Big tech companies and innovative startups are increasingly leveraging generative AI to create engaging software and hardware for children. However, many existing solutions only provide text or voice interactions, which may not fully captivate young learners. To address this gap, three former Google employees have developed Sparkli, an AI-driven interactive learning app designed to inspire and educate kids.
Founded in 2022 by Lax Poojary, Lucie Marchand, and Myn Kang, Sparkli emerged from the desire of Poojary and Kang, both parents, to enhance the way their children satisfy their curiosity and learn about the world. Their previous endeavors include co-founding the travel aggregator Touring Bird and the social commerce app Shoploop, both stemming from Google’s Area 120 startup incubator.
Poojary remarks, “When a child inquired about Mars fifty years ago, we might have shown them a picture. A decade prior, it would have been a video. With Sparkli, we aim to offer children an interactive experience of Mars.”
Recognizing that traditional education often lags in modern content delivery, Sparkli is focused on teaching vital skills such as design thinking, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship through immersive AI-generated learning journeys. Users can explore predefined topics across various categories or pose their own inquiries to shape personalized educational paths. Daily updates introduce new subjects, encouraging continuous learning.
The app features diverse content formats, including audio, video, images, quizzes, and games, while offering choose-your-own-adventure narratives that reduce pressure on children to answer correctly. As content is generated in real-time, Sparkli can provide customized learning experiences within minutes of a user’s question.
Understanding the importance of educational integrity, Sparkli has enlisted a PhD expert in educational science and AI, along with a qualified teacher, as part of its core team. This strategic hiring is intended to ensure that the app’s material is pedagogically sound and beneficial for children’s learning.
Concerns regarding children’s safety while using AI technologies remain prevalent, with several firms facing scrutiny over harmful content. Sparkli has instituted stringent content guidelines, completely banning inappropriate subjects while fostering discussions around emotional intelligence when sensitive topics arise.
Currently engaged in pilot programs with a network of schools catering to over 100,000 students, Sparkli focuses on children aged 5-12. The app has been tested in over 20 schools to gauge effectiveness. Additionally, it includes a teacher module, allowing educators to monitor student progress and assign homework. Adopting elements from Duolingo, the program aims to keep children engaged with streaks and rewards, as well as personalized quest cards based on avatars they create.
Feedback from initial school pilots has been positive, with educators using Sparkli to enrich classroom discussions and extend explorative learning beyond lessons. Poojary confirms, “Teachers often integrate Sparkli at the beginning of classes to lead into discussions, while others assign it as homework for deeper understanding.”
Looking ahead, Sparkli plans to concentrate on collaborations with schools worldwide before expanding access for parents by mid-2026. The startup has successfully secured $5 million in pre-seed funding, primarily from Swiss venture firm Founderful, which sees a promising market opportunity in education technology.
As Lukas Wender, Founderful’s founding partner, states, “As a parent, I see a need for kids to learn beyond conventional subjects. Sparkli offers an immersive alternative that shifts focus from gaming to meaningful educational experiences.”
