Former Googlers Launch Sparkli to Gamify AI Learning for Kids
Three former Google employees have launched Sparkli, an interactive platform designed to move children beyond static text-based AI. The startup aims to transform how kids engage with complex subjects by using generative AI to build immersive, gamified learning “expeditions” tailored to their curiosity.
Founded last year by Lax Poojary, Lucie Marchand, and Myn Kang, the company seeks to solve a common parenting frustration: providing engaging, accurate answers to a child’s endless stream of questions. Poojary, who previously worked on shopping projects at Google and YouTube, noted that traditional AI chatbots often present a “wall of text” that fails to capture a young user’s attention.
The founders bring deep technical experience to the project, having previously collaborated at Google’s internal incubator, Area 120, on initiatives like the travel aggregator Touring Bird and the social commerce app Shoploop. With Sparkli, they are applying that expertise to the education sector, focusing on topics often overlooked in traditional curricula, such as financial literacy, design skills, and entrepreneurship.
How the Platform Works
Sparkli functions as an interactive engine that generates custom learning paths in under two minutes. Instead of simple Q&A, the app creates a multimedia experience that includes:
- A mix of audio, video, images, games, and quizzes.
- “Choose-as-you-go” adventures that remove the pressure of right or wrong answers.
- Daily topics to encourage consistent exploration.
- A teacher-facing module for tracking progress and assigning homework.
To ensure the content remains age-appropriate, the startup prioritized pedagogical expertise early on, hiring a teacher and a professional with a PhD in educational science and AI as their first two employees. This team focuses on emotional intelligence, particularly when children ask sensitive questions. According to the company, the app proactively steers users toward emotional health resources rather than providing raw, unfiltered information.
Market Strategy and Funding
Currently, the startup is piloting the app in over 20 schools, reaching a network of more than 100,000 students. While the initial focus is on the 5-12 age demographic, the company plans to release a consumer version for parents by mid-2026.
The venture has secured $5 million in pre-seed funding led by the Swiss firm Founderful. Lukas Weder, a founding partner at Founderful, highlighted the product’s ability to offer an immersive alternative to passive video games. “I thought from a product point of view, Sparkli gets them away from video games and lets them learn stuff in an immersive way,” Weder said.