A Digital Activist, Writer and Consultant.
Mykhailo Shubin is a Ukrainian entrepreneur, visionary in educational technology, and the founder of the AR Book platform and FlexReality company.
His journey is a testament to how innovation, determination, and a commitment to education as the foundation for the future can shape and change the world.
Childhood and Education
Born in the village of Taranivka, Kharkiv region, Mykhailo spent his childhood fueled by curiosity and a drive to explore. Even as a young student, he showed entrepreneurial flair: creating and selling notebooks with friends and later assembling and managing computers in his hometown. These early experiences with technology shaped his future path, instilling in him a problem-solving mindset and a belief in his abilities.
After finishing school, Mykhailo
pursued higher education at
Karazin Kharkiv National University, where he studied physics.
It was during his university years that he became fascinated by complex technical processes and the potential of technology to solve real-world problems. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Mykhailo began his career, blending his passion for IT with entrepreneurship.
Career and
Early Ventures
Mykhailo's professional journey began in management roles, but his true challenge came when he entered the IT industry.
A pivotal moment in his career was discovering virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies during an international exhibition in 2015. Witnessing how VR could revolutionize interior design and architecture inspired him to establish FlexReality, initially focusing on outsourcing in the VR domain.
This initial exposure to VR opened up new horizons for Mykhailo. He realized that technology could go beyond entertainment, significantly improving lives and redefining traditional approaches in various fields.
The breakthrough came in 2017 with the creation of AR Book, a platform that bridges traditional education with innovative AR technologies. The name symbolizes the integration of books as a foundation of knowledge with augmented reality as a tool for visualization. Mykhailo’s vision was to ensure that children, regardless of their location or socioeconomic background, could access high-quality education through cutting-edge technology.
Challenges and
Achievements
Building AR Book was no easy task. The war in Ukraine forced the company to pivot from outsourcing to focus entirely on developing its own product. This decision marked a turning point, strengthening Mykhailo’s belief in the power of innovation. He assembled a team of like-minded individuals who shared his values and established partnerships with both Ukrainian and international organizations. The strength of the team became the driving force behind their success.
Every step of this journey was met with challenges, but each also brought new opportunities. Mykhailo emphasizes that even in the toughest times, it’s crucial to look forward and seek growth.
Today, AR Book is:
Trusted by
804,000 users
Home to 36,129 educational materials
.png)
Ranked in the
Top 10 education apps in Ukraine on the
Play Market
Partnered with over 350 schools
Officially recognized with accreditation from Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science
These milestones demonstrate how an idea born from a desire to help children can grow into a transformative product reshaping education.
Vision for the Future
Mykhailo views VR/AR technologies as the key to revolutionizing education. He firmly believes these tools can:
-
Provide access to interactive experiments and knowledge that were previously out of reach;
-
Simplify complex concepts through visualization and simulation;
-
Make learning engaging, accessible, and adaptable.
Technology gives us this chance. It breaks down barriers and makes learning truly inspiring.
His mission is not just to create
a product but to transform education
by making it inclusive and innovative.
Over the next five years, Mykhailo aims to scale AR Book to English- and Spanish-speaking markets, including the U.S., Canada, and the UK, while integrating the platform into international STEM programs.
Values and
Inspiration
Mykhailo draws inspiration from his children, who are the first users of AR Book, and from visionary companies like Netflix, Apple, and Nvidia, which have reshaped their industries.
His philosophy is built on openness, continuous improvement, and a customer-first mindset. He believes that a strong desire to change the world, coupled with perseverance, can overcome any obstacle.
For Mykhailo, AR Book is more than just a business. It’s the realization of a dream—that every child deserves access to quality, modern education that inspires and prepares them for the challenges ahead.