Krisp AI Introduces Real-Time Accent Conversion for Clearer Global Communication

Krisp, the audio startup renowned for its noise-cancellation prowess, has unveiled an AI-driven feature designed to transform speaKrisp, the AI-powered audio startup known for cutting-edge noise cancellation, has introduced a new feature that takes real-time voice transformation to another level. Instead of just eliminating background noise, Krisp’s latest tool allows users to modify their accents during live calls, aiming to make spoken communication clearer and more universally understood.

From Noise Cancellation to Accent Neutralization

For years, Krisp has been a leader in AI-driven audio enhancement, helping professionals cut through the clutter of remote meetings by muting barking dogs, background chatter, and keyboard clatter. But now, the company is expanding its focus beyond noise suppression to an entirely different kind of audio refinement: adjusting how people sound in order to improve comprehension.

The feature, currently in beta, lets users convert an Indian English accent into an American English one while preserving the speaker’s natural voice qualities. It does this by subtly shifting specific phonemes, the building blocks of speech, without distorting vocal identity. The result? A voice that remains recognizably “you,” but with an accent that may be easier for others to understand, particularly in business settings where miscommunication can have real-world consequences.

The Personal Story Behind the Tech

This idea wasn’t born in a boardroom; it came from a deeply personal challenge. Krisp’s co-founder, Arto Minasyan, has spoken about his own struggles with accent-related misunderstandings:

“Many people don’t understand my accent even though I am speaking English well. We thought changing accents might help people understand each other much better.”

For non-native English speakers, especially those working in global industries like tech support, customer service, and sales, accent bias is a real issue. It’s not just about being understood—it’s about being perceived as competent, professional, and authoritative. Krisp’s AI-powered accent conversion could be a game-changer for professionals who feel their accent is a barrier to career growth.

Real-World Impact: A Boost in Sales and Revenue

Early enterprise testing suggests the technology could have measurable business benefits. Krisp reports that in one study, companies saw a 26.1% increase in sales conversion rates and a 14.8% boost in revenue per booking when using the accent-matching feature. These numbers indicate that even subtle changes in pronunciation can significantly influence how customers and colleagues respond to a speaker.

This kind of data-backed improvement is likely to attract interest from call centers, multinational corporations, and businesses operating in markets where accent clarity impacts customer experience.

Why Start With Indian Accents?

Krisp’s decision to prioritize Indian English to American English conversion is strategic. India has one of the largest pools of English-speaking professionals in STEM, customer support, and business outsourcing. Many of these workers interact with clients and colleagues in the U.S. and Europe, where certain regional accents may be less familiar to listeners.

However, Krisp isn’t stopping with Indian English. The company has already hinted at plans to support other accents, such as Filipino, in future updates. The long-term goal is to create a suite of AI-powered tools that can help users navigate linguistic barriers without requiring them to change the way they naturally speak.

The Bigger Picture: AI’s Role in Bridging Communication Gaps

Krisp’s new feature raises bigger questions about the role of AI in shaping human interactions. While some might see accent conversion as a step toward a homogenized, neutral-sounding global English, others may view it as a necessary tool for ensuring that language differences don’t get in the way of professional opportunities.

Accent bias is a well-documented issue. Research has shown that people with certain accents, particularly those from non-Western countries, are more likely to face discrimination in hiring, promotions, and customer interactions. By giving speakers more control over how they sound, Krisp is positioning itself as a solution to a problem that has long been overlooked in corporate diversity and inclusion efforts.