A team of students from Galgotias University in India has developed TACTO, a hands-on learning tool that teaches coding through touch and audio, making technology education accessible to visually impaired learners.
- TACTO uses tactile and audio feedback to teach coding concepts.
- India has nearly one-fourth of the world's visually impaired population.
- The project won top prize at EDVentures 2026 in Hong Kong.
What happened
Three students from Galgotias University in Greater Noida developed TACTO, a device designed to teach foundational coding concepts to visually impaired children without using screens. Their invention replaces the usual screen-based programming interface with interactive sensors, buttons, and audio feedback, allowing learners to physically engage with coding logic.
Their innovation was recognized with the top award at EDVentures 2026, an international competition focused on student innovations that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Competing against teams from around the world, their device stood out for its inclusive approach to technology education.
Why it feels good
Coding education often relies heavily on visual cues, making it inaccessible for the millions of blind and visually impaired individuals worldwide—India alone is home to nearly 5 million blind and 35 million visually impaired people. With many of these learners pushed away from STEM subjects early on, TACTO’s tactile and auditory approach opens new doors for empowerment and independence.
By transforming code from a visual puzzle into a physical experience, the device helps address a long-standing gap in educational tools. The hands-on method not only fosters deeper understanding but also encourages inclusion in a field that shapes the future of work and creativity.
What to enjoy or watch next
The TACTO project showcases how thoughtful design can reshape education for people with disabilities. As the inventors continue to refine the device, its potential to inspire more tactile-based learning innovations could have a broad impact in India and beyond.
Observers and educators may look forward to seeing how TACTO integrates into classrooms and specialized training centers. Following this breakthrough, there are exciting opportunities for similar technologies to make STEM fields welcoming to even more learners, regardless of their physical abilities.