About Lifechaingers

AI for good! We stand for human well-being through technology. Every day, we bring joy back to conversations for people for whom communication has become a challenge.

Human wellbeing through technology

At Lifechaingers we believe in human wellbeing through connection, attention, understanding and empathy - enhanced by AI.

Open-hearted

We communicate transparently and sincerely

Pleasant

We bring joy back to conversations

Resilient

We are resilient and flexible

Bold

We dare to innovate

Curious

We keep learning and improving

From personal story to innovative solution

Lifechaingers emerged from a personal experience that changed our lives.

Jelmer, founder of Lifechaingers, with Bob the first user
Jelmer & Bob

When Bob could no longer speak after an accident due to acquired brain injury, we saw how existing speech computers fall short. They were slow, impersonal and didn't take the context of conversations into account.

What started with Bob’s request for help and Jelmer van der Weide’s involvement grew, together with Antal van Kolck and Daniël Smidt, into a broader mission. Using the latest AI technology, we developed Bobbai: a speech computer that listens, thinks along, and truly helps in conversations.

We didn't just want a technical solution, but a real conversation partner who understands what's happening and helps to participate in life again.

- Jelmer van der Weide, founder

Today, Bobbai helps people with ABI, aphasia, ALS, MS and other communication problems to find their voice again. Every day we see how technology can change lives - and that motivates us to continue.

The Founders: Antal, Jelmer, Daniël

Three complementary founders with a shared mission: doing good with AI.

How it began

Daniël and Jelmer have known each other for 20 years. What began as a collaboration at Delft University of Technology grew into a strong bond based on mutual trust and shared values. With Antal joining, the foundation grew even stronger.

Antal also studied at TU Delft and brings a background in cybersecurity, ethical AI, and international business scaling. Jelmer enjoys being with people and genuine contact. He is a personal coach, technical consultant, and AI expert. Daniël started working with AI over 10 years ago, is creative and futuristic. He brings technical depth and product innovation from his years in digital agencies and SaaS companies. His wife is a linguist and mother is a speech therapist.

When Jelmer came up with the idea to help Bob communicate using the latest technology, Daniël built the first version of Bobbai. That moment marked the birth of Lifechaingers. Together, they are growing Lifechaingers into an organization that uses technology thoughtfully, human-centered, and scalable.

Jelmer van der Weide, Antal van Kolck, and Daniël Smidt, founders of Lifechaingers
Daniël, Jelmer, and Antal

Stay connected

Follow our journey or get in touch directly with the founders of Lifechaingers via LinkedIn.

Driven by impact

Our team combines expertise in AI, speech technology, healthcare and entrepreneurship.

B

Bob

Inspiration & User Experience

Bob's personal experience with communication problems forms the basis of everything we do. He ensures we never forget who we're making this for.

T

Tech Team

AI & Development

Our developers and AI specialists build the technology that makes conversations possible. From speech recognition to natural language processing.

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Care Partners

Speech Therapy & Medical Rehabilitation

We work closely with speech therapists, medical specialist rehabilitation centers and healthcare professionals to ensure Bobbai really helps in practice.

Our Mission

Impact comes first, not profit. We strive to become B-Corp certified and continue to invest in improving Bobbai and helping more people.

Stronger together

We collaborate with leading organizations in healthcare, research and technology.

Medical Specialist Rehabilitation

Collaboration with leading medical specialist rehabilitation centers for practical research

Speech Therapy Practices

Close collaboration with speech therapists for optimal therapy integration

Research Institutions

Partnerships with universities for evidence-based development

Technology Partners

Collaboration with AI and speech technology specialists

Become a partner

Are you working in healthcare, research or technology and want to contribute to better communication for people with speech problems? We're always looking for new collaborations.

Contact us