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Smart glasses being as common as smartphones? This would revolutionize how we interact with our surroundings!
This vision isn’t from a sci-fi movie, but from Shubh Mittal, the innovative mind behind Seleste Innovations Inc. Shubh’s story begins during his university years, where he was captivated by the potential of smart glasses. “I always thought smart glasses were the future,” he recalls. But the path to innovation is rarely straightforward. It was a personal connection that truly ignited his passion. “I had a friend in university who was blind. He was incredibly smart, but he struggled with everyday tasks like grocery shopping or reading notes in class. It hit me that smart glasses could really make a difference in his life,” Shubh shares.
Determined to turn his vision into reality, Shubh started experimenting with smart glasses. His commitment deepened when he began volunteering with the Vancouver Paralympic team, specifically with goalball players. These athletes, who are visually impaired, became the first users of his prototypes. “Seeing the impact on their lives was a game-changer for me. It wasn’t just about technology anymore, it was about making a real difference,” says Shubh.
Seleste’s core mission is clear and ambitious: to make people more efficient and focus on what truly matters. “Our goal is to eliminate inefficiencies, especially for blind professionals who spend too much time navigating inaccessible documents or websites. We want them to focus on their actual work,” explains Shubh.
One of the primary challenges for visually impaired individuals is what Shubh calls the “last ten feet” problem. While tools like Google Maps can guide users close to their destination, the final steps—finding the exact door, navigating a lobby, or locating an elevator—can be daunting. “I remember a user telling me she was stuck in a doctor’s office lobby for hours because she couldn’t find the elevator. Another waited at a closed bus stop for 45 minutes because she couldn’t read the sign. These are the everyday challenges we aim to solve,” Shubh recounts.
Developing Seleste’s smart glasses was no walk in the park. Shubh initially thought his company would be the only one creating such technology, but he discovered competitors were offering similar expensive and bulky products. “It was a surprise, but it pushed us to innovate further,” he says. A major breakthrough came when they decided to offload processing to the user’s phone. “This allowed us to make the glasses thinner, more powerful, and affordable. It was a game-changer,” Shubh reveals. However, this also meant navigating restrictions imposed by phone manufacturers, which sometimes slowed down development.
What sets Seleste apart from its competitors is its commitment to affordability and style, along with a broad range of functionalities. “Our glasses look normal. It’s a myth that people don’t care about aesthetics. They don’t want to stand out,” Shubh notes. The AI assistant integrated into the glasses offers additional value by helping users recall previously read documents or business cards, a feature invaluable for professionals.
Beyond canes and guide dogs, in the mobility assistance market, many innovations for the blind haven’t become widespread. Seleste’s approach is to complement, not replace, these essential tools. “We’re not trying to replace canes or guide dogs. Instead, we’re adding another tool to the arsenal, something that can help with tasks like reading a menu at a café or finding the right door,” Shubh explains. His goal is to reach millions, making a significant impact on the visually impaired community.
Looking ahead, Shubh sees rapid advancements in AI as a game-changer. Seleste is exploring how AI can assist with tasks like grocery shopping or web browsing, making these processes faster and more efficient. “We’re working on creating a conversational assistant that can handle these tasks seamlessly, saving users time and effort,” he shares excitedly.
Partnerships have been crucial in Seleste’s journey. Organizations like the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) have provided funding and user feedback, while startup incubators like Next Canada have connected Seleste with the wider market and venture capitalists. “The support from CNIB has been amazing. They’ve helped us with funding and real user feedback. Next Canada has been instrumental in getting us out into the wider market,” Shubh acknowledges. More recently, the Toyota Mobility Hub has offered invaluable expertise in hardware commercialization, helping Seleste navigate the challenges of developing and scaling their smart glasses.
Safety is a top priority for Seleste. The smart glasses are designed to complement existing tools, not replace them. For example, they won’t assist users in crossing roads due to the lack of necessary sensory data. “We focus on tasks like reading signs or navigating buildings, where we can make a real impact. It’s all about enhancing safety and accessibility,” Shubh emphasizes. Clear guidelines and user education ensure the glasses are used safely and effectively.
Looking to the future, Shubh is excited about improving the hardware—enhancing the mic, speakers, and camera to create a better user experience. “It’s challenging, especially for a team with a software background, but it’s essential for scaling our impact,” he says. Collaborations and resources from partners like the Toyota Mobility Hub will be crucial in overcoming these challenges.
With a clear mission to enhance accessibility and independence, Seleste is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of the visually impaired. The future holds exciting possibilities, and Shubh is ready to lead Seleste toward a world where technology truly serves everyone.
As Shubh concludes, “We’re just getting started. The journey ahead is challenging, but the potential to make a real difference keeps us motivated. We want to create a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can navigate life with ease and independence.” And with that, Seleste Innovations Inc. continues to forge a path toward a more inclusive future.