From Idea to Innovation: My Journey at Intel – DST Innovate for Digital India Challenge
In 2015, my journey with Tellmate began. I applied to the Innovate for Digital India program. My idea, then called “The Third Eye – Tellmate,” aimed to help visually impaired people. Out of 1,913 entries, I was selected among the top 75 teams to pitch my idea at IIM Ahmedabad.
During the pitch at IIM Ahmedabad, I showcased my vision to help the blind. My idea was chosen as one of the top 20 innovations. This success allowed me to attend a three-month-long boot camp accelerator program in Pune.
Here is our first explainer video about Tellmate:
I received training from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business in Pune. My mentors, Andrew and Mark, provided invaluable guidance. I also got support from the Intel team with hardware like RealSense and software SDKs, along with backing from TCS Innovators and other program stakeholders.
The boot camp was intense and rewarding. I developed a 3D-printed vision glass prototype at the College of Engineering Pune (COEP). I built a Windows application with a proof of concept for converting visual input into audio signals. This prototype and proof of concept were significant milestones for me.
The three months in Pune were transformative. I moved from just an idea to a working prototype. This experience was crucial for my startup journey.
My journey with Tellmate at the Digital India Challenge taught me a lot. It was filled with hard work, learning, and invaluable support. This experience shaped my approach to innovation and entrepreneurship.
