Please explain what your company does or offers.
Kokoro Kids is an innovative educational application designed by experts in neurodevelopment, dedicated to nurturing the cognitive and emotional growth of young children. Our mission is centered around providing inclusive and unobstructed learning. To achieve this, we have developed the Kokoro method, a highly personalised approach that adapts to the individual educational needs of each child.
At Kokoro Kids, we believe that each child is unique and deserves an education tailored to their abilities and learning pace. That's why our platform dynamically adjusts to ensure that all children can learn through play in a safe and secure environment, free from ads and inappropriate content.
Our application is not just about teaching academic concepts, but about fostering fundamental skills for children's futures – such as social, emotional and cognitive ones. At Kokoro Kids, we are committed to the holistic wellbeing of children and are excited to be part of their educational journey.
How does your startup leverage emerging technologies, such as AI or virtual reality, to enhance learning outcomes and improve educational experiences for students?
Our app uses artificial intelligence to personalise the user experience, showcasing games from our catalogue that it identifies as aligning with their skill level, facilitating a more progressive learning curve.
In our day-to-day operations, our team harnesses artificial intelligence to streamline workflow processes. It proves highly advantageous for programming, code creation and identifying potential errors. Furthermore, it assists us in generating basic voiceovers within the games. Consequently, we can expedite game launches, enabling users to access a broader array of quality content much sooner.
In a rapidly evolving education landscape, how do you stay ahead of trends and adapt your solutions to meet the changing needs of learners and educators?
We proactively track emerging trends through comprehensive market research and maintain close collaboration with educators. By seamlessly integrating innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, we ensure our solutions are not just current but ahead of the curve.
Adaptation is a key part of our strategy and extends to fostering direct interactions with our user base. We conduct focus groups involving both neurotypical children and those with special needs. This approach guarantees that our application remains barrier-free and accommodates the diverse requirements of all learners. Regular feedback loops stemming from these focus groups empower us to swiftly fine-tune our solutions, aligning them seamlessly with the dynamic needs of both learners and educators.
What strategies or initiatives have you implemented to address the digital divide and ensure equitable access to quality education through your EdTech solution?
Our application features a free-access component, allowing children to enjoy its benefits without requiring a subscription. Furthermore, we are continuously working on ways to make our subscription model more accessible, ensuring that economic factors are not barriers to enhanced educational opportunities.
We are planning a series of strategic initiatives, particularly in countries like Mozambique, to extend our technological reach to schools in disadvantaged communities. Our goal is to partner with local stakeholders and adapt our content delivery to cater to diverse learning needs. We aim to transcend technological barriers and, someday, make quality education universally accessible, fostering inclusive learning experiences for all.
What is the latest news from your company?
Our company has been making significant strides, particularly by expanding our presence across various countries. Our app is being embraced in Spain, Brazil, Indonesia and Mexico, showcasing our growing international footprint. In an exciting development, we are also making inroads into the Arabic market.
Our upcoming milestone is centered around integrating Kokoro Kids into the educational curriculum of schools. To achieve this, we are working with educators to adapt our app to the specific needs of classrooms. This collaborative effort allows us to improve our platform for seamless integration into daily educational routines.
Furthermore, a significant goal on our horizon is to continue being a part of the Lego Foundation's acceleration programme. This association has provided us with invaluable support, and its continuation would give a substantial impetus to our growth trajectory. We are excited about these developments as they exemplify our dedication to enhancing education through innovation and global expansion.
Please tell us about your experience as an exhibitor at 4YFN23. What were the benefits for your startup?
Being part of 4YFN has been a thrilling experience for us. This platform provided us with an incredible chance to showcase our innovative EdTech solution to a global audience. The exposure gained from such a high-profile event has significantly amped up our presence in the industry.
What's even more exciting are the connections we've made with potential business partners, investors and other players. Engaging with investors and JME Ventures during the pitch battle opened up possibilities for collaborations and investments. This interaction with a diverse range of industry experts has given us fresh insights and laid the groundwork for promising future partnerships.
How should startups prepare to exhibit at 4YFN24? What actions can they take ahead of the event to make the most out of their time onsite?
Preparation is key. Ahead of the event, it's crucial to establish clear objectives and design your presentation to resonate with the diverse audience. Crafting a compelling story around your solution and its potential impact can captivate the attention of visitors.
They can leverage pre-event marketing to create buzz – especially in terms of the immersive experiences that 4YFN offers. Engage in networking, attend relevant sessions, and seek out synergies with other startups, investors and industry players. By maximising your time onsite and creating meaningful connections, you can amplify the benefits of your participation and leave a lasting impression.
You won the 4YFN23 EdTech pitch battle after pitching to investors from Telefónica Wayra, Bolsa Social and JME Ventures. What did winning the pitch battle mean for your startup?
It meant a significant validation of our innovation and the impact it holds in the educational space. Securing recognition from distinguished investors not only boosts our credibility but also provides a substantial boost to our growth trajectory.
The victory reinforced our commitment to advancing education through technology and fuelled our determination to scale our impact even further. Beyond the accolade, winning the pitch battle has opened doors to potential collaborations and partnerships, cementing our position as a pioneering force in the EdTech landscape.
What words of advice can you give other startups pitching at 4YFN24? How can they best prepare?
To fellow startups preparing to pitch, our advice is to ensure a comprehensive and engaging presentation. Clearly articulate your value proposition, addressing how your solution addresses real-world challenges. It's essential to highlight your team's expertise, the scalability of your product and the potential for market disruption.
Practice impeccable timing and engage with the audience effectively. Incorporate real-world examples and practical applications to highlight the tangible benefits of your solution. Be receptive to feedback, adapt your pitch accordingly and show your passion for driving positive change. Remember, preparation is key: practicing your pitch repeatedly will enhance your confidence and delivery, leaving an impression on investors and potential partners alike.