Antwerp start-up builds smart glasses to help neurodivergent users decode social cues
A new Antwerp-based start-up is developing smart glasses designed to support neurodivergent people in navigating everyday social interactions. Founded by IT specialist Mario Major,10 to the 13th Power combines wearable technology, AI and neurological research to create a tool that interprets facial expressions and language in real time.
Major, who has been diagnosed with both autism and ADHD, founded the company in response to a deeply personal challenge. Like many neurodivergent people, he struggled to read facial expressions, recognise sarcasm or interpret ambiguous language.
To help people with autism, ADHD or dyslexia overcome these challenges, he developed smart glasses that offer real-time feedback via a discreet display.
This article is part of a series highlighting innovative initiatives in Flanders. Throughout the summer, Belga English takes a closer look at emerging companies that are reshaping key sectors.
The prototype was developed at The Beacon, Antwerp’s innovation hub, using hardware supplied by Brilliant Labs, a Singapore-based company. The design is deliberately understated – the glasses appear ordinary yet they house a concealed camera and a small internal display.
The software uses facial recognition and natural language processing to interpret expressions as emojis and highlight ambiguous language. This helps to clarify whether a word such as “bank” refers to a bench or a financial institution, for example.
Reduce misunderstanding
The aim is to reduce misunderstandings and relieve the mental burden that social ambiguity places on neurodivergent people.
The potential user base is vast. It is estimated that 15–20 per cent of the global population is neurodivergent, equating to around 2 billion people. The start-up plans to offer the glasses via a subscription service costing 59 euros a month, as well as through a leasing programme and by selling refurbished models for institutional use.
Growing need
Early testers have provided positive feedback and are helping to shape the product by offering suggestions on usability and cognitive load.
Currently in the early stages of development, the start-up is preparing to scale up its operations and is seeking investment to bring the product to market. While some investors remain cautious, the team is confident that its blend of empathy, neuroscience and AI addresses a real and growing need.
#FlandersNewsService | © IMAGEBROKER - Read the original Dutch article from Gazet van Antwerpen.
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