From robots diagnosing viruses to smartphone applications translating ancient hieroglyphs, a new generation of Egyptian tech entrepreneurs is harnessing artificial intelligence to create practical, everyday tools. These innovators are moving AI from a futuristic concept into tangible solutions that address both modern and historical challenges.
One of the leading figures in this movement is Mahmoud El-Koumy, a 32-year-old mechatronic engineer and robotics expert. “Artificial intelligence accelerated the path I always envisioned,” he stated. “It allows me to turn ideas into solutions that serve people.”
Bridging the Past and Future
El-Koumy’s work exemplifies the real-world impact of applied AI. His inventions include Cira, a robot developed to assist with COVID-19 medical screenings, and a generator that produces potable water from atmospheric moisture.
While El-Koumy focuses on the future of work, other innovators are using AI to connect with Egypt’s rich history. Ibram Anwar, a computer science graduate and co-founder of Dark Pyramid for AI Solutions, helped launch Manetho, a smartphone app that translates ancient hieroglyphs in museums.
Using augmented reality, the app even allows historical figures to “narrate” their own stories. “Translating a ‘dead language’ poses unique technical challenges,” Anwar explained, noting that the project required two years of data collection and close collaboration between engineers and archaeologists.
Supported by Egypt’s Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), Anwar sees AI as an amplifier for human skill. “AI should expand human creativity by reducing repetitive work,” he said. “It creates space for us to innovate.”
Cultivating the Next Generation
Beyond building hardware, El-Koumy is focused on developing Egypt’s next wave of tech talent. He founded an academy that has already trained over 7,000 students in robotics and programming.
“AI is no longer optional,” El-Koumy remarked. “Anyone who does not adapt will have no place in the future.”
This sentiment is echoed in Egyptian households. Rahma Ibrahim, the academy’s manager, observed that parents increasingly view coding as a core literacy. “Teaching children programming is an investment in their mindset and critical thinking,” she said. “These skills are no longer confined to engineering. They are becoming essential across nearly every profession.”
A National Strategy for AI Growth
This grassroots momentum is supported by a national strategy to integrate AI into university curricula and digital infrastructure. In 2025, Egypt’s AI market reached nearly $490 million and is projected to grow sharply, with forecasts suggesting it could contribute around 7.7 percent of the country’s GDP by 2030. Analysts estimate that investments in AI and related infrastructure have already surpassed $1 billion.
About Dark Pyramid for AI Solutions
Dark Pyramid for AI Solutions is an Egyptian tech startup that specializes in developing artificial intelligence applications. The company is known for creating Manetho, an innovative mobile app that uses AI and augmented reality to translate ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs in real time, aiming to make history more accessible and interactive for museum visitors and enthusiasts.
Source: MEA Tech Watch
