The Lyon-based start-up OOrion stands out for its innovative approach to accessibility for visually impaired individuals. With a fundraising of 1 million euros, the company aims to accelerate the development and deployment of its technological solution across the country and internationally. Its mobile application, which utilizes artificial intelligence and computer vision, allows users to navigate their environment more easily, marking an important step in promoting the autonomy of the visually impaired.
A Lyon start-up revolutionizes accessibility
Founded in 2022, OOrion specializes in accessibility technologies with the mission of improving the lives of blind or visually impaired individuals. The start-up has designed a mobile application that relies on computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies. This device enables real-time analysis of the environment via a smartphone camera, thus providing users with the ability to identify and locate useful objects or information instantly.
An accessible and adaptable application
The true success of the application lies in its ease of use. It requires no physical installation in buildings or specific equipment. To date, the application is available in 32 languages and has been adopted in more than 90 countries, proving its adaptability and effectiveness on a global scale.
A fundraising to accelerate development
The recent fundraising of 1 million euros was raised with the support of various investors, including both French and Dutch business angels, as well as the Bartiméus fund and the family office TKT Holding based in Lyon. This financial infrastructure is essential for OOrion, which aims to strengthen its teams and optimize its deployment efforts in the hospitality and retail sectors.
Strategic partnerships with major brands
The start-up has already engaged several partnerships with market leaders, such as Carrefour, which has integrated its application in some of its stores, and the Accor group, which uses the technology in several of its prestigious hotels in Paris. These collaborations allow for testing and deploying the application in high-traffic environments, increasing its visibility and impact.
Establishments such as Molitor and Pullman Paris Centre-Bercy, as well as iconic restaurants in Lyon like Brasserie Georges or Bernachon chocolate shop, are also participating in the experimentation of this technology, making it increasingly accessible to the general public.
An objective of autonomy for visually impaired individuals
OOrion’s ambition is not limited to the simple identification of objects, but extends to facilitating the autonomy of visually impaired individuals in public spaces. By improving their navigation ability in places such as shops, restaurants, and hotels, the application aims to transform users’ daily experiences by offering them more freedom and independence.
Advanced technologies for accessibility
Co-founder Stéphanie Robieux emphasizes that to meet future accessibility challenges, it is imperative to use flexible technologies capable of adapting to various environments. Artificial intelligence represents for OOrion a crucial lever, combining innovation and social impact, essential for its long-term development.
With this financial support, the Lyon-based start-up is well positioned to continue enriching its offering and initiating new collaborations while pursuing its mission to improve the lives of visually impaired individuals in public spaces.
