DeepWalk, a company co-founded by University of Illinois alumni Brandon Yates (right) and Anshul Shah that develops automated sidewalk inspection software, has been recognized in the latest Forbes Accessibility 200 list.
Forbes Accessibility 200 highlights products, software, and services that allow people with disabilities to have equitable access to information, content, public spaces, employment, and life experiences.
DeepWalk develops scanning software to simplify sidewalk maintenance for backlogged public works departments. Using the DeepWalk app, city engineers can scan sidewalks and ramps to get automated measurements and ensure they are compliant with ADA standards.
DeepWalk started as a freshman class project. Through the University’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystem (Read more about their early vision), which included competing in the 2019 Cozad New Venture Challenge (placing third overall), the iVenture Accelerator (Cohort 5), the Startup City Scholars CNVC program, the Silicon Valley Entrepreneurship Workshop, Social Fuse, and Illinois I-Corps, DeepWalk was able to turn its innovation into a successful venture.
“DeepWalk is proud to be a part of the long history of accessibility innovation at the University of Illinois,” Yates said. “We're a product of the unique combination of business, computer science, civil engineering, and accessibility resources that the Illinois community prides itself on. This company couldn't have started anywhere else, and we're excited to continue to give back wherever we can."
Yates credits his iVenture experience for creating an environment where it was safe and helpful to make a lot of mistakes quickly and for teaching them to create a fundraising pitch. Launched in 2015, the iVenture Accelerator is a system-wide and cross-campus program housed in the Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship at Gies College of Business that provides opportunities for student-led startups to create economic and social value. iVenture supports student entrepreneurs with knowledge, funding, and access to the world-class University of Illinois resources and alumni. Since its inception, iVenture has incubated more than 160 ventures led by 400+ student entrepreneurs who have gone on to raise more than $161 million for their work, created over 545 full-time jobs, and won various accolades across the globe.