Bicara AI

In today's world, where globalization and technology are changing the game, Indonesia faces a big challenge: it's not doing too well in English. According to the EF English Proficiency Index in 2023, Indonesia ranks 81st out of 111 countries. This isn't just a problem for academics and professionals; it also means Indonesia can't fully take part in the global scene.

At the same time, more and more young Indonesians want to study abroad. The number of Indonesian students studying overseas has gone up by 21 percent since 2014, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. But even with programs like the LPDP scholarship offering fully-funded opportunities, not many Indonesian students are getting these chances. This holds Indonesia back from reaching its full potential.

On top of all this, language barriers make life harder for Indonesian migrant workers. Misunderstandings with employers can lead to harassment and other problems. It's clear that we need solutions that help people bridge these language gaps and feel more confident in different work environments.

And when it comes to English courses, the ones available now don't do a great job of testing speaking skills, which are super important in both school and work. Most courses rely on TOEFL prediction tests, but these don't really evaluate speaking skills well. This is a big deal, especially in Indonesian universities where TOEFL scores are a big deal.

So, our mission is to tackle all these challenges head-on. We're developing new language learning platforms to boost English skills and help Indonesians seize global opportunities. We also want to make sure everyone has a fair shot at studying abroad, so we're offering tailored support to students who dream of going overseas, especially through programs like LPDP.

And we're not stopping there. We're also focused on giving Indonesian migrant workers the language and communication skills they need to feel safe and confident in their jobs. Our approach includes comprehensive speaking assessments that really prepare people for success in school and work.

In the end, our goal isn't just to teach English. It's about tearing down barriers, unlocking potential, and giving Indonesians the tools they need to succeed in today's interconnected world.

The Bicara AI mobile app is a game-changer for English learners and course providers alike. It's designed to cater to those who want to ace the IELTS speaking interview, providing a realistic mock test experience with personalized feedback to boost confidence and fluency.

At the core of our solution is cutting-edge technology seamlessly integrated into a user-friendly Android app, available on the Google Play Store. Using Speech Recognition (AI), we accurately transcribe audio inputs into text, allowing for precise assessment and feedback.

Moreover, we utilize Generative AI to offer fast, affordable, and personalized learning experiences. This technology powers features like IELTS speaking score prediction, grammar improvement feedback, and tailored guidance for test-takers to feel more confident.

Our platform isn't just another tool; it's a practical alternative to costly manual mock tests and complements existing TOEFL prediction tools. By making high-quality speaking assessment tools accessible to everyone, we empower learners to prepare effectively for the IELTS exam and achieve their goals.

In summary, our solution represents a new approach to English language learning, blending advanced technology with user-friendly design to deliver real results. With the Bicara AI app, learners can embark on their language journey with confidence, knowing they have the support and resources they need to succeed.

Our Gen-AI based IELTS speaking mock test app isn't just about technology; it's about making a real impact on sustainable development. It directly tackles several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to improve education, job opportunities, innovation, equality, and community sustainability.

Firstly, our app boosts SDG 4: Quality Education by offering personalized language learning experiences. It helps individuals enhance their English speaking skills, which not only improves their education but also encourages lifelong learning. Additionally, by improving English proficiency, we contribute to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, striving for fair job opportunities for everyone in the global job market.

Our focus on innovation perfectly aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. By using cutting-edge Gen-AI technology, we're pushing the boundaries of language learning, not just within our industry, but across broader innovation landscapes. We're also addressing inequality, which is key to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Our app democratizes access to high-quality language education, regardless of someone's socio-economic background, promoting a more equitable society.

Furthermore, our commitment to building sustainable communities echoes SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through better English proficiency, we encourage communication and integration, fostering inclusive urban environments where diversity is celebrated. And we don't do this alone. Collaboration is vital, reflecting SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. We work with educators, language experts, and technology providers to deliver solutions that benefit society as a whole.

In summary, our app isn't just another tool; it's a catalyst for positive change. It's helping create a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. This is especially important when considering the financial burden that exams like IELTS/TOEFL iBT can pose. In places like Jakarta, where costs exceed two-thirds of the standard monthly wage, retaking exams due to unsatisfactory scores is simply unaffordable.

Bicara AI team is uniquely equipped to deliver this solution because we have firsthand experience with the challenges our target population faces, and we're deeply committed to addressing them effectively. As the Team Lead, my background in computer science and AI research, coupled with my previous role leading a self-development community, has provided me with valuable insights into language learning and personal growth.

Furthermore, we beta tested our app directly with the community called IISMA UNJ, a selective program for studying abroad funded by the government. This experience allowed us to gain firsthand feedback and insights from our target audience, ensuring that our solution is tailored to their needs and preferences.

Additionally, our diverse team reflects the communities we serve, and our design process is guided by meaningful input from them. We actively seek feedback through interviews, surveys, and user testing, ensuring our solution is both technically robust and culturally sensitive.

In summary, our collective experiences and commitment to community-driven design make us well-prepared to deliver a solution that meets the real needs of our users.

We chose the pilot stage for our project because we've already taken significant steps towards implementation. Our app is already live and available to Android users via the Google Play Store. We've successfully reached this milestone, and now it's time to gather real-world feedback to refine and improve our product further.

To date, we've conducted testing with at least 27 real users who have actively engaged with our app. These users have provided valuable feedback, sharing their experiences, suggestions, and areas for improvement. This feedback is invaluable as it helps us identify any issues, understand user preferences, and prioritize enhancements for future iterations.

By entering the pilot stage, we aim to build upon the foundation we've established, leveraging user insights to iterate and refine our app iteratively. This approach allows us to address any potential challenges or limitations early on, ensuring that our product meets the needs and expectations of our target audience effectively.

Overall, selecting the pilot stage aligns with our commitment to continuous improvement and user-centric development. It provides us with the opportunity to validate our assumptions, gather data-driven insights, and ultimately deliver a more refined and impactful solution to our users.

We're excited about the opportunity to apply to Solve because we believe it can help us overcome some of the key challenges we're facing in bringing our solution to fruition. One of our main hurdles right now is financial constraints. As a bootstrapped initiative, we've been limited in our ability to scale up our solution and reach a wider audience. Solve's network of partners and resources could be a game-changer for us, providing us with the support and funding we need to take our project to the next level.

In addition to financial support, we're also looking for technical expertise. While our team is skilled in many areas, there are some technical aspects of our project, like AI integration and app development, where we could use some guidance. Solve's network of experts and mentors could be invaluable in helping us navigate these challenges and ensure that our solution is as effective as possible.

Another area where Solve could help us is in forging partnerships with English course providers and government institutions. These partnerships are crucial for the success of our project, but they can be difficult to establish on our own. Solve's platform could provide us with the connections and resources we need to make these partnerships a reality, enabling us to reach more people and have a greater impact.

We're also mindful of the legal and cultural considerations involved in our project. Solve's expertise in navigating these issues could be incredibly helpful for us, ensuring that our solution is compliant with local regulations and sensitive to cultural norms.

Finally, we see Solve as an opportunity to expand our reach and explore new markets. With Solve's global network and diverse ecosystems, we believe we can reach people who may not have had access to our solution otherwise, helping us to make an even greater impact on the world.

Our solution represents a fresh approach to English language learning, focusing on innovation and accessibility. We've developed a mobile platform that's easy to use and tailored to meet the needs of learners from diverse backgrounds. Unlike traditional methods, which can be costly and lack comprehensive speaking assessments, our platform integrates advanced technology to provide real-time feedback and support.

Through the use of Speech Recognition and Generative AI, we offer users personalized guidance to improve their speaking skills. Our platform transcribes audio inputs accurately, allowing users to assess their pronunciation and fluency with precision. Additionally, Generative AI enables us to deliver fast and cost-effective English speaking assessments, including predicting IELTS scores and offering feedback on grammar and overall performance.

By demonstrating the effectiveness of technology in language education, we hope to inspire others in the industry to adopt similar approaches. This could lead to the development of more accessible and personalized learning tools, benefiting learners worldwide. Moreover, our solution has the potential to reshape the market by challenging existing norms and fostering competition and innovation. Ultimately, we aim to empower language learners and create a more dynamic and responsive landscape for English language education.

Our solution is driven by a combination of advanced technologies aimed at revolutionizing the English learning experience. At the core of our platform is our Android mobile application, readily available on the Google Play Store. This application serves as the central hub for users, providing seamless access to a range of features designed to enhance their language learning journey.

One of the key technologies powering our platform is Speech Recognition, a sophisticated Artificial Intelligence system that enables us to transcribe audio input into text with remarkable accuracy. This functionality allows users to engage in spoken language practice and receive immediate feedback on their pronunciation and fluency, making the learning process more interactive and dynamic.

Additionally, we leverage Generative AI to deliver personalized learning experiences tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each user. This cutting-edge technology enables us to provide fast and cost-effective English speaking assessments, including predicting IELTS speaking scores and offering targeted feedback on grammar and overall performance. By harnessing the power of Generative AI, we empower users to identify areas for improvement and build confidence in their language skills.

Overall, our platform represents a transformative approach to English language learning, combining innovative technologies with user-friendly design to create a comprehensive and effective solution. With our mobile application as the gateway, supported by Speech Recognition and Generative AI, we aim to empower learners of all levels to achieve their language learning goals with confidence and success.

5 volunteers software engineers, 1 technical advisor

1 year 1 month

We have been working on Bicara AI since March 2023 last year. 

March - September 2023 : Market research, user validation, and UI/UX creation

October 2023 - January 2024 : Android app development 

January 2024 - March 2024 : Beta testing and launching

Women : 4 people

Men : 2 people

Business Model:

Our approach centers on offering a tailored English language assessment solution aimed at educational institutions, English course providers, and individual learners.

Key Offerings:

• Product: We provide a digital platform featuring comprehensive English speaking skill assessments, powered by AI algorithms and interactive exercises.

• Service: Users can conveniently access our assessments and resources online from any device with internet access, receiving immediate feedback and support from our dedicated team.

Value Proposition:

• Educational Institutions: Our solution enhances their admissions and placement processes by delivering more precise language proficiency assessments.

• English Course Providers: Integrating our tool enriches their teaching strategies, leading to improved student outcomes and satisfaction.

• Individual Learners: Users benefit from the ability to independently evaluate their English speaking skills, monitor progress, and accelerate learning through personalized feedback.

From the outset, our financial strategy has been designed to be bootstrapped-friendly, with a focus on cost efficiency and sustainable growth.

Costs:

• Our current infrastructure costs are modest and flat, with hosting expenses totaling around US$100 per year on a Virtual Private Server. As our user base expands, we plan to migrate to more scalable cloud services such as AWS or Google Cloud.
• Additionally, our usage of the Gen-AI platform incurs minimal costs, with credits totaling only US$5 so far. These costs are further mitigated by our efficient use of resources, with mock test credits priced at US$0.002 per use.
• Annual domain expenses amount to approximately US$60.
• Funding for these costs has been provided directly by our CEO, Atikah Aulia, who has bootstrapped the project thus far.

Revenue Streams: Although we are currently not generating revenue, our primary avenue for income will stem from B2B sales targeting educational institutions. Our strategy involves offering bulk purchasing options tailored to universities, schools, and English course providers. What sets us apart is our ability to provide a comprehensive English speaking skill assessment service, filling a crucial gap left by traditional TOEFL predictions, which typically focus solely on listening and reading skills. This additional service offering is poised to meet the diverse needs of our institutional clients, enhancing their English language assessment capabilities and providing a more holistic evaluation of language proficiency.

Path to Profitability: We are actively working towards profitability, with a focus on expanding our user base and securing partnerships with educational institutions. We anticipate reaching profitability within a year.

Success Metrics: While revenue generation is our ultimate goal, we are also tracking key metrics such as user growth, engagement, and feedback from early adopters. These metrics provide valuable insights into the viability and potential revenue opportunities of our service.

Future Funding: While we are currently bootstrapped, we remain open to exploring opportunities for external funding or investment to accelerate our growth trajectory. This could include seeking investment from angel investors, venture capital firms, or applying for grants relevant to our industry.

Risk Mitigation: We recognize the potential risks and challenges associated with financial sustainability, including competition, market fluctuations, and technological changes. To mitigate these risks, we are committed to maintaining a lean and agile operation, staying attuned to market trends, and continuously iterating on our product to meet the evolving needs of our users and customers.