At just 19 Tushar Shaw Turns a Classroom Project into a Nationally Awarded Assistive Device
At just 19 Tushar Shaw, a second-year engineering student from Bengaluru, has drawn national attention for developing an AI-powered smart glasses system designed specifically for people with complete blindness. The device, named Percevia, was not created as a commercial gadget or experimental showcase but as a practical solution to a real and persistent accessibility problem.
What began as a midterm academic project at the Scaler School of Technology slowly evolved into a field-tested assistive device. Through continuous feedback from visually impaired users and guidance from faculty mentors, Percevia moved beyond theory and into real-world application. This steady development ultimately earned Tushar a place among the four national winners at Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025, along with the top prize of ₹25 lakh.
The recognition did not come from presentation polish or hype. It came from clarity of purpose, technical discipline, and direct user impact.
At just 19 Tushar Shaw’s Percevia Focuses on Function, Not Flash
Unlike many experimental accessibility tools, Percevia avoids unnecessary complexity. The smart glasses provide navigation support through sound and vibration cues, allowing users to move safely without visual input. The system processes live visual data and translates it into usable information in real time.
The device uses Google Gemini 2.0 Flash to identify objects, detect distance and depth, recognize familiar faces, read text aloud, and summarise written information when needed. Alerts are delivered through audio prompts and vibration signals, helping users avoid obstacles and understand their surroundings without distraction.
Importantly, Percevia relies on smartphone-powered processing rather than heavy onboard hardware. This choice keeps the glasses lightweight, reduces cost, and improves comfort for long-term use. The frame design itself has been refined repeatedly based on user testing, ensuring it is practical rather than experimental.
Samsung, in its evaluation, highlighted the project’s engineering clarity and human-centred design. The Scaler School of Technology described it as an example of how student-led deep-tech can translate into measurable social impact when developed with discipline.
At just 19 Tushar Shaw Advances from Prototype to Real-World Testing
The success at Samsung Solve for Tomorrow was not the end goal. With the prize funding, Tushar is now focused on developing a production-ready version of Percevia. The next phase involves structured pilot testing in blind schools across India, where usability, comfort, and AI accuracy will be tested under everyday conditions rather than controlled environments.
A major focus going forward is affordability. Tushar has stated that the target price for Percevia is close to ₹9,999, a figure deliberately chosen to remain within reach for a wider user base. To achieve this, he plans to collaborate with NGOs and accessibility-focused organisations that can help with distribution, testing, and cost reduction.
The approach is pragmatic rather than idealistic. Scaling assistive technology in India requires cost control, durability, and local support systems, not just innovation. Percevia’s design choices reflect that understanding.
At just 19 Tushar Shaw’s Work Highlights a Shift in Student Innovation
What sets this project apart is not the age of its creator but the method behind it. Percevia was shaped through repeated user interaction, not assumptions. Features were added only when they served a clear purpose. Others were removed when they created confusion or fatigue for users.
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This restraint is rare in early-stage tech projects and is one reason Percevia stood out at a national level. It demonstrates how student innovation can move beyond academic achievement and into meaningful application when grounded in real needs. Also Read: Defence Estates Proudly Organisation Exemplifies Transparency, Efficiency and Accountability Needed for Viksit Bharat: Raksha Mantri at DGDE Day: 2025
Conclusion
At just 19 Tushar Shaw has shown that impactful assistive technology does not require grand promises or inflated claims. With Percevia, the focus remains on safety, independence, and usability for people with complete blindness. As pilot testing expands and partnerships develop, the project has the potential to become a widely adopted accessibility tool rather than a one-time award-winning prototype.
