DIGIT Innovation Hub recently hosted the launch of the Sign App, an innovative solution developed by the Syrian startup SIGN to serve and empower individuals with hearing disabilities. Developed by inspiring women entrepreneurs Naya and Farah, the Sign App (also referred to as Sign-Up) was previously incubated within DIGIT’s programs and is a pivotal step in making communication accessible for the deaf community, one of the most underserved groups in Syria. The launch event included a practical demonstration and an open discussion on future collaborations to enhance the integration of the deaf community through targeted digital solutions.
Three Pillars of Accessibility
The Sign App is designed to facilitate seamless communication using three core services, directly addressing the critical need for qualified sign language interpretation in Syria, where only a handful of official translators exist for an estimated 1.79 million people affected by severe hearing difficulty.
- Instant Video Calls: Provides immediate, direct communication with a sign language interpreter via video call. This service is vital for day-to-day conversations and emergency needs.
- Document Translation: Offers the ability to translate legal and official documents to and from sign language, tackling a major barrier that often leads to instances of fraud and misunderstanding for the deaf community.
- Booked Interpreter Services: Allows individuals and institutions to reserve a sign language interpreter for pre-scheduled meetings, events, or official transactions.
A Sustainable Social Business Model
The parent company, SIGN, was supported by the DigiEYE program—a collaboration between COSV, UNDP, and funded by the Government of Japan—that focuses on advancing digital entrepreneurship for social impact in Syria. SIGN’s business model blends social impact with sustainability:
- Subsidized Local Services: Paid subscriptions and services offered to clients abroad, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, help subsidize or entirely fund free interpretation services for underprivileged clients within Syria.
- Profound Impact: The app has already delivered over 1,200 hours of translation services, providing critical support, including live interpretation sessions for parents and their deaf children.
The founders’ vision is to expand their services globally, aspiring to become the world’s leading service provider for people with disabilities, a powerful reminder that innovation and inclusion can successfully drive social entrepreneurship in the MENA region.
About DIGIT Innovation Hub
DIGIT Innovation Hub is an innovation center in Damascus, Syria, established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Japanese government. Its mission is to empower Syrian youth by providing access to economic opportunities in the digital economy. DIGIT offers comprehensive support, including incubation, advanced acceleration, training, and seed funding, aimed at advancing digital solutions to recovery challenges and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Syria.
Source: DIGIT Innovation Hub
