An Altrincham entrepreneur has secured £300,000 in funding to develop AI-powered technology designed to make websites easier to use for people with visual impairments and neurodivergent conditions.
Peter Wrenshall, founder of tech start-up BrowsAble, has received backing from the government's innovation agency Innovate UK and Manchester-based investment firm EHE Group.
The funding comprises a £150,000 grant from Innovate UK, matched by investment from EHE Group's AI Growth Fund, and will help bring the product to market in 2027.
BrowsAble was born after Peter began exploring ways to help a friend with a visual impairment navigate websites more easily.
What started as a simple magnifying tool has since developed into a platform that uses artificial intelligence to simplify and reorganise website content, making it easier for people to find and access information online.
The technology is aimed at people with conditions including dyslexia, autism, ADHD and learning disabilities, as well as those with visual impairments or age-related cognitive decline.
Unlike accessibility tools that need to be configured for individual websites, BrowsAble uses AI to classify and reorganise content across different sites automatically.
The company is developing two versions of the technology – a browser extension that individuals can use on websites they visit, and a tool that businesses can install directly on their own sites.
The service will be free for individual users, with costs covered by website operators.
Peter said: "Every website works differently. For people with visual or cognitive disabilities, this inconsistency creates daily barriers to digital independence.
"Our research found that people can abandon or avoid essential services such as banking and government websites, or require assistance with basic online tasks.
"These findings point to potential applications for BrowsAble across public services, including the NHS and government bodies, as well as ecommerce, financial services and other websites.
"We're extremely grateful to Innovate UK and EHE Group for their support, which will help us build on the progress we've made and bring BrowsAble closer to market."
Peter has been working with EHE Venture Studio, the technology and advisory arm of EHE Group, to develop the original concept into a commercial product.
The Manchester-based team has provided engineering expertise, product development and business advice, as well as helping secure the latest funding.
Work is now under way on further product development, marketing, branding and pricing ahead of the planned launch next year.
Peter added: "EHE has been part of this journey from day one. The engineering team has helped us build and test the technology, while the strategic support has shaped our funding strategy.
"Having that combination of technical expertise and business guidance has been invaluable as we take BrowsAble forward."
Simon Landi, chief marketing officer at EHE Group, said the project demonstrated the potential of combining innovative ideas with practical business support.
"Peter came to us with an idea, a genuine problem to solve and the commitment to make it happen," he said.
The investment is part of EHE Group's wider programme to support early-stage British AI businesses.
