Making audio-translations from all types of contents available and affordable in 60 languages

Trestle Labs in India created Kibo, an AI tool converting text to audio in 60 languages. By 2024, it reached 193,000 users and operated in 650 institutions, promoting accessibility globally.

Trestle Labs Private Limited, a social enterprise based in Bengaluru, has developed Kibo (Knowledge In a Box) – an AI-powered patented technology designed to translate, digitalize, and convert all types of content, including handwriting, into audio in 60 global languages. It particularly emphasizes underserved Indian, Asian, and African languages. By 2024, Kibo had reached well over 193,000 direct users and was deployed in over 650 institutions.

Problems Targeted

Visually impaired individuals may miss out on content not offered in Braille or audio formats.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Trestle Labs Private Limited, based in Bengaluru, developed Kibo, an AI-powered technology that translates, digitalizes, and converts digital, printed, and handwritten content into audio. The Kibo suite includes four products: two for individual consumers (B2C) and two for institutions (B2B). For visually impaired users, the Kibo Mobile App and Kibo Desk web app provide access to multilingual documents in 12 file formats, translating them into audio in real-time. The Kibo XS Kit, comprising a talking AI device and SaaS software, handles digitalizing, translating, and converting printed and handwritten content into audio. For institutions such as schools, libraries, and offices, Trestle Labs offers the Kibo XS Kit and the Kibo 360 Kit, a platform for large-scale accessible content production. Kibo supports 60 languages for OCR, digitization, and audio conversion, focusing on underserved Asian and African languages, including 15 Indian languages. It also supports translations in 40 additional languages. Kibo reduces audiobook production time and features cloud synchronization, AI-powered bookmarking, and audio highlighting. By 2024, Kibo had more than 198,000 direct users and over 650 institutional deployments, helping an additional 65,000 users.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Kibo funds itself through app subscriptions ranging from $1.50 to $4 per month. The Kibo XS Kit offers both annual and perpetual licenses, with discounts for visually impaired individuals earning less than $6,000 annually. By 2029 the company aims to reach 10,000 B2B institutional users and a million individual users. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

By 2024, Kibo served over 193,000 users and was implemented in 650+ institutions.

By 2024, Kibo served over 193,000 users and was implemented in 650+ institutions.

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