“Do you know how many times a day you get up to switch off a light or go to the washroom?” asks 24-year-old Adeel Ahmed. “You probably don’t think about it—because it’s easy. Now imagine if even getting out of bed felt like climbing a mountain.”
This simple yet powerful question inspired Adeel, a computer science graduate, to co-found Eye Interaction, a Karachi-based startup that is transforming the lives of physically challenged individuals in Pakistan. Alongside his university friends Irfan Ahmed and Hamza Ahmed, Adeel set out to create technology that restores independence and dignity to people with mobility challenges.
Turning Compassion into Innovation
Adeel’s motivation was deeply personal. Growing up, he watched a close relative struggle with limited mobility and dependency on others for basic daily tasks. After graduation, he decided to use his technical skills to make a meaningful difference.
Eye Interaction focuses on developing assistive technologies that allow users to control wheelchairs and household appliances using eye movements and a mobile application. Their innovative solution includes attaching a camera to a customized electric wheelchair that tracks eye movements, enabling users to move independently. The system also integrates home automation features, allowing users to operate lights and fans through a smartphone app.
A Platform for Young Innovators
The startup’s journey began in early 2020 when the founders applied to the Generation Unlimited Youth Challenge 2.0, an initiative launched by UNICEF and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The challenge encouraged young Pakistanis to design solutions that improve education, employment, and civic engagement. It was implemented locally with the support of the School of Leadership Foundation.
After being shortlisted, the team presented their final pitch in Islamabad. Through mentorship sessions and human-centered design workshops, they refined their concept and emerged as one of Pakistan’s top five winning teams. Eye Interaction received USD 1,000 in seed funding to turn their idea into reality.
Overcoming the Pandemic Setback
Just as the incubation phase began, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. A lockdown in Sindh halted operations, delaying access to essential materials. Despite uncertainty, the team stayed connected with mentors online and focused on programming and refining their design from home.
Once restrictions eased, they built their first working prototype—a customized electric wheelchair and home automation system. They tested the technology with volunteers in Karachi, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.
One volunteer, 23-year-old Osama Waseem, shared how he previously used sticks and broom handles to switch lights on and off. After installing Eye Interaction’s system, he could control his environment through a mobile app and operate his wheelchair with eye movements. “These innovations are a blessing for physically challenged people,” he said.
Scaling for Greater Impact
Encouraged by the response, Adeel and Irfan decided to postpone pursuing master’s degrees and focus entirely on scaling the startup. Today, Eye Interaction operates from a small office in Karachi, where Adeel works as a Research Analyst, Irfan leads IoT and robotics development, and Hamza contributes to Android development.
The team plans to publish research, open a dedicated research lab, and establish a production facility for customized wheelchairs and automated home appliances. They are also conducting online sessions for students worldwide, sharing their knowledge and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Empowering Pakistan’s Youth
The Youth Challenge is part of Generation Unlimited, a global partnership aimed at expanding education, training, and employment opportunities for young people aged 10 to 24. According to Aida Girma, Pakistan’s youth are a powerful resource for social and economic progress. Initiatives like this challenge help transform their ideas into solutions that improve communities and shape the future.
Eye Interaction’s journey is a testament to what young innovators can achieve when given the right support and opportunity. By combining empathy with technology, these young entrepreneurs are not only building devices—they are restoring independence, dignity, and hope to differently-abled individuals across Pakistan.
