The burgeoning field of educational technology is seeing a surge of interest from both established tech giants and nimble startups, all eager to leverage the power of generative artificial intelligence. However, many AI-driven learning experiences currently rely heavily on text or voice, potentially limiting engagement for young users. A new interactive app called Sparkli, developed by former Google employees, aims to address this challenge by offering a more immersive and dynamic learning environment for children.
Founded in 2025 by Lax Poojary, Lucie Marchand, and Myn Kang, Sparkli emerged from the founders’ personal experiences as parents struggling to answer their children’s complex questions in a captivating way. Poojary explained that existing AI tools, while informative, often present information in a format unsuitable for young learners.
Generative AI Powers Interactive Learning with Sparkli
Sparkli differentiates itself by utilizing generative AI to create interactive learning experiences on demand. Instead of simply providing text-based answers, the app generates audio, video, images, quizzes, and games tailored to a child’s question or chosen topic. This approach aims to transform learning from a passive reception of information to an active exploration of concepts.
The founders’ previous experience at Google’s Area 120 incubator, where they co-created the travel aggregator Touring Bird and the social commerce app Shoploop, provided a strong foundation for building Sparkli. Marchand later joined them at Google and YouTube, focusing on shopping initiatives. This collective expertise in product development and technology is central to Sparkli’s innovative approach.
Bridging the Gap Between Information and Experience
The shift towards interactive learning reflects a broader understanding of how children best absorb information. As Poojary noted, a question about Mars could previously be answered with a static picture or a pre-recorded video. Sparkli, however, strives to create a simulated experience, allowing children to “interact and experience what Mars is like.”
Sparkli’s curriculum isn’t limited to traditional academic subjects. The startup intends to address gaps in education by incorporating topics like design thinking, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship into its AI-powered “expeditions.” This focus on future-ready skills is a key differentiator in the crowded edtech market.
Safety and Pedagogical Considerations
A significant concern surrounding AI applications for children is safety. Recent lawsuits against companies like OpenAI and Character.ai highlight the potential for AI tools to generate harmful or inappropriate content. Sparkli has implemented safeguards, including a complete ban on sexually explicit material. Furthermore, the app is designed to respond to sensitive topics like self-harm by promoting emotional intelligence and encouraging communication with parents.
Recognizing the importance of sound educational principles, Sparkli prioritized hiring experts in pedagogy and AI. The company’s first two hires were a PhD in educational science and AI, and a qualified teacher. This deliberate approach ensures that the app’s content is not only engaging but also aligned with best practices in child development and learning. The app also incorporates elements of gamification, such as streaks and rewards, inspired by language learning platforms like Duolingo, to encourage consistent use.
Currently, Sparkli is undergoing pilot programs with an educational institute serving over 100,000 students. The initial target demographic is children aged 5-12, and the app has been tested in more than 20 schools. Early feedback suggests teachers are using Sparkli to introduce new topics and facilitate classroom discussions, as well as to assign supplementary learning activities.
The app also features a teacher module for tracking student progress and assigning homework. This integration with existing educational workflows is intended to make Sparkli a valuable tool for educators. The company is also exploring the use of “quest cards” based on a child’s avatar to personalize the learning journey.
While Sparkli’s initial focus is on partnerships with schools globally, the company plans to release a consumer version of the app for direct download by parents by mid-2026. This phased rollout will allow Sparkli to refine its product based on feedback from educators and students before expanding its reach.
Sparkli recently secured $5 million in pre-seed funding led by Swiss venture firm Founderful, marking the firm’s first investment specifically in edtech. Founderful’s founding partner, Lukas Weder, cited the team’s technical capabilities and the potential market opportunity as key factors in his decision to invest. He believes Sparkli offers a compelling alternative to passive entertainment, providing children with an immersive and educational experience. The future success of Sparkli will depend on its ability to scale its pilot programs, maintain a high level of safety and pedagogical rigor, and effectively compete in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered learning tools.
