Congressional App Challenge — 3rd Place
Recognized by Congress for EchoLens — accessibility-focused AI built in the Twin Cities.
3rd place in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge (MN-04) for EchoLens, recognized by Congresswoman Betty McCollum.
Overview
EchoLens, an AI-powered accessibility tool, took 3rd place in MN-04's 2025 Congressional App Challenge — recognized by Congresswoman Betty McCollum.
The story
Accessibility software has been stuck in a pre-AI era. The tools exist, but they're fragmented and rarely use modern models the way they could. EchoLens was my attempt to take one slice of that problem — real-time sensory accessibility — and see how far a single builder could push it with current AI.
Who it's for
The problem
Accessibility tooling for everyday environments is fragmented and rarely uses modern AI to its full potential.
Approach
Built EchoLens — an AI-powered accessibility tool — and submitted to MN-04's Congressional App Challenge. Took 3rd place; recognized by Congresswoman Betty McCollum.
What I built
- EchoLens — AI-powered accessibility tool
- Demo + submission for MN-04 Congressional App Challenge
- Public-facing recognition writeup
Outcome
3rd place in MN-04, recognized by Congresswoman Betty McCollum in an official press release.
Highlights
- 3rd place, MN-04 (2025)
- Recognized by Rep. Betty McCollum
- Accessibility-focused AI
Reflections
Building for accessibility forces you to design for the worst-case user first. Everything you ship gets stronger.