Manifesto of CLERC: The Foundation for the Next Generation of Sign Language AI

For nearly a decade, I have been obsessed with one challenge: breaking the communication barrier through technology. With Keia and Spokhand, we didn’t just "try" accessibility, we pioneered it at a global scale. We deployed the first high-performance sign language translation tools for industrial giants like Airbus, Thales, and TotalEnergies, and even the French Government.

We didn't just add a feature; we redefined the standard. By integrating our 3D avatars, we allowed users to translate complex web content instantly with a single click. Most importantly, we proved it works: comprehension of written content increased from 5.5/10 to 9.6/10 when delivered in sign language.

Our impact reached its peak with the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics. In a world-first collaboration with the ICSD, we provided 360° visibility and accessibility through our avatars. We didn't just cater to local signers; we delivered International Sign (IS) for thousands of athletes and fans worldwide. We proved that when the technology is right, the barrier disappears.

The Technical Wall

As a Deaf entrepreneur, I’ve navigated the linguistic and technical nuances of our language across France, Japan, and the United States. My insights come from deep immersion in global research ecosystems, engaging with Deaf federations, elite universities, and specialized AI labs to understand exactly where the current models fail.

The consensus in the labs is the same: Sign Language is not "video data." It is a complex, 3D grammatical system. To move beyond the current ceiling, AI must master:

• Spatial Placement: How signs relate to the 3D space around the body (the "signing space").
• Non-manual Markers: The vital linguistic data found in facial expressions and body posture.
• Occlusion: Solving the complex moments where hands overlap or move at high velocity.

AI today sees pixels, but it doesn't "read" the language. We don't need another superficial translation tool; we need a massive, high-fidelity foundation of labeled data — and here is exactly why the data layer matters more than the model.

Introducing CLERC: The Provider of "Deaf Digital Heritage" (DDH)

This is why I am launching CLERC. We are moving away from being a service provider to becoming a DeepTech infrastructure company.

CLERC is building the Deaf Digital Heritage (DDH). This goes far beyond creating a standard database; it is an unprecedented, safeguarded digital legacy. For centuries, our language and history have lived exclusively within our physical communities. DDH is our mission to digitize, preserve, and fiercely protect this linguistic wealth from across the globe, for life.

This heritage is sourced directly and exclusively from the Deaf community. It is structurally protected to ensure it remains in our hands and is never exploited, yet it is designed to be a technological gift to the entire world.

By transforming our living history into a massive, high-fidelity data foundation, we are providing the essential "fuel" for the entire Sign Language AI ecosystem. Our controlled access infrastructure is designed to empower the entire ecosystem, from LLM giants like OpenAI and Anthropic to specialized AI labs, translation services, and cultural institutions, providing them with the native, high-fidelity foundation needed to integrate sign language accurately.

AI: The Greatest Revolution in Deaf History

The rise of Artificial Intelligence is the greatest opportunity ever presented to the Deaf community. It is a historical turning point. Far from replacing us, AI will act as a massive catalyst, stimulating the global reach of sign language, sparking unprecedented innovation, and driving significant wealth creation directly within our community.

I firmly believe this AI evolution is opening massive doors for a new wave of entrepreneurs. Thanks to this technological surge, I predict that professional-grade, first automatic sign language translation in public will be a reality by late 2027 or early 2028. CLERC isn't here to build every end-user app, we are building the foundational infrastructure that will empower any player in the market to finally achieve a "Google Translate" level of quality.

A Universal Vision

Our name honors Laurent Clerc, the Frenchman who transformed Deaf history in America. Following that same spirit of cross-border innovation, we are establishing our presence in the U.S. market to leverage its AI capital and resources, while maintaining a global scale.

This project is about more than just "accessibility." It’s about democratization. Sign language is a rich, universal form of communication. My vision for CLERC is to make it visible and usable for everyone, Deaf and hearing alike. We are not just training machines; we are protecting and digitizing a culture. We are building the backbone that will allow the Deaf community to use 100% of their capacity in a world that finally understands them.