About us
At Silence Speaks, our purpose is to revolutionise accessibility by overcoming communication gaps for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities worldwide. Our team combines cutting-edge AI technology expertise with authentic lived experience to create tools that promote inclusion, foster connection, and improve lives.
Pavan Madduru
Pavan Madduru is the visionary behind Silence Speaks, driven by a passion for leveraging technology to address systemic inequities. A former Vodafone AI pioneer, with over two decades of experience in artificial intelligence innovation, Pavan has dedicated his career to creating ethical, inclusive solutions that prioritise humanity and dignity. His leadership has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking technologies that bridge societal divides, particularly in underserved communities. Under his guidance, Silence Speaks is redefining global accessibility through collaboration, representation, and scalable impact.
Mitul Amin
Mitul Amin is a highly accomplished technologist with over 25 years of experience driving innovation and leading technical teams across diverse industries. An expert in software development, systems architecture, and strategic leadership, Mitul has a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges.
As Chief Technology Officer, Mitul is focused on advancing communication tools for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. With a passion for inclusive technology and a commitment to accessibility, he is leading the development of innovative solutions that empower this community, ensuring their voices are heard in an increasingly digital world.
Marion Marincat
Marincat is a Deafened entrepreneur and accessibility strategist with over a decade of experience advancing inclusive solutions for the Deaf and hard of hearing. After becoming profoundly Deaf at 26, he turned lived experience into purpose, founding multiple ventures including Hearology and Sound Affects - an initiative dedicated to audio inclusion and sensory wellbeing.
As a facilitator in the WHO World Hearing Forum, Marincat brings global insight into the barriers and breakthroughs in hearing health. With a background in finance, behavioural science, and tech, he blends commercial acumen with deep empathy.
At Silence Speaks, he leads commercial strategy and operations - ensuring the company’s growth is firmly grounded in accessibility, innovation, and impact. His vision is simple: to make communication equitable, intuitive, and inclusive for everyone.
Rt Hon Chloe Rebecca Smith
Rt Hon Chloe Smith is former Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, and led the legislation that recognised British Sign Language in UK law in 2022. Chloe has been a vocal advocate for British Sign Language (BSL), collaborating with organisations like the British Deaf Association (BDA), and serving as trustee of the national hearing loss charity RNID. Her political career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing accessibility and fostering dialogue between governments, businesses, and communities. As Chair of the Board, Chloe ensures our work aligns with both technological excellence and societal impact, paving the way for a more accessible future.
Dr. John Lee Allen
Dr. John Lee Allen, Managing Partner at RYSE Asset Management and influential tech investor, is driving strategic partnerships and international expansion, drawing on his background as an NHS doctor and audiology specialist. Leveraging his technical background as a surgeon and engineer, he has helped companies to secure multimillion-dollar investments and gain entry into Silicon Valley's renowned accelerator, Y Combinator. Notably, he has led investor partnerships with the largest digital health accelerator in Europe, DigitalHealth.London, and with industry giants Novartis, Medtronic, and the NHS, driving the selection and rapid scaling of innovative early-stage companies that are transforming lives.
Paul Stuart-Smith
Paul Stuart-Smith contributes extensive business acumen and strategic insight to Silence Speaks. With over 25 years of senior management experience in capital markets and sustainability consulting, Paul specialises in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Living with significant hearing loss himself, Paul is deeply committed to advancing sign language accessibility and ensuring our innovations resonate with real-world needs. His firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community informs his approach to driving meaningful change within the organisation.
Our Vision
Together, this dynamic team drives Silence Speaks’ vision forward: aiming to empower Deaf individuals everywhere and fostering a world where communication knows no boundaries.