SciQuiry: Intelligent Tutoring Platform

Globally, the demand for STEM skills continues to grow, with projections indicating millions of new STEM jobs emerging in the next decade. Despite this, there are significant disparities in access to quality STEM education, especially for underrepresented groups such as women, minorities, and those from low-income backgrounds.

The core issues SciQuiry aims to address include:

- Global STEM Education Gap: Despite progress in gender equity and growing interest over the last decade in computer science, engineering, math, and statistics among both men and women, the underrepresentation of women in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields continues to persist. In 2024, the gender gap in STEM remains significant, with women making up only 28% of the STEM workforce.

- Lack of Personalization in STEM Learning: Traditional STEM education often follows a one-size-fits-all model that fails to cater to the individual learning styles, speeds, and interests of students. This issue is worsened in regions with limited resources, where educational materials and approaches are not aligned with the diverse needs of learners.

- Access to Quality STEM Education: The shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significant digital divide affecting students globally. The United Nations noted that at the peak of the pandemic, nearly 1.6 billion learners were out of school, with many lacking access to the technology needed for online learning, significantly impacting the continuity of STEM education.

SciQuiry's solution, leveraging AI for personalized and accessible STEM learning, directly tackles these issues by offering an adaptive, inclusive platform that goes beyond geographical, socio-economic, and physical barriers to learning. Our online platform serves as an intelligent tutor, customizing content for each student to provide a personalized learning experience. This approach not only makes STEM subjects more engaging and understandable but also aims to increase retention and interest in STEM careers among diverse student populations, including girls and underrepresented students.

As an immigrant who moved to the United States in 2001, my life has been profoundly influenced by the transformative power of education, specifically STEM. My background in Computer Science didn't just provide a new life in the States; it laid the foundation for my dreams and ambitions. Volunteering with the Immigrant and Refugee Outreach Center (IROC) in the Washington DC area, I witnessed firsthand the educational disparities faced by women in underrepresented communities. Inspired by a strong belief in the power of STEM education, I co-founded SciQuiry. My vision is to use technology and AI to make STEM education accessible and engaging for all students, regardless of their background, with a special emphasis on girls and underrepresented students.

I strongly believe education is key to progress and empowerment. While not a new concept, this belief deeply resonates with my personal journey and fuels my professional aspirations. STEM education, in particular, holds the potential to transform lives by fostering self-esteem, and independence, opening up a multitude of opportunities.

SciQuiry is a question-based eLearning platform designed for independent science learning, allowing students to learn at their own pace. It integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to function like an intelligent tutor, adapting educational content to individual student needs.

SciQuiry uses our proprietary AI algorithm, SmartSeqQ (Smart Sequencing of Questions), which is based on the Deep Knowledge Tracing (DKT) algorithm. This algorithm dynamically selects the next question for a student based on their previous responses, ensuring a tailored educational experience that continually adjusts to their learning curve. This technology not only fosters deeper understanding and retention but also promotes engagement by challenging students at the appropriate level.

For inclusivity, SciQuiry incorporates AI accessibility features such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text technologies, making the platform usable for students with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, dyslexia, and motor impairments. These features help in creating an equitable learning environment for all students.

The content on SciQuiry is generated using generative AI, which speeds up the production of educational materials while maintaining high pedagogical value. All content undergoes rigorous review by subject matter experts before integration to ensure accuracy and relevance.

As SciQuiry operates entirely online, it is accessible via any standard web browser on different devices and screen sizes like desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones. Its compatibility with various devices ensures that it can be easily integrated into school systems or other educational setups with minimal effort.

The platform supports both formal education and informal self-guided exploration, fitting seamlessly into existing educational frameworks for in-class and remote learning. 

SciQuiry's core engine, based on neuroscience and educational psychology, leverages active recall and spaced repetition. This method strengthens memory retention and promotes cognitive engagement, requiring students to actively retrieve information to answer questions. The Skill Tree feature utilizes Socratic questioning to progress learners from basic to more complex topics, boosting their problem-solving skills and reinforcing content mastery.

SciQuiry is designed to elevate science comprehension, spark interest in STEM, and enhance academic performance through adaptive learning experiences. Personalized questions and immediate feedback increase student motivation and confidence in science, leading to improved knowledge retention and subject appreciation.

User Case Example: Two middle school students, Student A and Student B, explore the concept of "Distance and Displacement" in Physics through our platform. Both students start with a question that tests their existing knowledge. The platform then customizes the following questions based on their responses, providing a tailored learning experience. Student A quickly grasps the concepts, answering correctly and moving on to more advanced questions. Meanwhile, Student B faces challenges, requiring additional support. The platform adapts, offering detailed explanations for incorrect answers and cool facts for correct answers. Hints are also available for those who struggle. This personalized approach ensures that while Student A progresses faster, Student B receives the guidance needed to build understanding and ultimately grasp the same content as Student A.

SciQuiry serves upper elementary and middle school students, grades 3-8, with plans to expand to all K12 levels. Our online platform is designed to be fully accessible via standard web browsers on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, ensuring that students can engage with learning materials from virtually anywhere, without being limited by their type of hardware.

The primary beneficiaries of SciQuiry are students who are often underserved in traditional educational settings. This includes students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who may not have access to high-quality educational resources, and those with disabilities, who require more tailored learning experiences that accommodate their needs.

Our platform's freemium model ensures that no student is excluded due to financial barriers. Every student has the opportunity to access core educational content at no cost, with the option for enhanced features available through a subscription model. This approach is particularly beneficial for underrepresented students, providing them with resources that might otherwise be inaccessible.

SciQuiry incorporates advanced accessibility features, such as text-to-speech technology, making the platform usable for students with visual impairments, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities. This inclusive design ensures that all students, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, have equal opportunities to learn and succeed.

The use of AI in SciQuiry allows for a highly personalized learning experience. Our AI algorithms adapt the content to the individual learning pace and style of each student, simulating a one-on-one tutoring experience. This personalized approach helps to maintain student engagement, cater to individual learning needs, and improve educational outcomes by addressing the specific challenges and strengths of each student.

Teachers also benefit significantly from the platform. They have access to detailed analytics for each student, enabling them to track progress and identify areas where students may need more support. Additionally, educators can utilize SciQuiry’s extensive library of questions to enhance their teaching materials and methods, further tailored to the needs of their students.

SciQuiry aims to transform how education is delivered to young learners. By making high-quality, adaptive, and inclusive education readily accessible, SciQuiry not only improves academic performance but also fosters a love for learning in students who might otherwise disengage from education. Our platform empowers teachers to deliver more effective instruction and supports students in building a strong foundation in STEM, setting them up for future academic and career success in these critical fields.

Rashin Taheri, the co-founder and CEO of SciQuiry, immigrated to the United States in 2001 as a woman in STEM. Her firsthand experience with the educational barriers faced by women in underrepresented communities has shaped her commitment to making STEM education accessible and inclusive. While volunteering at the Immigrant and Refugee Outreach Center (IROC) in the DMV area, Rashin witnessed the educational disparities that affect these groups. This insight drives her vision for SciQuiry: to enhance STEM education through technology and AI, with a particular emphasis on supporting girls and underrepresented students.

SciQuiry was founded in 2021 by Rashin and Dr. Hamid Taheri, combining their deep passion for education with extensive expertise in technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Rashin brings more than two decades of experience in IT, application development, and management, having previously developed Koantum.com, an award-winning science platform for young learners. Dr. Hamid Taheri contributes his entrepreneurial skills and operational experience from establishing a successful cardiology practice and a clinical research program.

Our team’s vision is supported by guidance from esteemed advisors like Prof. Bruce McLaren from Carnegie Mellon University and Dr. Larry Medsker from George Washington University. Their expertise in artificial intelligence, educational technology, and the societal impacts of AI ensures that SciQuiry’s developments are not only cutting-edge but also ethically responsible.

SciQuiry has earned recognition and support, including a 2023 Department of Education SBIR Grant and microgrants from the VELA Education Fund and 4.0 Schools in 2022. 

Our team's close connection to the communities we serve ensures that their needs and aspirations deeply influence our design and implementation. We maintain a diverse team and engage a broad cohort that includes both high-performing and low-performing students, along with teachers and schools actively involved in shaping our design and content. This collaboration helps ensure that our platform is unbiased and universally relatable, making it more relevant and effective for all users. By consistently gathering and integrating feedback from this wide range of stakeholders, we ensure that our solutions accurately reflect the diverse experiences and challenges of its users.

SciQuiry is currently in the Pilot stage of development, having transitioned from MVP to active testing in educational settings. 

The initial concept for SciQuiry was significantly shaped by insights gathered from over 100 interviews with secondary students and science teachers through the Virginia-based Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP). 80% highlighted a lack of early science exposure, potentially leading to diminished STEM interest; 90% affirmed the importance of science in academic progression, emphasizing the value of comprehensive science education for university admissions; and 70% pointed out the inadequacies of traditional learning resources, with many students turning to private tutors, YouTube videos, and online platforms for supplementary learning.

Leveraging insights from ICAP, a minimal viable product (MVP) was developed, targeting middle school students with a series of physics micro-lessons. 

Acceptance into the 4.0 Schools Fellowship in Fall 2022 marked a pivotal step for SciQuiry, initiating a pilot study with 200 middle school students attending public, private, and charter schools. We collected real-time data on user engagement, including login frequencies, time allocation on specific questions, and overall lesson completion rates. Findings revealed that over 70% of students found SciQuiry beneficial for understanding complex Physics concepts, and 80% desired more topics. Additionally, more than 90% of teachers expressed a need for a dedicated dashboard to track student progress and to easily navigate and assign a diverse set of scaffolding questions for class assessments.

SciQuiry received a Department of Education SBIR Grant in 2023, which facilitated the creation of our proprietary Smart Sequencing of Questions (SmartSeqQ) algorithm. This innovation was driven by the need to more accurately predict and respond to individual student learning progressions, enabling personalized learning paths that adapt in real-time to each student's understanding and skills.

The DOE Phase I Pilot Study in February 2023 involved 115 students from Basis Independent McLean and DC International School. This study assessed our SmartSeqQ algorithm’s effectiveness compared to alternative adaptive algorithms. More than 70% of students found SciQuiry effective in demystifying science concepts, and about 30% suggested enhancements like adding videos and animations for better understanding.

To date, SciQuiry has directly engaged over 315 students in its pilot programs, providing them with an innovative platform to enhance their STEM education.

We are applying to MIT Solve because it offers a unique platform for collaboration, mentorship, and access to a broad network of experts and partners who can help us overcome several key barriers in scaling and refining SciQuiry. While funding is essential, our primary goal in joining Solve is to leverage the mentorship, technical, market, and strategic support that the community provides.

As a growing educational technology platform, broadening our user base and entering new markets pose significant challenges. We aim to reach more diverse educational settings, including schools in low-income and underserved areas that may benefit most from our technology. Through Solve, we seek to connect with partners and collaborators who have experience navigating educational technology markets and can provide strategic advice on effective scaling and distribution, particularly in under-resourced areas.

SciQuiry enhances STEM education by incorporating advanced AI to customize learning for each student. Unlike traditional educational models that treat all learners the same, SciQuiry adapts to the individual pace and learning style of each student, creating a personalized educational journey that keeps students engaged and improves their learning outcomes.

Our platform uses a distinctive question-based learning method, which research in educational psychology has shown to be more effective for retaining information than passive study methods. This approach is entirely driven by questions, setting it apart from other platforms in the market, which mix teaching content with assessments. By focusing solely on a question-driven curriculum, SciQuiry enhances STEM learning by applying theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world contexts.

At the heart of our innovation is the SmartSeqQ algorithm, an advanced version of the Deep Knowledge Tracing model, which personalizes the learning experience far more accurately than typical AI tools. It selects questions uniquely suited to each student’s learning progress, effectively simulating a personal tutor. This personalized approach is especially beneficial in under-resourced schools where educational resources are often limited.

SciQuiry also integrates generative AI through the ChatGPT API to dynamically create educational content, such as tailored questions and detailed explanations. This capability allows for continuous content renewal, ensuring that educational materials are always current and customized to meet students' needs without substantial manual effort.

Moreover, SciQuiry is designed with inclusivity at its core. It includes AI accessibility features such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text to support students with disabilities, like those with visual impairments or dyslexia. This makes STEM education more accessible to all students, demonstrating our commitment to creating a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

SciQuiry's approach to transforming STEM education relies on personalized learning driven by advanced AI technology. Our platform adapts dynamically to each student’s learning pace and style, offering a more tailored educational experience than the traditional one-size-fits-all model. This personalization is expected to keep students engaged, improve their understanding of complex concepts, and ultimately enhance their academic performance in STEM subjects.

As students interact with the platform, the AI algorithm—SmartSeqQ—analyzes their responses to adjust the difficulty and focus of subsequent questions. This continuous adaptation helps ensure that each student is neither under-challenged nor overwhelmed, promoting an optimal learning curve. The immediate output from this activity is a higher level of student engagement and better comprehension of the material, as the content is always relevant to their current understanding and learning needs.

Over the long term, this method is expected to lead to significant outcomes. By consistently providing students with a learning experience that is directly aligned with their individual needs, SciQuiry aims to boost overall academic achievement in STEM. Students who might otherwise lose interest in these subjects due to frustration or boredom are more likely to persist and succeed when the learning process is directly tailored to them.

Our expectations for these outcomes are supported by existing research in educational psychology, which underscores the benefits of personalized learning environments. Studies indicate that students learn more effectively when education is tailored to their specific abilities and knowledge levels (Bloom, 1984). Moreover, feedback from our initial user groups and pilot testing has shown positive trends in both engagement and performance, confirming the potential impact of our approach.

SciQuiry is committed to transforming STEM education by making it more personalized, accessible, and engaging. Our impact goals are focused on enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring that all students, especially those in underserved communities, can benefit from high-quality STEM learning experiences.

Impact Goals:

• Increase Engagement and Achievement in STEM: Our primary goal is to improve student engagement and academic achievement in STEM subjects. By personalizing learning experiences, we aim to make STEM more appealing and accessible, which can lead to higher academic performance and interest in STEM careers.
• Enhance Accessibility for All Learners: We strive to make our platform accessible to students with diverse learning needs, including those with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of their physical or learning challenges, can access and benefit from our educational content.
• Support Educators in Delivering Effective STEM Education: We aim to empower educators with tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of their students better. By providing detailed analytics and a robust question library, we help educators tailor their instruction to improve learning outcomes.

Measuring Progress:

To track our progress toward these goals, we use several specific indicators:

• Student Engagement Metrics: We measure the time students spend on our platform and their interaction rates with the content. Increased engagement times and frequent interactions are strong indicators of our platform's ability to captivate and maintain student interest.
• Academic Performance Data: We collect pre- and post-assessment scores to evaluate improvements in students' understanding and mastery of STEM subjects. Improvement in test scores after using our platform indicates success in enhancing academic achievement.
• Usage by Students with Disabilities: We track the number of students with disabilities using our platform and the frequency of their usage of accessibility features like text-to-speech and speech-to-text. High usage rates of these features signify that we are succeeding in making our content accessible to all students.
• Educator Feedback and Usage Statistics: We gather feedback from educators regarding the usefulness of our analytics and educational tools. We also monitor how often educators access our question library and analytics dashboard. Positive feedback and frequent use of these tools indicate that we are effectively supporting educators in their instructional roles.

These indicators help us monitor the immediate effects of our platform on student engagement and learning outcomes, as well as the long-term impact on their interest in STEM fields. Regular analysis of this data allows us to continuously refine our approach and ensure that we are meeting the needs of both students and educators. By aligning our metrics with broader educational goals, such as those outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we ensure that our efforts contribute to global objectives for education and equity.

SmartSeqQ Algorithm:

The core technology powering SciQuiry is our proprietary Smart Sequencing of Questions (SmartSeqQ) algorithm, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system derived from the principles of Deep Knowledge Tracing (DKT). This technology underpins a dynamic, adaptive learning platform specifically designed for STEM education. 

SmartSeqQ uses machine learning to analyze students' responses to questions and dynamically adjusts the difficulty and topic of subsequent questions accordingly. This adaptivity ensures that each student is engaged at the optimal level of challenge, preventing frustration from tasks that are too difficult or boredom from tasks that are too easy.

By continuously adapting to a student's individual learning pace and style, SmartSeqQ simulates a personal tutoring experience. This personalization is achieved through real-time data processing, where the algorithm updates the student's knowledge profile after each interaction, allowing the next set of questions to be perfectly tailored to their learning needs.

Content Creation with Generative AI:
SciQuiry utilizes generative AI through the ChatGPT API to enhance the creation of educational content dynamically. This integration allows the platform to automatically generate tailored questions, explanations, and interactive content that aligns with the curriculum and students’ learning needs. By automating content production, SciQuiry ensures a constant supply of fresh, customized educational materials, significantly reducing the time and effort required to update and expand the curriculum.

The implementation of the ChatGPT API enables real-time updates and adaptations of the learning material. For instance, based on a student's performance, the system can instantly generate targeted follow-up questions or provide detailed explanations to clarify complex concepts. This not only makes learning more engaging and responsive but also supports diverse educational needs, making STEM education more accessible and inclusive for all students.

Data Analytics:
The platform collects and analyzes extensive data on students' interactions, such as time spent on questions, performance, and preferences, not only to adapt learning experiences but also to provide educators with detailed insights into student performance. This data supports teachers in identifying learning gaps and tailoring classroom activities to better meet student needs.

Accessibility Features:
Recognizing the diverse needs of our student population, the platform includes AI accessibility features such as text-to-speech for students with visual impairments or reading difficulties, and speech-to-text for those with motor impairments or who prefer auditory learning methods. These features are seamlessly integrated into the platform, ensuring that all students can benefit from the same high-quality educational experiences.

By engaging students in an active learning process where they must think critically and recall information to answer questions, SciQuiry promotes higher cognitive engagement and deeper knowledge retention. This is particularly effective for STEM subjects where understanding foundational concepts is crucial.

The effectiveness of SciQuiry's core technology, the Smart Sequencing of Questions (SmartSeqQ) algorithm, which leverages principles from Deep Knowledge Tracing (DKT), is supported by a combination of our internal data, pilot study outcomes, and corroborating academic research. 

During Phase I of the Department of Education (DOE) grant, SciQuiry partnered with Carnegie Mellon University to utilize their implementation of Bayesian Knowledge Tracing (BKT) as a foundational proof of concept. This partnership allowed us to refine and develop our SmartSeqQ algorithm, an advanced implementation of Deep Knowledge Tracing (DKT). These algorithms are specifically designed to model and adapt to individual student understanding, intelligently selecting questions to address students' specific learning needs and misconceptions.

Pilot Study Outcomes:
Our recent DOE Phase I pilot study involved 115 middle school students and aimed to assess the effectiveness of the SciQuiry algorithm compared to the adaptive algorithms from Carnegie Mellon University. Descriptive analyses indicated that students using the SciQuiry platform showed improvements in their science performance. There was also a noticeable decrease in error rates among students, suggesting that the platform effectively enhanced their understanding and retention of material.

Academic Research and Validation:
Knowledge Tracing (KT) principles guide the prediction of future student interactions based on historical performance data (Corbett & Anderson, 1995), supporting personalized learning paths. This customization is essential, as research by Bloom (1968) indicates significant learning gains when instruction is tailored to the learner's pace and knowledge level (Vygotsky, 1978).

Deep Knowledge Tracing (DKT), a more recent algorithm and advancement from the original Bayesian Knowledge Tracing (BKT) algorithm, employs machine learning to model and predict student understanding more accurately (Piech et al., 2015). Unlike BKT, DKT's ability to forecast a student's knowledge state for future interactions enables more precise customization of content and difficulty level, ensuring that each student engages with material that is optimally challenging. SciQuiry initiated the Smart Sequencing of Questions (SmartSeqQ) algorithm using DKT as a foundation. Essentially SmartSeqQ goes beyond predicting the probability of a student correctly answering questions in the database, as per DKT, to actually picking the next question to present to the student. This approach can thus maximize the student’s learning efficiency. 
This AI-driven approach considers each student's unique response pattern to dynamically adjust the learning path, aiming for an optimal inquiry-based learning experience. Such a method stands to significantly enhance engagement and comprehension by presenting content that students are ready to learn, thereby maximizing the educational impact within the limited time available for learning.

Full-time: 3

• Rashin Taheri, Co-founder and CEO
• Kyle Reto, AI & Machine Learning Engineer
• Olzhas Alexandrov, Full Stack Developer

Part-time: 2

• Dr. Hamid Taheri, Co-founder and CFO
• Dr. Anne Spear, Business Developer, focusing on product commercialization and impact

• Prof. Bruce M. McLaren, Researcher and Advisor
• Dr. Karen Medsker, Learning Expert and Instructional Designer

SciQuiry was founded in 2021, and we have been actively developing and refining our solution since then. As of now, we have been working on our educational platform for approximately two years. During this time, we have focused on enhancing the platform's AI-driven capabilities, conducting pilot studies, and gathering user feedback to ensure that our solution effectively addresses the needs of diverse learners in the STEM education sector.

At SciQuiry, we aim to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that reflects the values set by MIT Solve's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement. Our team is made up of people from various cultural backgrounds which greatly enriches our approach to educational technology.

Our leadership includes founders of Middle-Eastern American descent, along with key team members like Kyle Reto from Peru and Olzhas from Kazakhstan, bringing unique global perspectives that are essential for creativity and problem-solving. Our UI/UX team is based in Ukraine, adding a broad range of design insights that help make our products globally appealing. This diversity also extends to our content creation, where we carefully avoid stereotypes, such as assigning gender-specific roles in our materials, to promote fairness and inclusivity.

We actively seek to hire individuals from underrepresented groups in tech, especially those in STEM fields, partnering with organizations that support diversity in STEM and using recruitment practices designed to minimize bias. We ensure that all team members have equal opportunities for career advancement, including access to training and mentorship.

Our workplace is built on the principle of inclusion, where everyone feels valued and respected. We offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate different personal and cultural needs, helping to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace. Additionally, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) provide a space for team members to connect, share experiences, and support one another, reinforcing our commitment to a diverse and supportive workplace.

These efforts ensure that SciQuiry is not just a place to work, but a place where everyone can truly belong and thrive.

SciQuiry operates on a freemium business model, which allows us to provide significant educational value to a broad range of users while also generating the revenue necessary to sustain and expand our services. Revenue will be generated from a one-time licensing fee for schools and districts, and a subscription model for parents seeking premium features. The licensing fee for educational institutions is set at $8 per student per year, providing full access to the core curriculum and basic platform functionalities. For parents desiring an enhanced learning experience for their children, a monthly subscription of $7 per user offers additional premium features. These features include customized content delivery through adaptive learning pathways, detailed progress reports, and AI-driven recommendations for expanded learning at home.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:
Our primary beneficiaries are upper elementary and middle school students, who gain access to a personalized, engaging STEM learning experience that adapts to their individual needs.

Educators and schools are also key beneficiaries of SciQuiry. We provide them with a platform that not only helps students learn but also supports teachers in monitoring student progress and tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Educators can access our vast library of STEM questions and use our detailed analytics to improve their teaching methods. Schools can purchase subscriptions for their entire student body, which provides them with full access to our premium features and helps integrate our platform into their regular curriculum.

Districts and Educational Institutions can integrate our platform at a larger scale, benefiting from a tool that enhances their existing educational offerings and supports their educational goals.

Products and Services Provided:

• Personalized Learning Platform: SciQuiry offers a dynamic e-learning environment where students engage with the material through a question-based approach, using our SmartSeqQ algorithm to ensure content is tailored to their learning pace and understanding.
• Educational Dashboard for Teachers: Provides analytics and insights into student performance, helping educators tailor their instruction and identify areas where students may need more support.
• Comprehensive STEM Curriculum: Covers a wide range of topics within the STEM fields, designed to meet and exceed NGSS standards.

Delivery of Products and Services:
SciQuiry is an online Platform accessible via any standard web browser on various devices, ensuring ease of access for all users without the need for specialized hardware.

• Students receive an engaging and personalized learning experience that can improve their understanding and interest in STEM, crucial for their future educational and career paths.
• Educators and Schools benefit from tools that allow them to better understand and support their students' learning processes, making their teaching efforts more effective and aligned with individual student needs.
• Educational Institutions are able to enhance their educational offerings with an adaptable platform that supports a wide range of learning styles and needs, ultimately aiming to improve overall educational outcomes and meet accreditation standards.

To fund our initial MVP, we received $20K in microgrants from the VELA Education Fund and 4.0 Schools in 2022. The following year in 2023, we secured a highly competitive $250K grant from the Department of Education's SBIR Phase I program. This grant not only supported our early development but also qualified us to apply for a Phase II grant, potentially bringing in an additional $1M in non-dilutive funding. We expect to hear the results of our Phase II application by June 2024.

Building on this financial foundation, we have initiated a cohort program for the 2024-25 school year, actively inviting schools and districts to participate in the design and development of our platform. Among the participants are Kingsway Regional School District in New Jersey and Snowline Joint Unified School District in California, along with 10 charter schools. Each participating school contributes a $300 registration fee, which not only generates revenue but also significantly strengthens our relationships with future users of our platform.

Looking ahead, we plan to begin selling subscriptions to our platform, initially targeting parents and educational institutions, with a focus on middle schools. Our ongoing participation in education technology competitions and pursuit of additional grant opportunities continue to provide both potential prize money and valuable exposure. The support we've received and the interest from schools in our cohort program strongly validate the potential of our business model. As we prepare to expand our sales more broadly, these early achievements lay a robust foundation for future growth and sustainability.