- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Sun, 15 Jun 2025 06:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
AI Powered Glasses Innovation: In a world where technology often chases convenience, Muneer Khan has used it for compassion. Born and raised in Lakhimpur Kheri, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, Muneer’s academic path began in a humble village school—Primary School Gauriya. His journey, fuelled by a deep desire to empower the visually impaired, led him from India to New York, where he received the prestigious Engineering for Humanity Award for his innovation—VisionPro.
Muneer’s academic pursuits took him to Birla Institute of Applied Sciences, Nainital, where a turning point came during his internship in France at XLIM Research Institute, working on collaborative robotics. “That was where I saw the power of assistive tech to restore independence,” he shared.
Global Exposure Sparked Purpose-Driven Innovation
Muneer further enriched his knowledge by attending workshops at IIT Mandi and IIT Patna, where interactions with global experts like Prof. Michael Sinapius and Prof. Erik Cambria broadened his perspective. These moments helped him realise the vast possibilities of solving real-world problems with engineering.
His next academic stop was Columbia University, New York, where he pursued an M.S. in Electrical Engineering, focusing on microelectronics and sensors. However, it wasn’t just his degree but his vision that stood out. That vision manifested into VisionPro—a pair of AI-powered smart glasses for the visually impaired.
VisionPro: Technology with Heart
VisionPro isn’t just a tech device—it’s a game-changer. These glasses include object recognition, OCR-based text-to-speech, facial recognition, scene description, gesture control, SOS alerts, and traffic signal detection—creating a comprehensive assistive ecosystem. The device aims to restore independence, dignity, and social connection for the visually impaired.
In the Millard Chan ’99 Technology Challenge, Muneer competed with innovators worldwide. His pitch, backed by real-world insight and heartfelt purpose, impressed a jury that praised VisionPro’s originality, feasibility, and social impact.
A Vision for India’s Underserved:
For Muneer, the award is not a finish line—it’s just the beginning. He now dreams of making VisionPro affordable and accessible across India, especially in rural schools and low-income communities. “Every student, every elder, every unseen dream deserves a clearer world,” he says.
Muneer Khan’s journey proves that true innovation comes from empathy. By blending academic excellence with moral purpose, he’s not just building devices—he’s building bridges for a better, more inclusive future.