In 2014, a bold idea was born in Zurich that would forever change the interpretation and translation industry. Kim Ludvigsen, the visionary founder of Interprefy, was attending a conference when he noticed the outdated booths and equipment used for interpretation—technology that hadn’t seen much change since the 1960s. Inspired by the widespread use of smartphones and the internet, he posed a pivotal question that would spark a revolution: why couldn’t interpreters work remotely and attendees use their own devices to access event interpretations? This question marked the beginning of Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI).
From Concept to Innovation: The Rise of Interprefy's RSI Technology
In November of the same year, Interprefy was officially launched in Zurich, Switzerland, with the goal of offering RSI as a digital solution to replace expensive and outdated equipment traditionally used for on-site interpretation. It wasn’t just about creating convenience; it was about redefining the interpretation and user experience.
With a small but skilled team, the company started developing its platform. Everyone pitched in, building the foundation for a system that could deliver remote simultaneous interpretation through cloud-based technology. Early sketches and prototypes may have been basic, but the focus was always on functionality: allowing interpreters to work remotely and users to access interpretations effortlessly on their devices.
Image: First Interprefy RSI Platform sketches
Overcoming Challenges in the Early Days
The early days of Interprefy were marked by a “get-it-done” mindset. When Google approached them with a massive project requiring 113 interpreters for a product expo, it was a game-changing opportunity. The catch? They had to deliver it with limited resources and in a very short time.
The team devised a solution: physical gateway devices that could transmit interpretation audio and video seamlessly. These devices—built from small PCs—were set up to handle the job. It was a scrappy and intense effort, but it worked. That project didn’t just showcase what Interprefy could do—it paved the way for future innovations and larger-scale deployments.
Transforming into an award-winning multilingual event solution
As the demand for Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) started to grow, Interprefy quickly established itself as a leader in the field with its innovative RSI platform. However, the journey didn’t stop there. By embracing AI-driven live translation and captions, with a strong focus on accessibility, Interprefy has continued to push boundaries. One standout solution is Interprefy Now, which simplifies multilingual communication for compact or informal meetings and is easily accessible via the Interprefy mobile app. It even caught the attention of the BBC, where it was showcased as a cutting-edge tool for breaking language barriers. This commitment to innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed—Interprefy has earned accolades like "Best Sustainable Tech Solution" and "Best Use of Technology for Engagement and Interaction (B2B)" at Event Tech Live (ETL) 2024. With solutions like these, Interprefy continues to redefine how the world connects and communicates.
Video: Interprefy Now in Action: BBC on Live Translation
Related: Want to learn more about Interprefy at ETL 2024?? Read our article on Interprefy Wins Dual Honors at Event Tech Live London 2024.
The Future of RSI: Connecting the World through Interprefy
Interprefy’s story is one of big ideas and constant evolution. From pioneering Remote Simultaneous Interpretation to rolling out AI-powered live translation and captions, the drive to innovate has always been at the heart of what we do. And while the tech keeps evolving, our focus remains on the people—because that’s what it’s all about: connecting the world, one conversation at a time.
Looking ahead, Interprefy’s vision for the future of Remote Simultaneous Interpretation is clear: to continue focusing on making multilingual communication even more seamless and accessible. With ongoing advancements in AI, mobile technology, and cloud-based solutions, Interprefy is poised to remain at the forefront of the industry, offering innovative and scalable solutions that meet the diverse needs of clients worldwide—paving the way for more dynamic, multilingual interactions in every corner of the world.
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