of Hindi-speaking patients with speech impairments, Khetan has not only created a practical solution but also inspired a new generation of young innovators to tackle real-world problems with technology.