ReVoice restores one’s own voice after voice loss
People who lose their voice, for example after surgery for head and neck cancer, want to be able to speak again with a voice that sounds like their own. ReVoice aims to provide this, with the help of AI. With this innovation, head and neck surgeon Weibel Braunius, innovation manager Mart Schoondermark, and patient Boudewijn Faber won the Ureka Mega Challenge 2026 from UMC Utrecht.
After the removal of the larynx and vocal cords, the way a person speaks changes drastically. Existing aids, such as a small valve in the neck (voice prosthesis), can help people communicate intelligibly again. However, a voice is more than just a way to convey words. It is also an important part of a person’s identity. A voice prosthesis is not a good substitute for that.
ReVoice therefore focuses not only on intelligibility, but also on restoring a recognizable and personal voice. A microphone captures signals generated during speaking. With the help of artificial intelligence, the affected voice sound is immediately reconstructed into a voice that is recognizable as that of the patient themselves.
From patient demand to innovation
“When I heard that the second operation that would cause me to lose my voice was necessary, I immediately thought: I need to record my original voice,” says Boudewijn. He received a small valve in his neck (voice prosthesis) at the UMC Utrecht after laryngeal cancer. Since then, talking has been very difficult and sounds tinny and monotonous. Read the full story here. Story of patient Boudewijn Faber.
And so the idea for ReVoice originated directly from a patient. Multiple disciplines within the UMC Utrecht subsequently further developed the innovation. ReVoice has the potential not only to enable people with voice loss to communicate better, but also to contribute to their identity and quality of life.
50,000 euros for further development
The ReVoice team receives 50,000 euros to take the innovation further. “It is great that we can now get started with the development of a real prototype,” says Mart. And for Boudewijn, too, the prize is a huge recognition of ReVoice’s potential. “Now is the time to push forward. And I know for myself how much of a difference ReVoice can make for patients like me.”
About the Ureka Mega Challenge
The Ureka Mega Challenge is the innovation challenge of the UMC Utrecht. Creators of promising ideas receive support to further develop their innovation. In this way, they work on solutions that can improve care for patients and healthcare professionals. “Innovations that come from the shop floor, that is what we stand for here at the UMC Utrecht and at the Utrecht Science Park,” said Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board Louis Bont. “With the Ureka Mega Challenge, we make an impact on people’s health. I am proud that we have now organized this challenge for the twelfth time.”