In this paper, we discuss efficient implementation of machine learning algorithms on DSPs. Specifically, we implement OCR and speech recognition on DSP and show how they can be optimized using fixed point routines. We illustrate the optimal usage of DSP resources like MAC units, shifters and software pipelining through assembly code structuring which massively reduces the MIPS consumed by the processor. We also describe how floating point overheads can be reduced by equivalent fixed point routines for real time implementations. Though the Blackfin-533 DSP is chosen for this illustration, the ideas presented here apply to other fixed point DSPs as well. © 2015 IEEE.