About IREN
We are passionate innovators dedicated to breaking down barriers in education through cutting-edge assistive technology and inclusive design, so every student can learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Mission
To revolutionize inclusive education by providing AI-powered assistive technologies that promote independence and equal access to knowledge for visually and hearing-impaired students.
Our Vision
A world where disability is never an excuse, and every student has equal access to quality education through innovative technology solutions.
Our Values
Innovation, Inclusion, Integrity, and Impact guide everything we do at IREN.
Born from a Need to Make Education Truly Accessible
IREN began with a simple but powerful observation: students with special needs in Tanzania and across East Africa were being left behind, not because of lack of ability, but because of lack of accessible tools.
Porto set out to change that by building IREN, a platform that connects schools, teachers, parents, and assistive devices in one seamless ecosystem designed around the learner.
Today, IREN devices are used in classrooms and homes across Tanzania, enabling students who are visually impaired or hard of hearing to access curriculum on their own terms.
What Drives Us Every Day
The principles that shape our team, our products, and our mission
Empathy
We design every feature through the eyes of the student, understanding the real challenges they face daily.
Innovation
We push boundaries to bring breakthrough solutions to assistive technology and inclusive education.
Community
We build with schools, families, and educators — not just for them — to create lasting impact together.
Integrity
We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards in data privacy, quality, and ethical practice.
Our Journey
Key milestones in our mission to transform inclusive education
First Pilot Deployment
We launched our initial pilot with selected schools and families, collecting critical feedback from teachers, blind learners, early-stage children, and parents. This phase confirmed the need and impact of inclusive digital learning tools.
MVP Production & Expanded Piloting
We produced the first Minimum Viable Product (MVP) batch of IREN Devices, IREN Models, and Baby IREN units. A second pilot group tested the improved versions, helping us evaluate usability, durability, and curriculum alignment at scale.
Production Pause & Comprehensive Refinement
Based on user feedback, we temporarily paused production to refine both hardware and software. Improvements focused on accessibility, stability, language performance, parental tools, and teacher platform integration.
Refined Production Resumed (Second Batch)
With enhancements completed, we recommenced production with a higher-quality second batch of IREN Devices, Baby IREN units, and talking models—stronger, more inclusive, and ready for broader market rollout.
Foundational Research & Problem Mapping
We conducted deep field research across schools, households, and inclusive education centers to understand the real challenges faced by blind learners, teachers, and parents in Tanzania. Insights from this phase shaped the core design of IREN.
Concept Development & Early Prototyping
Building on our research, we designed the first IREN device concepts, Baby IREN models, and teacher platform workflows. Early prototypes were tested internally to validate functionality, accessibility, and user experience.
Our Technology Stack
Cutting-edge solutions built around the needs of learners with special requirements
Artificial Intelligence
Advanced AI algorithms power voice recognition, natural language processing, and personalized learning pathways for each student.
IoT Integration
Seamless device connectivity enables real-time content delivery, remote management, and cloud-based learning across all IREN devices.
Accessibility First
Universal design principles ensure every feature is accessible, intuitive, and empowering regardless of a student's sensory abilities.
IREN Devices
Purpose-built assistive hardware registered to schools and linked to teachers, delivering curated educational content directly to students.
Analytics Dashboard
Real-time performance tracking gives teachers and parents clear visibility into each student's progress, attendance, and learning outcomes.
Secure by Design
End-to-end encryption, OTP authentication, and role-based access controls protect all student data across every layer of the platform.
Join the IREN Mission
Be part of the movement to create a more inclusive world through technology and education. Whether you're a school, a parent, or an investor — there's a place for you.