Veever: Digital Accessibility Ecosystem
Globally, approximately 280 million people are visually impaired, and cities, public services, and infrastructures are often not designed to support their needs. From inaccessible sidewalks to lack of auditory alerts at intersections, visually impaired individuals face daily challenges in navigating urban environments. Moreover, public services and spaces are not always equipped with the necessary technology to accommodate their participation, leading to feelings of exclusion and abandonment. Facing these challenges, we've created Veever: a digital solution that utilizes microlocation technology and artificial intelligence to enhance mobility and access to public spaces for visually impaired individuals. Through a mobile application, users receive real-time audio descriptions and guidance, enabling them to navigate both indoor and outdoor environments autonomously. The system operates using Bluetooth beacons placed in strategic locations, offering detailed information via voice assistant, even offline. Veever transforms how visually impaired citizens access urban environments and public services, promoting a more inclusive society.
Platforms And End-to-End Solutions For Government And Public Administration
Digitalization of services and service ecosystems for citizens
The estimated time for implementing Veever in a new venue can vary depending on the size and complexity of the environment. Typically, the process takes between 2 to 6 weeks. This timeline includes: Site Assessment (1-2 weeks): Assessing the venue’s infrastructure, mapping key areas for beacon placement, and identifying user pathways. Installation of Beacons (1-3 weeks): Installing Bluetooth beacons and configuring the system to ensure seamless communication with the Veever mobile app. Testing and Training (1 week): Running pilot tests to ensure functionality, followed by training staff to assist users and manage the platform.
Veever has been implemented in several key locations, with a strong presence in Brazil: Brazil: Notable implementations include Jockey Plaza Shopping, Tancredo Thomas de Farias Airport, and major events such as Rock in Rio. Global Expansion: Veever is actively exploring opportunities for expansion into other BRICS countries and international markets. It is targeting urban centers, transportation hubs, and public spaces globally to promote accessibility and inclusion.
Veever stands out from similar solutions due to its integration of artificial intelligence to enhance the precision of space mapping and reduce the costs associated with implementing assistive technologies. Unlike other platforms, Veever’s system does not rely on continuous internet connectivity, as all data is stored offline on users' devices. Its scalability is another key advantage, with a low-cost and simple installation process that allows easy deployment across various environments. Furthermore, Veever’s real-time audio descriptions and user-friendly interface make it a more intuitive and practical solution for individuals with visual impairments, surpassing competitors in terms of usability and impact on social inclusion.
Veever and its co-founders have received several awards for their work in accessibility and social impact, including the BRICS Young Innovator Prize (2021) for João Pedro Novochadlo's contributions to accessibility, 1st Place at the Curitiba Hackathon (2015), and being named a Top 30 Startup at HackBrazil (MIT/Harvard) in 2018. The platform was also showcased at the Smart City Expo (2019) and received the Public Consecration Award from Curitiba for improving urban accessibility. In 2021, Veever ranked in the Top 4 in 100 Open Startups for inclusion and accessibility.
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