Sumaya Al Maadeed
Assistive technology should be simple, empowering, and dignified. I developed SmartHat to break the barriers faced by visually impaired individuals—particularly indoors—by offering a seamless, intelligent companion that speaks their needs without complexity. Innovation means listening first, then building solutions that truly serve.
Sumaya Al Maadeed is a forward-thinking Qatari innovator dedicated to advancing assistive technology through user-centered design and intelligent systems. With a background in engineering and a passion for social impact, she is the creator of SmartHat—a pioneering wearable solution designed to empower visually impaired individuals in indoor environments through real-time navigation, object recognition, and obstacle detection.
Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of the real-world challenges faced by people with visual impairments, especially where traditional tools like white canes and mobile applications fall short. By merging efficient hardware design with advanced deep learning models, Sumaya has created a smart, server-free system that delivers life-enhancing assistance without reliance on internet connectivity or complex interfaces.
In 2023, her innovation was honored with the Mada Innovation Award, and she received support from the Mada Innovation Program to further develop SmartHat as a scalable solution for inclusive living. Sumaya continues to push the boundaries of assistive tech in the Arab region, blending empathy, innovation, and engineering excellence.
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