Tushar Shaw, a 19-year-old engineering student from Bengaluru enrolled at Scaler School of Technology, has developed Perceivia, a pair of intuitive glasses aimed at assisting the visually impaired. His innovative creation won him recognition as one of the national winners of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025, a program designed to encourage young innovators to tackle real-world issues with technological solutions. This year, four winning teams were awarded ₹1 crore in incubation support at IIT Delhi across various themes, including AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat and Environmental Sustainability via Technology. Perceivia helps users navigate their surroundings through sound by utilizing a combination of audio sensors, object-recognition cameras, and AI-driven spatial analysis.
The glasses are capable of detecting and describing the environment, identifying objects, estimating distances, and recognizing human voices and faces. Users receive alerts through vibrations or voice feedback, effectively creating a sensory map of their surroundings. Tushar’s inspiration stemmed from his experiences with a visually impaired neighbor, witnessing the daily challenges they faced. He aimed to create a device that would enhance their independence. Although he initially lacked expertise in computer vision or hardware design, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program provided him with necessary resources, mentorship, and confidence. He utilized Gemini 2.0 Flash for screen description and developed recognition features using datasets from visually impaired volunteers, whose feedback guided improvements to the prototype.
The program attracted thousands of young innovators throughout India, offering essential insights into market research and partnerships. Tushar’s project was chosen by a distinguished jury from Samsung and various sectors, winning recognition under the theme of AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat. For Tushar, this achievement signifies both an end and a new beginning. He expresses enthusiasm for collaborating with accessibility tech brands to enhance the product’s design and affordability, while continuing his studies. Over the next year, he plans to test Perceivia with more users, gather mobility trainers’ feedback, and implement indoor navigation features.
His ultimate aim is to make the device as essential as eyeglasses, ensuring it is accessible to everyone rather than a luxury for a select few.