Frederico Cotrim is not your typical Uber driver. While ferrying passengers around San Francisco, he’s also working on something big – an app that could make it easier for people from different countries to communicate. It’s called TransChatMe, and it translates messages in real time, so you don’t have to copy and paste into a separate translation app. You simply write your message in your language, and it is automatically translated into the recipient’s language. It is designed to make conversation easier, especially for people who are not fluent in English or are trying to communicate with someone who speaks a different language.

Frederico came up with the idea while driving for Uber. As a Brazilian citizen living in the US, he often encountered travelers who spoke different languages. He observed how difficult it can be for people who do not have a common language to communicate, especially in everyday situations. Whether it’s giving directions to a driver, ordering at a restaurant, or simply having a casual conversation, the language barrier can be frustrating. So, Frederico decided to create a solution.

TransChatMe can be especially helpful for gig workers like Uber drivers, delivery people, and their customers, who often come from diverse backgrounds and may not speak the same language. With this app, one can send messages in their own language and have them translated instantly, making conversations easier and more efficient.

Frederico’s story began to gain momentum when an Uber passenger saw a poster in the car asking for help. Frederico needed 1,000 downloads of the app to present it to investors, so the traveler’s friend Reshan Khanna shared the story on social media. His post immediately gained attention and within 24 hours, more than 200 people downloaded the app. She wrote, “Chatting with our Uber driver who is building a startup and is looking for feedback. If anyone works in the adjacent fields, please kill him.”

Frederico was overwhelmed by the response and sent Reshan a heartfelt thank you email. He wrote that his post has brought light in dark times and inspired him to keep moving forward.

It’s inspiring to see how one person’s everyday job can become a platform for innovation. Frederico’s passion for real-world problem solving is helping bridge communication gaps one conversation at a time.