Egypt’s PM visits NAID to support assistive tech innovation

Egypt’s Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly visited the National Academy for Information Technology for Persons with Disabilities (NAID), a leading centre for research, development, and entrepreneurship in assistive technology, a Cabinet statement revealed.

During his tour, Abdel Moneim El Sharkawy, NAID’s chairman, presented an overview of the academy’s work, highlighting two main pillars: innovation and digital inclusion, according to the statement.

The academy collaborates with academic institutions, research bodies, and tech firms to localise assistive technology solutions while enhancing digital accessibility through its various initiatives.

NAID houses 18 specialised research and application labs focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing, internet of things (IoT), robotics, biomechanics, and virtual and augmented reality.

The prime minister visited multiple laboratories, where he witnessed various graduation projects, such as an AI-driven self-driving wheelchair and a 3D-printed prosthetic limb, the statement revealed.

Furthermore, two incubated companies showcased their solutions, including an app that translates text into sign language for the hearing impaired and smart glasses that convert spoken words into sign language.

Madbouly also visited Africa’s first extended reality studio, where a company showcased a virtual training environment designed to help individuals with disabilities operate industrial equipment safely.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama