Revolutionizing Hearing Aid Technology: The Journey of Backyard Creators

In a world where technology continually pushes boundaries, Backyard Creators, a startup incubated at AIC RAISE, stands out as a beacon of innovation and compassion. Founded by twins Raman and Lakshmanan, who hold degrees in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), this startup is dedicated to solving pressing medical issues with a focus on assistive technology, particularly in the field of acoustic and hearing aid technology.

The Birth of an Idea

The inception of Backyard Creators is deeply rooted in a poignant and personal experience. Near their home, a small child suffering from congenital hearing loss faced a heartbreaking situation. The child’s parents, unable to afford the exorbitant cost of the necessary surgery, were forced to sell their home to finance their child’s open skull surgery. This incident profoundly impacted Raman and Lakshmanan, igniting a desire to find a more accessible solution for families in similar predicaments.

Introducing Impulse: A Game-Changer in Hearing Aid Technology

Globally, congenital hearing loss presents a significant challenge, with the primary solution being hearing aid implantation. This invasive procedure involves placing a magnified electrode inside the skull, a process fraught with risks and costs up to 15 lakhs per implant. Post-surgery, patients face numerous restrictions, such as an inability to undergo MRI scans or participate in adventurous sports. Furthermore, the surgery must be performed before the child reaches the age of eight.
Backyard Creators’ breakthrough product, Impulse, addresses these challenges head-on. Impulse is the world’s first non-surgical hearing device for children born with hearing loss, completely eliminating the need for open skull surgery. This innovative solution has dramatically reduced the cost of hearing aid implants from 15 lakhs to just 80,000 INR

Validated Success and Broad Impact

The technology behind Impulse has been rigorously validated, with over 50 children experiencing the ability to hear for the first time since birth through this device. The twins’ dedication and expertise have led to the development of two patented technologies, ensuring their invention stands on solid ground both scientifically and commercially.

The Role of AIC RAISE

The journey of Backyard Creators began in 2020 when Raman and Lakshmanan participated in AIC RAISE’s Hackoholics event as students. The success of Backyard Creators is a testament to the comprehensive support provided by AIC RAISE. From the early stages of ideation through to prototype development, AIC RAISE offered structured guidance, access to domain experts, and state-of-the-art prototyping resources. Financial support alleviated development costs, while strategic mentorship provided both technical guidance and business strategy advice.
Additionally, AIC RAISE facilitated crucial connections with industry partners and oversaw the validation and testing phases to ensure that the Impulse met user needs. Assistance with intellectual property protection further safeguarded Backyard Creators’ innovations, enabling them to bring their revolutionary hearing aid technology to market.

Recognition and Awards

The innovation has been recognised by top tech giants like Samsung, Oppo, HDFC and others. They also got funds from the AIC RAISE and many Government Organisations. They received a grant of 10 lakhs from the BUILD 3.0 program by BOEING, organized with support from KIIT-TBI. Their accolades also include the “Best Sustainable Startup Award” at the Global Pitch Competition finale 2021-2022, organized by TiE University, and the C2P Social Entrepreneurship Summit award. Additionally, they won the TNSI-2019 Award (Tamil Nadu Student Innovators – Madurai Region) from the Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute, Tamil Nadu.
Recently, Backyard Creators were honored with the coveted innovation award by the honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. M.K. Stalin. The award ceremony, graced by dignitaries including Thiru. T.M. Anbarasan, Minister of MSME, and Tmt. Archana Patnaik IAS, Secretary of MSME, Thiru. C. Uma Shankar, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary / Director further acknowledged the startup’s significant contributions to the field of assistive technology.
Furthermore, various other incubation centers have recognized the potential of Backyard Creators’ initiatives and have extended their support through funding. These partnerships not only provide crucial financial backing but also open doors to valuable resources, mentorship opportunities, and networking connections within the startup ecosystem.

The Future of Backyard Creators

As Backyard Creators continues to develop and refine their technology, their mission remains clear: to provide affordable, non-invasive hearing solutions to children worldwide. Raman and Lakshmanan’s story is a testament to the power of innovation driven by empathy and the relentless pursuit of a better future for all.
Backyard Creators is not just a startup; it is a symbol of hope and a brighter, more inclusive world where technology bridges gaps and transforms lives.

EDU BRIDGE AWARD FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL EXCELLENCE - 2024

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