The Kingdom of Spain has selected VizualAI, an Egyptian startup, to participate in its prestigious “Rising Up in Spain” program for 2025. This marks a significant milestone, as VizualAI becomes the first Egyptian company to be accepted into the Spanish government’s initiative aimed at fostering high-potential international startups.
The selection was announced in a statement by the Spanish Embassy in Cairo, highlighting the startup’s innovative solution and its successful participation in the Techne Summit 2025 in Alexandria.
From Personal Challenge to Global Solution
VizualAI was founded by teenagers Mark Mourad, 19, and Bishoy Michael. The inspiration for the venture stemmed from a deeply personal experience after Mourad completely lost his vision three years ago. He faced immense challenges in his studies, particularly with visual-heavy subjects like physics and chemistry.
This struggle fueled his determination to create a technology-driven solution, leading to the development of an AI-powered application designed to make digital content accessible for the blind and visually impaired community.
AI-Powered Accessibility
The VizualAI application transforms digital content into an accessible experience for its users. Its core features include the ability to describe images and extract text from complex file formats like PDFs and PowerPoint presentations. The platform also integrates a smart assistant for voice-activated commands and calls.
The app has already demonstrated significant global traction, amassing a user base of 7,500 individuals across 80 countries. To serve its international audience, the application supports six languages, including Arabic, English, and Spanish.
A Gateway to the European Market
The “Rising Up in Spain” program provides a comprehensive support system for international entrepreneurs. Annually, the initiative selects 50 foreign startups, granting them access to an integrated ecosystem that includes legal consulting, investment guidance, and invaluable connections to investor networks and institutions within the Spanish market. For VizualAI, this represents a strategic entry point for scaling its operations and impact across Europe.
About VizualAI
Founded by Mark Mourad and Bishoy Michael, VizualAI is an Egyptian startup that leverages artificial intelligence to help visually impaired individuals access digital content. The application provides tools for image description, text extraction, and voice assistance to enhance digital accessibility for users worldwide.
About Rising Up in Spain
Rising Up in Spain is an initiative by ICEX-Invest in Spain, a Spanish government agency. The program is designed to attract and support international startups by offering a soft-landing package that includes fast-track visas, mentorship, and access to a robust network of investors and corporate partners to facilitate their establishment and growth in the Spanish market.
Source: El Watan News
