Mumbai Student Develops ClearWay Mobility Assistive Device for White Canes

Mumbai-based student Jaiveer Talwar has introduced ClearWay Mobility, a smart attachment designed to integrate obstacle detection features into the standard white cane used by visually impaired individuals. The device operates independently without requiring a smartphone, mobile application, or any replacement of the user's existing cane.

The product alerts users to obstacles in their path primarily through vibration, alongside optional audio feedback. Designed with a focus on affordability, reliability, and ease of use, the attachment aims to assist individuals navigating busy urban environments such as Mumbai, where crowded streets and uneven pavements present daily mobility challenges.

The concept originated five years ago as a school science-fair project by Talwar, a student at The Cathedral & John Connon School in Mumbai. Interested in the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship, Talwar later completed an internship with a prosthetics company in 2024 to gain practical exposure to assistive technologies and mobility challenges.

In 2026, a revised prototype of ClearWay was tested with students and teachers at the Smt. Kamla Mehta Dadar School for the Blind in Mumbai. Feedback from these sessions highlighted the importance of simplicity and reliability in everyday assistive tools. Additionally, feedback regarding the safety of visually impaired young women led to the inclusion of a GPS tracking feature, allowing family members to check the user's location when necessary.

"What started as a school project became something I wanted to keep working on once I understood how real the problem was," said Jaiveer Talwar, commenting on the development process. "The most useful learning has come from speaking to users and seeing what actually matters in everyday use."

ClearWay Mobility has now transitioned into the manufacturing phase, with an initial batch of devices currently being produced. The next phase of operations will center on refining the product based on further user feedback, collaborating with institutions for broader testing and deployment, and exploring pathways for scalable accessibility.

ClearWay Mobility operates as an early-stage assistive mobility venture, positioning its white cane attachment as an auxiliary tool intended to work alongside traditional navigation methods rather than replacing them.

"The development of ClearWay Mobility highlights the value of identifying real-world problems and building practical, user-centric solutions. For early-stage ventures in the assistive technology sector, focusing on affordability, reliability, and direct user feedback is essential before scaling operations. Integrating feedback from institutions and end-users ensures that product development remains aligned with actual market needs." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes