Fundación para la Accesibilidad y la RS

What Fundación para la Accesibilidad y la RS does

Fundación para la Accesibilidad y la Responsabilidad Social (ARS Foundation) is a Spanish nonprofit foundation established around 2009 (with the AIS certification system operational since 2013) that develops and manages the AIS (Accesibilidad e Indicadores / Accessibility Indicator System), an international accessibility certification standard. Headquartered in Madrid, the foundation operates through a model that combines direct certification, a network of 40 authorized entities (third-party consultancies, audit firms, and architecture practices licensed to issue AIS certificates), trained approved technicians, and a public certificate registry. The AIS 1/2023 standard evaluates physical, cognitive, and sensory accessibility of spaces, services, and products across a five-level excellence scale (1–5 Stars plus a Gold designation), with lifecycle coverage extending to design, construction, and operation phases; an adjacent DIGA mark and web accessibility certificate extend coverage into digital products. As of 2024 the foundation reports more than 4,000 AIS certificates issued across 32 countries, with the standard transposed into legislation in 36 countries and 15% year-over-year growth in certificate issuance. Certification revenue, authorized-entity licensing fees, and recurring training programs (recognized by Complutense University of Madrid and CEU San Pablo) constitute the principal revenue streams.

The foundation serves enterprise customers across retail and shopping centers, commercial real estate, healthcare and elderly care, hospitality, financial services, and public-sector segments. Named certified or in-process entities include Merlin Properties (X-Madrid flagship 5-Star), Neinver, Castellana Properties, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (12 distribution centers), Iberdrola, BBVA Peru, BCP Peru, Scotiabank, Ibermutua (97 centers), Real Madrid, Adidas, Indra, Globant, the Museo Reina Sofía, Mutualidad de la Abogacía, and Madrid Nuevo Norte (the first major urban development to be certified). The go-to-market relies on enterprise field sales, event-driven plaque presentations, and a community-led "AISer" network of authorized entities, technicians, and certified companies; major channels include LinkedIn, X, YouTube, a content blog, the annual AIS Awards gala, and the Around annual meeting for authorized entities. Pricing is quote-based, not publicly disclosed, and contracts run on a multi-year cycle.

Governance rests with a small executive team led by Director Esther Bienes Pinedo, with Director of Institutional Relations Ignacio Lucini Carnicero, Communications Director Liliana Pellicer, Technical Director Rosa Rodríguez Castaño, and Trustee José Luis Blázquez. The foundation is independent (NIF G85720902), has no parent company, no funding rounds, and no disclosed equity ownership; operating geographies span Spain, Portugal, Peru, Colombia, and a global footprint of certified entities.

Name

Fundación para la Accesibilidad y la RS

Legal name

FUNDACIÓN para la ACCESIBILIDAD y RESPONSABILIDAD SOCIAL

Website

https://aiscertificacion.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fundación para la Accesibilidad y la RS is a Madrid-based Spanish nonprofit that develops and operates the AIS international accessibility certification, evaluating physical, cognitive, and sensory accessibility of spaces, services, and products for enterprises across retail, real estate, healthcare, and other sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International Standards Development & Standardization Bodies (BPADANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Standards, Metrology & Accreditation Bodies (BPAIAOAC), Qualifications Framework Authorities (NQF/Skills Framework) (EDADAFAB), Digital Assessment Platforms & Computer-Based Testing Authorities (EDADAFAK)

Keywords

• Accessibility certification
• Accessibility standards
• ESG compliance services
• Disability compliance
• Certification services

Headquarters

HQ city

Madrid

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Accessibility Certification Services: AIS generates revenue through fees charged for certifying spaces, services, and products against the AIS accessibility standard. Certified entities receive a certificate and plaque indicating their star rating (1–5 stars, Gold designation).
2. Authorized Entity Licensing: Third-party organizations become authorized to implement AIS certification, paying licensing or franchise fees to the foundation in exchange for the right to certify under the AIS standard.
3. Training and Education Programs: The foundation offers paid training courses including basic approach sessions, intensive technician courses (30 hours), field technician courses (15–20 hours), and specialized programs. Courses are offered online and in-person with scheduled dates.
4. AIS Prequalification Certificates: Issuance of prequalification certificates (1–2 stars) during asset design/construction phases as part of the lifecycle certification protocol.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Fundación para la Accesibilidad y la RS operates the AIS (Accesibilidad Indicator System) international accessibility certification, verifying and accrediting accessibility conditions of physical spaces, services, products, websites, and events through a 1–5 Star rating under the AIS 1/2023 Standard. The foundation directly issues certifications and licenses a global network of 40 authorized entities and approved technicians to deliver assessments, training programs, and plaque ceremonies across 32 countries.

Product overview

Fundación para la Accesibilidad y la RS operates the AIS (Accesibilidad e Indicadores) system, an international accessibility certification that verifies and accredits accessibility conditions across spaces, services, products, and digital environments through five levels of excellence (1-5 Stars). The core offering centers on the AIS 1/2023 Standard, a comprehensive accessibility evaluation methodology. The product portfolio includes certifications for physical spaces and services, websites, and products; a public certificate registry; authorized advisor and entity networks; training programs (including sessions, intensive technician courses, and updates) recognized by Universidad Complutense de Madrid; and the periodic AIS Awards recognizing accessibility innovation. The system also encompasses specialized offerings such as event and congress certification and authorized use of AIS marks and plaques.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AIS: International accessibility certification system that verifies conditions of accessibility of assets, services and products, recognizing up to five levels of excellence.
• AIS 1/2023
• Norma AIS 1/2018

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,000+ certificates issued globally, demonstrating scale and market adoption
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers34 records

Segments6 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• ProWorkSpacesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Fundación ARS and ProWorkSpaces signed a collaboration agreement to improve accessibility in flexible workspace and coworking environments, bringing AIS certification to the coworking sector.
• Observatorio 2030 del CSCAEminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The Observatory 2030 of the Consejo Superior de Colegios de Arquitectos de España (CSCAE) and AIS agreed to jointly promote more accessible built environments, combining regulatory expertise with certification.
• NhoodcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2021Nhood (formerly Ceetrus) became a new Authorized Entity AIS, implementing the certification across its shopping center portfolio including Vialia Vigo, which achieved 5 AIS Stars.
• IMPLASERminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 September 2021IMPLASER, a company specializing in accessibility signage and wayfinding, is a collaborating entity and authorized entity that participated in AIS R&D days and provides technical expertise for signage and tactile elements within the certification framework.
• SUMACminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021SUMAC became an Authorized Entity for the AIS accessibility certification, adding to the expanding network of certified implementation partners.
• Deloitte SpaincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 April 2020Deloitte Spain became an Authorized Entity for AIS certification, enabling the professional services firm to advise clients on AIS implementation and certification as part of its consulting portfolio. Deloitte participated in the first Approved Technician Program in 2020.
• ITG (Tecnologías y Gestión)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020ITG (Tecnologías y Gestión) became a new Authorized Entity for AIS certification in Peru, implementing accessibility certification alongside its technology and management services.
• Develop Index AmbientalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Develop Index Ambiental became an Authorized Entity for AIS, integrating environmental and accessibility assessment capabilities.
• IngeniaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Ingenia became an Authorized Entity for AIS certification, expanding the ecosystem of implementation partners.
• TOUZA ArquitectoscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 November 2019TOUZA Arquitectos became the first Authorized Entity of the AIS accessibility certification in Spain, formalizing their partnership with Fundación ARS at a public ceremony in Madrid. The architecture firm implements AIS certification for its projects and clients.
• SafeCity (Peru)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 October 2019SafeCity, an accessibility consulting firm in Peru, became the first Authorized Entity for AIS 1/2018 in Peru after signing an agreement with Fundación ARS in Madrid. SafeCity subsequently conducted multiple certifications in Peru including Torre Begonias, Torre del Arte, La Rambla Brasil, and La Rambla San Borja, and organized the first Latin American Authorized Entities Meeting.
• BAU Accesibilidad (Chile)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2019BAU Accesibilidad became a new Authorized Entity for AIS in Chile, enabling the expansion of the certification system into the Chilean market through a local accessibility consultancy.
• CEU San Pablo UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 May 2019AIS training courses are recognized by the Complutense University of Madrid. CEU San Pablo University offers a 'Universal Accessibility Consultant' degree incorporating AIS methodology, with foundation team members serving as lecturers.
• Complutense University of MadridminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 May 2019AIS accessibility training courses are recognized and endorsed by the Complutense University of Madrid, providing academic accreditation for the foundation's technician training programs.
• EMPOWERminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019EMPOWER became an Authorized Entity for AIS certification, expanding the network of certified accessibility consultants.
• Grupo4minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Grupo4 became an Authorized Entity for implementing the AIS 1/2018 standard, contributing to the accessibility certification ecosystem.
• Fundación Shangri-La / Marcas de RestauraciónminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2018Fundación Shangri-La signed a collaboration agreement with El Corte Inglés and separately with Marcas de Restauración to advance accessibility in the restaurant sector, presenting the DIGA digital accessibility certification.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Bureau Veritas: Global Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) leader with deep relationships in real estate, retail and healthcare — many of AIS's marquee customers. Same B2B enterprise certification model but across thousands of standards; direct competitor for accessibility mandates as EAA enforcement ramps.
• TÜV Rheinland: German-founded global TIC services firm serving consumer, industrial, mobility and infrastructure clients with third-party certification, auditing and testing. Overlaps with AIS in building, healthcare, retail and digital accessibility assurance under EAA.
• BSI Group (British Standards Institution): UK-based national standards body turned global TIC firm, offering third-party certification, auditing, and standards-based assurance across multiple verticals. Directly comparable enterprise go-to-market and brand-credibility mechanic for accessibility, sustainability and digital services certification.
• Intertek: Global testing, inspection and certification group with operations across consumer products, retail, healthcare and real estate. Same B2B assurance model and access to many of the same enterprise clients (e.g., Coca-Cola, BBVA, Iberdrola) as AIS, with capabilities to underwrite accessibility certification.
• SGS: Swiss-headquartered global TIC giant with testing, inspection and certification services across industries. Operates the same enterprise audit-and-certify model as AIS and is a likely entrant into formal accessibility certification as accessibility regulation expands.
• DEKRA: German global TIC firm operating in automotive, industrial, healthcare and real estate certification. Comparable business model of expert-driven third-party certification sold to large enterprises, and a credible entrant into EAA-driven accessibility compliance.
• DNV (Det Norske Veritas): Norwegian risk-management and certification firm with strong presence in built environment, healthcare and supply chain assurance. Comparable third-party certification credibility and international scope as AIS, including framework-based schemes (e.g., buildings, digital trust) that compete for the same enterprise ESG budgets.

Direct peers

• AENOR (Asociación Española de Normalización): Spanish standardization and certification body operating internationally across quality, environment, safety, accessibility and social responsibility. Most direct functional analogue to AIS within Spain, with a comparable national-champion certification orientation now expanding through UNE and IQNet networks.
• IMQ (Istituto Italiano del Marchio di Qualità): Italian third-party certification body that endorses AIS's DIGA digital accessibility mark and operates comparable schemes for product and digital accessibility. Functional peer with similar position to AIS in its home market and an actual commercial partner on DIGA.

Emerging players

• Fundación ONCE / Inserta Empresa / Bequal: Spanish disability foundation ecosystem promoting disability inclusion and accessibility certification in Spain (e.g., Bequal seal). Comparable nonprofit foundation structure, similar target enterprise segments, and direct overlapping value proposition in accessibility & ESG compliance in Spain and Latin America.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AIScertificate
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCPDJy-hzmTRWhI1uTTeek5Q
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fundacion-para-la-accesibilidad-y-la-rs

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fundación para la Accesibilidad y la RS