Umbi Labs

12/05/2026

We had the pleasure of participating in the CDLI ASR Kenya Hackathon: Venture & Impact Roundtable at Senses Hub. It was a powerful session focused on what it truly takes to keep building inclusive speech technology ventures beyond demo day.

The event brought together hackathon alumni, ecosystem partners, and stakeholders in the assistive technology space — all committed to advancing accessibility and innovation.

One of the key highlights of the day was the venture session by Justin Jesudas, who shared insightful perspectives on building and growing in the assistive technology sector, including the realities of developing and sustaining ventures in this space. Building here requires resilience, long-term vision, and a deep commitment to impact — conversations like these continue shaping our journey.

This initiative, co-funded by Google.org, is part of the , led by UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub and its Centre for Digital Language Inclusion (CDLI), in collaboration with Senses Hub and Strathmore University’s iLabAfrica. Technical support from Modal, through GPU sponsorship, continues to power the development of the ASR models

08/05/2026

Last week at the Connected Africa Summit 2026, we had the honor of being part of something really special — the official launch of Kenya AI for Disability Project, an initiative grounded in the belief that AI can help make inclusion more real and accessible for everyone.

Inclusion should no longer be just a buzzword or something we only talk about in boardrooms. It should be at the center of how we build, create, and connect with people. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure no one gets left behind.

We’re excited about what lies ahead and remain deeply committed to our mission: technology should adapt to people — not the other way around.

05/05/2026

We had the privilege of attending a media briefing at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), and it was a deeply inspiring moment.

Together with partners including , , , and , KISE is making meaningful strides in inclusive technology. We saw a wide range of assistive tools supporting diverse needs, from visual and hearing impairments to speech and language challenges, neurodivergence, mobility limitations, and more.

One key highlight was an exclusive tour of the new assistive technology lab which is fully equipped with modern tools to enable local design and production of affordable solutions. This is a big step forward for accessibility, built for the community, by the community. We look forward to its official opening soon.

15/04/2026

We’ve been reflecting on World Health Day (7 April)

There’s a lot of talk about access to healthcare — but what about assistive technology? For many people, it’s essential to daily life, not just an add-on. Yet it’s still often overlooked in mainstream healthcare conversations.

In our latest blog update, we share some thoughts on why this gap matters and why it’s time to pay more attention.

Have a read and tell us what you think

This World Health Day, we're confronting an uncomfortable truth: thousands of children with speech and communication disabilities are locked out of education, not because of their abilities, but because of a missing bridge: access to assistive technology.

03/04/2026

Happy Easter!

This season is a gentle reminder to slow down, reflect, and welcome fresh beginnings. Whether you're spending today with loved ones or taking a quiet moment for yourself, we hope it brings a sense of renewal, hope, and a little extra joy.

Wishing you a weekend filled with light, warmth, and meaningful moments 💛

31/03/2026

Read our latest article on SoinsAvec— our assistive communication platform tailored for kids with speech and language impairments. 💜

Signup for early access: https://umbilabs.com/beta?q=soinsavec

Read: https://umbilabs.com/update/soinsavec-launch

Umbi Labs is a technology social enterprise designing assistive tools that support communication, development, and inclusion for children and individuals worldwide.

26/03/2026

Yesterday, our team had the pleasure of paying a courtesy visit to the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Greater Nairobi at Kenyatta University, where we had engaging and insightful conversations around potential partnerships and collaboration. As we continue to innovate and champion inclusive technology, it was inspiring to explore how our work in assistive technology aligns with the broader goals of Education for Sustainable Development.

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing RCE Greater Nairobi team, led by Dr. Wemali, Dr. Bancy, and Abednego, for the kind invitation and warm welcome. We're truly grateful!

We’re excited about what lies ahead and look forward to building a strong and impactful partnership together.

19/03/2026

Late last month, we run a user testing session for our product. And wow...

The feedback? Raw, unfiltered, and completely next-level.

This is exactly why we believe so strongly in User-Centered Design here at Umbi. We don’t just build for people. We build with them. Every insight makes sure we're solving real, pressing needs.

Huge thank you to our close partner for making this happen. The Live Labs initiative creates a space for AT innovations to be tested, users learn, and we keep iterating on our work.

12/03/2026

Some parents wait for a first word.
Others celebrate a first sound, a first sign, or the first time their child tries to communicate.

Every child’s communication journey is different.
And sometimes the smallest moments carry the biggest victories.

A new sound.
A new gesture.
A new attempt.

These moments deserve to be seen.
They deserve to be celebrated.
And most importantly— you shouldn’t have to navigate them alone.

SoinsAvec is designed to support communication journeys like these — for children learning to speak, and for those who may need a little extra support to express themselves.

A place for stories, support, small wins, and hopeful breakthroughs.

Because every voice matters. And every step forward counts. 💛

If you're a parent, caregiver, therapist, or educator supporting a child’s communication journey, this space is for you.

Tell us:
What’s a small communication win you’ve celebrated recently?

And if this resonates with you, follow along as we share stories, tips, and tools that celebrate every small word.

Sing up for early access: https://www.umbilabs.com/beta?q=soinsavec

10/03/2026

Our favorite part of the equation? Co-creating solutions with our users!

We had the privilege of participating in a four-day Makerthon focused entirely on building assistive tech hardware. At Umbi, one of our core focus areas is hardware-based devices that help with speech and language impairments— specifically designed for low-resource settings. This Makerthon was the perfect springboard for that mission!

A huge thank you to the incredible organizers , , and — for the invite and for giving us such an unforgettable experience!

We’re beyond excited, totally energized, and ready to break the boundaries of what’s possible in assistive tech... and who knows, maybe a couple of laws of physics while we’re at it! 😄