WWDCScholars
João Franco23
Leiria, Portugal
Hi, I’m João, a student researcher and 2025 Swift Student Challenge Distinguished Winner! I’m currently studying at Politécnico de Leiria, where I’m passionate about using technology to make a positive impact. I love exploring new ideas, learning, and connecting with fellow developers to create solutions that break down barriers. Excited to be part of WWDC25 and see where this journey takes me! 🚀
Scholarships
João has been awarded a WWDC scholarship in 2025. Here is the submission that got him there.
In 2025, applicants were tasked with creating an interactive app playground on the topic of their choice to showcase their passion for coding. Here’s how João describes his winning submission.
My project, Gesture, aims to make learning American Sign Language (ASL) more accessible. Using machine learning and interactive 3D models, Gesture provides real-time feedback to help users practice ASL. The app creates an engaging and intuitive learning experience, allowing users to improve their skills at their own pace. My goal with this project is to break down communication barriers and encourage inclusivity through technology.