Cornel Amariei, an innovator born from resilience, is the driving force behind Lumen, a groundbreaking company transforming the lives of millions.
His journey began in a small Romanian town, shaped by adversity and a deep-rooted sense of purpose. Growing up in a family with disabilities—his parents, survivors of polio, and relatives facing various challenges—Cornel became a beacon of support, learning early the power of ingenuity and perseverance.
A Vision Rooted in Compassion
Amariei’s upbringing was one of constant challenges, but it fostered an unshakable determination to create change. By the age of seven, he was coding, and by fourteen, he had launched ventures to support his family, funding his own education in the process. This relentless pursuit of solutions brought him to Germany, where he studied computer science and electrical engineering.
One night’s conversation planted the seed of Lumen: creating “glasses for the blind.” Cornel was struck by the statistics—over 42 million blind individuals worldwide, yet less than 30,000 could access guide dogs annually due to their $28,000 cost. The gap was immense, and he vowed to innovate. 
Innovating Freedom with Technology
Years later, armed with corporate experience in cutting-edge technology like self-driving cars, Amariei returned to Romania. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he founded Lumen, driven to revolutionize mobility for the blind with a device that functions like a pedestrian’s self-driving car. This wearable tech, priced between $5,000 and $10,000, leverages AI and advanced sensors to navigate obstacles, cross streets, and even locate items in stores, delivering independence that was previously unimaginable.
Empowered by Partnerships
Lumen’s growth has been extraordinary, fueled by over $10 million in funding, including angel investors like a Formula 1 driver and prestigious grants from the European Innovation Council. With a state-of-the-art 1,200 square meter R&D facility in Romania and a team of 50 engineers, Lumen continues to push boundaries.
Collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been pivotal, providing robust cloud infrastructure to ensure real-time data processing and device reliability. This partnership accelerates innovation cycles, enhancing user safety and functionality.
A Mission Beyond Technology
For Amariei, Lumen isn’t just about selling devices; it’s about rewriting history. His goal is clear: ship more Lumen devices annually than guide dogs currently serve, marking a paradigm shift in accessibility. Each success story—whether it’s a blind person hiking solo or independently shopping—symbolizes more than technological triumph; it’s a testament to human potential.
Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow
Cornel Amariei’s story is a powerful reminder that adversity can inspire greatness. His creation of Lumen is not just a leap in innovation; it’s a gift of freedom, confidence, and dignity to millions worldwide. As Lumen sets its sights on empowering tens of thousands in the coming years, it’s clear: the future of mobility for the blind is brighter than ever.
