Esha Summer Project 2026: AI for All
Context
The project will run from April – March 2026.
The idea is to use AI specifically for the non-sighted.
What does that mean, exactly?
If you are someone who is interested in AI and its use cases, find one that will specifically help the non-sighted.
Then, write to us.
You can work on the idea by yourself OR with a team member. (if you don’t have a team member, we will publish your idea and wait for someone to express interest)
The implementation has a luxurious timeline of 3 months – April to June 2026.
We prototype in April/May.
Test in May/June
Do limited deployment latest by June end.
And wait for the user response.
So, is this a contest?
No.
All usable ideas are winners.
Who can participate?
Anyone above the age of 14. The opportunity is best suited for students looking for a summer internship/project, but anyone at all.
The project is open to everyone across the world.
But I know nothing about blindness?
We will host orientation sessions every weekend all through April.
Register for any one of them to get the fundamentals, AMAs, and any other info you need.
Register for a session that works for you here.
https://forms.gle/U7eXrcE7m4JpH8DW9
But the best way to get to know the sector is to visit a school/hostel near you. Observe. Record. Understand.
Finally, What’s in it for me?
First, the opportunity to use AI as you haven’t imagined before. A greenfield territory.
Two, the certificate. The certificate will also mention the adoption of your idea. Esha certificates are recognised globally and count towards community work AND tech experience.
Third, all inventors retain the IP on their idea. However, we do require that the tech should be made available to the VI either for free OR at a nominal cost.
Fourth, that magical thing – mentoring and meeting other great folks thinking differently in this space.
Esha's Research - Higher Education and VI students
This research is to understand the experience of VI students in higher studies and professional courses like MBA, CA, etc. We simply speak to them to understand their lives and their needs.
Current Stage: Looking for Researchers
At this time, we are looking for researchers who will help us gather the information required for the research. Training will be given to all researchers.
What is expected
Just talk to the higher ed students and understand what helps them, what will enable them further, and what everyone can do differently.
Simple interviews that can be done on the phone. About 15 minutes per interview, 20 minutes to transcribe and report.
When
Data gathering will be done from May to July.
Where
The interviews are virtual and will be in the IST time zone.
How much time is expected?
Min: 5 interviews per volunteer. Max: 20 interviews per volunteer.
Who can Volunteer
Students above the age of sixteen can volunteer. All adults can volunteer.
People with interest in, and some knowledge of behavioural sciences, will find this easier. We are open to everyone who displays empathy, wants to learn these techniques, and can devote time. Quality of data and documentation is crucial, so an eye for detail will be very helpful.
What do the researchers get?
In addition to a wonderful experience, all researchers get a certificate of volunteering. Esha Volunteering certificates are valid globally.
How do we sign up?
Sign up here: