Sparkli, a Zurich-based AI startup founded by former Google Area 120, Search, and YouTube team members, has raised a $5 million pre-seed round to build a multimodal AI native learning engine for children ages 5 to 12.
The company says its product is designed to help kids turn curiosity into interactive, interdisciplinary learning “expeditions” that blend visuals, voice, and playable simulations rather than text-heavy chatbot interactions.
The funding will be used to scale Sparkli’s generative learning engine and support a private beta launch planned for January 2026. Sparkli says it is validating the platform through a pilot with one of the world’s largest private school groups, giving it access to a network of more than 100 schools and over 100,000 students as a testing environment for classroom use.
Sparkli frames its product strategy around closing what it calls an “Agency and Curiosity Gap” in childhood education by shifting away from static curricula and passive screen time. The company says its system can build an evolving interest and knowledge graph for each child to personalize content and adapt over time, with experiences intended to emphasize skills such as creativity, complex problem-solving, design thinking, sustainability, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and global awareness.
In early pilots, Sparkli says students have used the platform for project-based activities such as simulating mini food cart businesses and exploring self-directed topics during unstructured classroom sessions. The company also claims early consumer testing has shown higher-quality screen time experiences, with parents reporting increased enthusiasm to discuss and apply what kids explore on the platform.
Sparkli is positioning itself for a broader consumer rollout, with the company stating that a consumer launch is scheduled for June 2026. Longer term, Sparkli says it aims to evolve from curiosity-driven exploration into creation tools that let children build and prototype projects directly within the platform, and ultimately become an AI native operating system that supports childhood development over many years.
Founderful participated in the round, and Sparkli is also using industry moments like major education conferences to build visibility as it prepares for broader distribution in schools and at home.
KEY QUOTES
“Our goal is to build agency in the next generation. 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.”
Lax Poojary, CEO and Founder, Sparkli
“Sparkli represents a step change in how children can interact with knowledge. 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.”
Lukas Weder, Partner, Founderful
