---
title: Sparkli Platform Converts Screen Time to Interactive Learning for Children
description: Sparkli is an AI platform that turns children's screen time into interactive learning. How the edtech startup makes education engaging for kids.
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2026-01-23T15:49:40.000Z
updated: 2026-03-31T11:25:16.097Z
canonical: https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/sparkli-platform-converts-screen-time-to-interactive-learning-for-children
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/Sparkli-founders-L-to-R-Mynseok-Kang-Lax-Poojary-and-Lucie-Marchand.webp
categories: Education
content_type: Spotlight
region: Zurich
publication: Sovereign Magazine
about:
  - type: Organization
    name: Sparkli
    description: Sparkli is a Zurich-based AI company building the first multimodal learning engine for children aged 5-12. Founded by veterans of Google Area 120, YouTube, and Search, Sparkli combines Swiss engineering precision with consumer-scale technology to foster curiosity, agency, and critical thinking. The platform is currently in private beta with global school networks, with a consumer launch scheduled for June 2026. For more information, visit sparkli.ai
    url: http://sparkli.ai/
    sameAs:
      - https://x.com/sparkliAI, https://www.youtube.com/@sparkliAI, https://www.instagram.com/sparkliAI, https://www.linkedin.com/company/107125817
---

In January 2026, eight-year-old Leo in a Zurich classroom asked how to build a city on Mars. His class used Sparkli, a multimodal AI-native learning engine. Through this platform, they simulated Martian environments, debated infrastructure choices, and designed habitats. [This gamified approach to learning](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/can-gaming-make-coders-out-of-everyone-inside-your-code-first-playground) to learning is one of Sparkli’s core strengths. Over 100 schools across Europe now use the platform to change how children engage with knowledge.

![Sparkli 1024x732](https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/Sparkli-1024x732.webp)

Sparkli, a Zurich-based startup founded by former Google engineers, has raised $5 million in pre-seed funding. The platform addresses what the company calls the ‘Agency and Curiosity Gap’ in modern education. This gap occurs because traditional tools often fail to engage young learners. Using real-time multimodal AI, Sparkli enables children to create their own interactive learning expeditions.

## Passive Screen Time and Learning Gaps

Children aged 5-12 spend 5.5 to 6 hours daily on screens, much of it passive consumption. A 2025 meta-analysis in [*JAMA Pediatric*](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2789091)*s* found only 24.7% of children under two meet screen time guidelines. This pattern continues into later childhood.

Sparkli’s founders identified three areas for improvement:

- Updating curriculums in real time to match children’s interests.
- Replacing text-based AI with multimodal experiences. These combine visuals, voice, and simulations.
- Prioritizing creativity and problem-solving over memorization. This aligns with the shift towards [hyper-personalised](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/ai-powered-study-platforms-herald-new-era-in-personalised-learning) learning in education.

Lax Poojary, CEO and founder of Sparkli, said, “Children learn by exploring, making choices, asking questions, and discovering what inspires them. Sparkli turns screen time into a place where curiosity grows.”

## Platform Functionality

Sparkli generates interactive expeditions based on a child’s age and interests. For instance, when a child asks about building a city on Mars, the platform creates a simulation. This simulation teaches age-appropriate physics, environmental factors, and design. Children debate, make strategic choices, and explain their decisions.

The platform uses an adaptive interest and knowledge graph, similar to [persistent memory in AI](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/can-ai-remember-enough-to-matter-neurocluster-s-supernova-and-the-business-of-persistent-memo), to tailor experiences to each child. In pilot programs, teachers observed increased student engagement. For example, eight-year-olds simulated food cart businesses. They discussed budgeting and customer experience. During unstructured sessions, students explored topics from game design to the Big Bang.

Lukas Weder, Partner at Founderful, said, “The team applies high-caliber engineering and pedagogy to an area needing new approaches.”

## AI for Early Education

A 2025 scoping review in [*Springer Nature*](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44436-025-00003-5) identified ethical concerns in AI for early education. These include data privacy and algorithmic bias.

Sparkli incorporates age-sensitive design and guardrails. The platform is built specifically for young children, ensuring a safe learning environment. Experts emphasize the need for validation by educators and child development specialists.

Platforms like Duolingo and Khan Academy focus on structured lessons. Sparkli differs by offering interactive, agency-focused learning for young children. The global education market, valued at $7.3 trillion in 2025, includes an AI in education sector. This sector is projected to reach $7.05 billion.

Sparkli aims to become an AI-native system for childhood development. It seeks to connect classroom and home learning. The goal is to provide a lifelong AI companion that adapts as children grow.

Poojary said, “Our goal is to give every child a lifelong AI companion. This companion remembers their interests at age six and helps develop those passions at seventeen.”

As AI integrates into education, platforms like Sparkli demonstrate how technology can serve young learners.

## Further context

**Q: What are the key benefits and drawbacks of gamified learning for children?**
Gamified learning increases engagement, motivation, and retention by making education interactive and enjoyable. It can also provide instant feedback and adapt to individual learning paces. However, drawbacks include the potential for overemphasis on competition, diminished intrinsic motivation if rewards overshadow learning, and challenges in designing experiences that align with educational goals without oversimplifying complex subjects.

**Q: What ethical concerns arise when using AI in early childhood education?**
Key ethical concerns include data privacy and security, as AI systems often collect sensitive information about children. Algorithmic bias can also lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes. Additionally, there are risks of digital dependency, reduced social interaction, and exposure to low-quality or inappropriate content. Ensuring age-sensitive design and validation by educators and child development specialists is critical.

**Q: How do multimodal AI learning platforms differ from traditional educational tools?**
Multimodal AI learning platforms combine visuals, voice, simulations, and interactive elements to create immersive learning experiences. Unlike traditional tools, which often rely on text-based or static content, multimodal AI adapts in real-time to a child’s interests and learning style. This approach prioritises creativity, problem-solving, and personalisation over memorisation and standardised lessons.

**Q: What are the recommended screen time guidelines for children, and how do they apply to educational tools?**
For children under 18 months, screen time is generally discouraged except for video calls. Children aged 2–5 are advised to limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality, educational, and interactive content. For older children, guidelines emphasise balancing screen time with sleep, physical activity, and other healthy behaviours. Educational tools like gamified platforms are often exempt from strict limits if they promote active learning and engagement.

**Q: How do adaptive learning platforms personalise education for children?**
Adaptive learning platforms use AI and data analytics to tailor educational experiences to each child’s knowledge level, interests, and learning pace. They adjust content difficulty, provide targeted feedback, and track progress to ensure children are challenged without feeling overwhelmed. This personalisation helps bridge learning gaps and fosters a more effective and enjoyable learning experience.

**About Sparkli**

Sparkli is a Zurich-based AI company building the first multimodal learning engine for children aged 5-12. Founded by veterans of Google Area 120, YouTube, and Search, Sparkli combines Swiss engineering precision with consumer-scale technology to foster curiosity, agency, and critical thinking. The platform is currently in private beta with global school networks, with a consumer launch scheduled for June 2026. For more information, visit sparkli.ai

[Website](http://sparkli.ai/)