BrailleGPT is a Sydney-based startup pioneering the world's first AI-powered handheld device that converts speech into tactile Braille in real time.
Built at the intersection of engineering precision and human empathy, the device enables blind-deaf and visually impaired users to access information instantly through the sense of touch, not screens.
Designed and developed in Australia, BrailleGPT is reimagining what accessible technology can look and feel like.
Its compact form, intuitive controls, and tactile intelligence system are the result of years of research, prototyping, and collaboration between engineers, accessibility advocates, and early-stage testers.
BrailleGPT was founded by Dunya Hassan, a mechanical and mechatronics engineering innovator and advocate for inclusive design.
With a background in mechanical and electrical systems and a passion for user-centered innovation, Dunya set out to create a device that would give individuals with vision or hearing loss direct, independent access to artificial intelligence without relying on phones, screens, or secondary devices.
Her approach blends engineering discipline with a human-first philosophy, ensuring every product decision begins with how it feels in the user's hands.
Watch Dunya's Story
See how BrailleGPT is transforming the way the DeafBlind community interacts with AI and the world around them.
Shoaib Mohiuddin
Technical Lead · Electronics Engineer
Shoaib brings deep expertise in electronics engineering to BrailleGPT, leading the technical direction across system architecture design and hardware integration.
His work spans AI pipeline optimisation and firmware development, ensuring the device delivers reliable, high-performance results.
As a key driver of technical strategy and product engineering, Shoaib plays a central role in shaping the roadmap that brings BrailleGPT from concept to reality.
Sydney Startup Spotlight Finalist
Recognised among emerging Australian innovations advancing accessibility and inclusion.
Sydney Startup Spotlight Finalist
Recognised among emerging Australian innovations advancing accessibility and inclusion.
Featured in AT-Newswire
Highlighted as a next-generation assistive technology redefining tactile communication.
Featured in AT-Newswire
Highlighted as a next-generation assistive technology redefining tactile communication.
Global Interest
Early-access sign-ups from educators, assistive-tech specialists, and disability advocates across multiple regions.
Global Interest
Early-access sign-ups from educators, assistive-tech specialists, and disability advocates across multiple regions.
BrailleGPT's mission is to close the gap between technology and human senses, designing products that empower independence, dignity, and connection through AI innovation.
Independence
Empowering users to access information and communicate without relying on intermediaries or external devices.
Dignity
Designing technology that respects the user, providing seamless experiences without compromise or complexity.
Connection
Bridging the gap between human senses and digital information, enabling meaningful interactions with AI.
BrailleGPT Manifesto
Accessible intelligence is not a feature. It is a requirement.
BrailleGPT is built on the idea that technology should meet human senses with respect, clarity, and care. The following 10 principles guide every decision.
Accessibility first, not later
Products are designed from the start for people who cannot rely on sight or sound. Every interaction must be possible through touch, haptics, and intuitive physical layout.
Accessibility first, not later
Products are designed from the start for people who cannot rely on sight or sound. Every interaction must be possible through touch, haptics, and intuitive physical layout.
Touch as a primary language
Tactile output is treated as a full language, not an afterthought. Braille, textures and haptic cues are engineered with the same precision others reserve for pixels and screens.
Touch as a primary language
Tactile output is treated as a full language, not an afterthought. Braille, textures and haptic cues are engineered with the same precision others reserve for pixels and screens.
Independence over dependence
Devices should reduce reliance on intermediaries, not increase it. BrailleGPT aims to give direct access to information, without needing a phone, a helper, or a second device.
Independence over dependence
Devices should reduce reliance on intermediaries, not increase it. BrailleGPT aims to give direct access to information, without needing a phone, a helper, or a second device.
Clarity over complexity
Interfaces remain simple, learnable and forgiving. Fewer steps, fewer modes, fewer chances for confusion. Complexity is hidden inside the system, not handed to the user.
Clarity over complexity
Interfaces remain simple, learnable and forgiving. Fewer steps, fewer modes, fewer chances for confusion. Complexity is hidden inside the system, not handed to the user.
Comfort is non-negotiable
Shape, weight, balance and materials matter as much as processing speed. If a device is uncomfortable to hold, it is not truly accessible.
Comfort is non-negotiable
Shape, weight, balance and materials matter as much as processing speed. If a device is uncomfortable to hold, it is not truly accessible.
Reliability before novelty
New features are never prioritized over stability and trust. Actuators, buttons and firmware are chosen and tuned for consistent, repeatable performance in real daily use.
Reliability before novelty
New features are never prioritized over stability and trust. Actuators, buttons and firmware are chosen and tuned for consistent, repeatable performance in real daily use.
Privacy as a baseline
Information processed through BrailleGPT must be treated with dignity. Data collection is minimized, and any intelligence used should serve the user, not an external agenda.
Privacy as a baseline
Information processed through BrailleGPT must be treated with dignity. Data collection is minimized, and any intelligence used should serve the user, not an external agenda.
Repair, reuse, longevity
Assistive technology should not be disposable. Where possible, devices are designed to be maintained, repaired or upgraded rather than replaced at the first fault.
Repair, reuse, longevity
Assistive technology should not be disposable. Where possible, devices are designed to be maintained, repaired or upgraded rather than replaced at the first fault.
Co-creation with the community
People who use assistive technology are central to its design. Feedback from blind, deafblind and visually impaired users is treated as core input, not optional validation.
Co-creation with the community
People who use assistive technology are central to its design. Feedback from blind, deafblind and visually impaired users is treated as core input, not optional validation.
Dignity in every detail
No part of the experience should feel patronising or tokenistic. Language, form and function all aim to respect the intelligence, autonomy and aspirations of the person holding the device.
Dignity in every detail
No part of the experience should feel patronising or tokenistic. Language, form and function all aim to respect the intelligence, autonomy and aspirations of the person holding the device.
Ready to feel the conversation?
Join thousands on the waitlist for early access to BrailleGPT. Be among the first to experience realtime speech to Braille technology that puts every conversation at your fingertips.