Can you tell us about your winning solution?
“The idea for Rayo came about after my conversation with a blind engineer friend back in October 2022, which made me realize the enormous challenges people with disabilities face when accessing the web. From that point, I knew I wanted to create something to help bridge that gap.” Dung Tran
Since then, we’ve gone through tons of iterations, testing different solutions to get it right. Now, we’re building Rayo – a copilot designed to make web browsing easier for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with visual, cognitive, or motor impairments.
Our technology leverages AI to personalize web experiences, predict user behaviours, and streamline tasks like form filling or navigating inaccessible content.
By offering an intuitive, adaptive interface and real-time assistance, Rayo empowers users to navigate websites independently and efficiently.
Where are you from and what regions do you work in?
I am from Vietnam. After getting funding from the Antler accelerator in 2023, we incorporated in Singapore, and our team mainly operates remotely in Southeast Asia.
However, we’re expanding our impact globally, particularly targeting regions where access to digital content is limited, such as in emerging markets.
How can your solution help to solve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?
I believe the Internet plays a crucial part in our everyday lives, whether for work, learning, socializing, or entertainment.
“By enhancing access to digital content for people with disabilities, Rayo directly contributes to Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality), promoting inclusivity, and reducing disparities. Our solution benefits everyone, especially women and girls with disabilities, who often face even bigger challenges accessing information, giving it an indirect impact on Goal 5 (Gender Equality).” Dung Claire Tran
It also aids Goal 4 (Quality Education) by providing students with disabilities equal access to online educational resources. Additionally, Rayo supports Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by improving employability for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to access online job opportunities and tools.
And since we’re collaborating with local organizations, advocacy groups, and other tech companies to promote accessibility, we’re also contributing to Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
What is your biggest challenge as an AI startup?
As a non-tech founder, one of my biggest challenges has been navigating product development. To bridge this gap, I’ve taken courses, practiced what I learned whenever having the chance and worked closely with our engineering team and technical advisors to understand the technology.
Securing funding for R&D and scaling the product has also been a challenge. With support from the local partners and accelerators like Antler, we’ve refined our product to better serve users. Balancing innovation with the needs of people with disabilities has been key to our approach.
Convincing businesses, especially in emerging markets, to invest in accessibility solutions remains challenging. We continue to raise awareness about the value of inclusivity for both users and businesses.
Why did you join the Innovation Factory Pitching Competition?
I joined the Innovation Factory Pitching Competition because it offers an excellent opportunity to gain exposure, connect with like-minded investors, and receive valuable feedback from industry experts. Additionally, it provides a platform to showcase Rayo’s vision and impact, which aligns with the competition’s mission of supporting innovative solutions that drive social change.
Rayo is one of the many innovative startups the AI for Good Innovation Factory continuously puts a spotlight on. Looking ahead to the upcoming AI for Good Global Summit in 2025, these solutions will re-convene from all over the world and collectively present the power of AI to achieve the UN SDGs.
To learn more about Rayo and AI for Good Innovation Factory, watch the full competition below:
