CI Invests in Speech Rec Technology to Aid Speech Impaired

Voiceitt, a company that specializes in a speech recognition system geared toward individuals with impaired speech, has received a $500,000 investment from Connecticut Innovations (CI). The funds are part of a potential $1.5 million investment from the venture capital firm, awarded through its VentureClash program geared toward early-stage companies.

Israel-based Voiceitt plans to use the initial funds to accelerate its core speech recognition technology, as well as to ramp up U.S. marketing efforts and establish a headquarters in CT. The company’s technology recognizes atypical speech patterns that typically result from conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy and degenerative diseases, facilitating human-to-human voice-based interactions. It is designed to augment mainstream voice technologies and make them accessible to individuals with motor and speech challenges.

"CI is excited to close this deal with the top investment award winner of VentureClash," said Alison Malloy, director of investments at Connecticut Innovations. "Voiceitt has the chance to enhance and improve the lives of those suffering from voice-altering conditions. We look forward to working with the Voiceitt team as they expand to the United States." 

According to Voiceitt, vocal communications present a challenge for more than 100 million people throughout the world, with a combined 10.4 million people in the U.S. and Europe suffering from speech disabilities. Dysarthia, caused by congenital or acquired conditions, is the most common type of acoustic issue impacting the physical production of speech. Voiceitt uses statistical modeling and machine learning to help facilitate natural communication by voice and overcome the affects of dysarthia and other conditions that impact the acoustic control of regular speech.

The company has a mobile application in closed beta testing, enabling hands-free voice recognition for face-to-face, real-time communications. The technology is also being designed for easy integration with smart homes, as well as assistive and augmentative communications devices and smart speakers.

"Our team is grateful for VentureClash and Connecticut Innovations as we build our U.S. presence in Connecticut and improve our core speech technology to best address the needs of the people we serve," said Danny Weissberg, CEO of Voiceitt. "We have received a warm welcome and support from stakeholders and advocates in the community. We believe this award conveys the spirit of collaboration that is core to who we are as a company, and it also represents another step closer to realizing the vision we all share: to make speech recognition technologies accessible to everyone."