Kenyan Team Among Top Three Global Finalists in Microsoft Imagine Cup 2025

A team of innovative Kenyan students has emerged as one of the top three finalists in the prestigious 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup, the world’s premier technology competition for student innovators.

The team, made up of Anthony Marugu (African Leadership University), Branice Kazira (Machakos University), Gheida Abdala Al Mashjery (Technical University of Mombasa), and Daniel Phillip (USIU-Africa), represented Kenya with their groundbreaking project Signvrse.

Their AI-powered platform, Signvrse, uses advanced Microsoft Azure AI Speech technology to bridge communication gaps between Deaf and hearing communities.

The solution features hyper-realistic 3D avatars and motion capture technology that translate spoken language into sign language in real-time, addressing global challenges in accessibility, especially in education, healthcare, and employment.

Now in its 23rd year, the Imagine Cup saw participation from over 15,000 students across 150 countries in 2025. From 18 global semi-finalists, only three teams were shortlisted for the finals held during Microsoft Build.

This year’s top prize was claimed by team Argus from the United States, whose AI-powered wearable assists the visually impaired in navigating their environment.

Signvrse’s growing database of over 2,300 sign language terms aims to address the worldwide shortage of human interpreters, with the goal of creating inclusive digital spaces.

For Daniel Phillip, who is Deaf and has experienced stigma firsthand, the project is deeply personal. “We want to show that Deaf individuals are intelligent and capable. Signvrse is more than a tool it’s a movement for equality,” he said.

Microsoft Kenya Country Manager Phyllis Migwi congratulated the team, saying, “This achievement reflects the immense talent and innovation coming from Africa. Signvrse stands as a beacon of what inclusive technology can accomplish.”

Each runner-up team received $25,000, with the winners earning $100,000 and mentorship from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.