Sparkli has emerged from stealth with a USD $5 million pre-seed funding round as it launches an AI-based learning product for children aged 5 to 12.
The Zurich-based startup said Founderful led the round. Arc Investors participated. Sparkli also received a grant from Innosuisse.
Sparkli said it is building a "multimodal AI-native learning engine" for children. The company positioned the product as an alternative to text-based AI chatbots. It uses visuals, voice, gamification and simulations.
The company said the app is available globally.
From text to play
Sparkli described its approach as a shift away from "walls of text". It said it turns questions into interactive sessions that combine multiple subjects.
In one example, the company said a child could ask how to build a city on Mars. Sparkli said the system would generate an "interactive expedition". It said children would learn physics, simulate the environment and design a habitat. It said the platform challenges users to debate choices and defend decisions.
Sparkli said it has built the product for younger children rather than teenagers and adults. The company pointed to current use of AI tools by older students for writing and summarising schoolwork. It said its product focuses on active creation and exploration for primary school ages.
School pilots
Sparkli said it is validating the platform through a pilot with one of the world's largest private school groups. It said the pilot gives it access to a network of more than 100 schools and over 100,000 students.
The company also cited early classroom tests. It said eight-year-olds used the platform to simulate running mini food cart businesses. Sparkli said teachers observed students debating budgeting and customer experience. It said other students used an unstructured session to start their own topics, including game design and the Big Bang.
Sparkli said it plans a private beta launch in January 2026. It said the new funding will go towards scaling its generative learning engine and preparing the beta.
Product design
Sparkli said its platform builds an "interest and knowledge graph" for each child over time. It said this supports personalisation and adaptive learning.
The company said its approach reflects three changes. It described a move away from static curricula towards real-time relevance. It described an engagement shift away from passive screen time and text-heavy interfaces. It also described a focus on skills such as creativity and complex problem solving.
Sparkli said it uses age-sensitive design and guardrails. It said open-ended AI tools can be unsafe or overwhelming for young users.
Sparkli said its founding team includes veterans of Google Area 120, Search and YouTube. It said it has hired engineers and designers with experience from ETH and the education sector.
"Our goal is to build agency in the next generation," said Lax Poojary, CEO and founder of Sparkli. "Children learn by exploring, making choices, asking questions, and discovering what inspires them. Sparkli turns screen time into a place where curiosity grows rather than fades."
Investor view
Founderful said it sees demand from schools for tools that push children beyond passive consumption.
"Sparkli represents a step change in how children can interact with knowledge," said Lukas Weder, Partner at Founderful. "The team is applying high caliber engineering and thoughtful pedagogy to a space that desperately needs innovation. Their traction with schools shows a real appetite for tools that foster curiosity and agency rather than passive consumption."
Next steps
Sparkli said it plans to expand the platform beyond guided learning prompts. It said it wants children to build and prototype projects inside the product. The company said it aims to link classroom use with home exploration. It said it intends to keep the system with learners as they move into adolescence.
It also said it wants to develop a long-term "AI companion" experience that remembers a child's interests over time.