Azima Dhanjee is a changemaker from Karachi, Pakistan, dedicated to building a more inclusive world for the Deaf community. As the co-founder of ConnectHear, she is reshaping how sign language is understood through powerful, AI-driven technology earning the platform the reputation of becoming “The Google Translate for Sign Language.”
Her journey is deeply personal. As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), Pakistani Sign Language is her first language. Growing up, she saw the barriers her parents faced due to limited accessibility, inspiring her mission to create independence, dignity, and communication ease for Deaf individuals everywhere.
Co-Founding ConnectHear at 19
At the age of 19, Azima Dhanjee and Arhum Ishtiaq co-founded ConnectHear.
Arhum a self-taught machine learning professional brought strong technical expertise to their shared vision of transforming sign language accessibility at scale.
Together, they began with a simple Facebook page teaching Pakistani Sign Language. That small idea evolved into South Asia’s largest Deaf accessibility service provider, now supporting 100,000+ Deaf individuals globally.
Building AI-Powered Products: BOLO & SUNO
ConnectHear is already developing groundbreaking AI tools, including:
- BOLO – a “Duolingo for Sign Language”, enabling anyone to learn sign language interactively.
- SUNO – an early-warning disaster alert system designed to reach Deaf individuals during emergencies.
Both products were showcased at the Etisalat Pavilion during GITEX, highlighting ConnectHear’s role in shaping the future of accessible technology.
Expanding Global Impact Through Partnerships
ConnectHear recently partnered with the Pakistan Medical Center (part of the Pakistan Dubai Association) to offer free medical consultation services for the Deaf community in the UAE.
The organization is now expanding across the MENA region, focusing on early-warning systems, healthcare accessibility, public and private sector communication tools, and financial inclusion. Their mission is to build accessible ecosystems where Deaf individuals can participate fully and independently.
A Voice for Inclusion
Beyond her technological contributions, Azima is an advocate for disability rights. She actively works on global platforms to promote understanding, accessibility, and equal opportunity for Deaf communities worldwide.
Her work challenges societal norms, inspires young women and entrepreneurs, and reinforces the idea that technology built with empathy can change lives.
A Story Rooted in Love and Purpose
Azima credits her parents as her greatest inspiration. Her commitment to building tools for the Deaf community stems from love, lived experience, and a desire to build a world where no person is left out of the conversation.
Final Thoughts
Azima Dhanjee and her co-founder Arhum Ishtiaq are reshaping the future of sign language accessibility through ConnectHear. Their AI-powered innovations, global partnerships, and community-centered mission are paving the way for a world where Deaf individuals everywhere can communicate, connect, and thrive without barriers.
Do connect her on LinkedIn
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