PleiQ's SmartBooks: A new way to learn from books

PleIQ is addressing a critical problem in the educational sector, specifically the significant learning crisis among children in Latin America. Over 90 million children in this region are not adequately learning from traditional educational resources, which is leading to what UNICEF has termed "the biggest learning crisis in history." This issue is exacerbated by the fact that 90% of first graders cannot identify alphabet letters or their sounds, jeopardizing their future academic success.

A key factor contributing to this crisis is the shift in how the current generation learns, primarily using smart devices, while most educational resources like textbooks have not evolved accordingly. This mismatch results in diminishing effectiveness and widening educational gaps.

Our solution, SMARTBOOKS, directly addresses these issues by transforming traditional books into immersive learning experiences that function as AI tutors. This innovative approach leverages augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to make printed materials interactive, thereby enhancing student engagement and improving learning outcomes. However, the challenge extends beyond just creating these resources, as most publishers lack the technology and resources to integrate such innovations into their books. To overcome this, we want to develop a no-code platform that enables publishers to easily transform their existing books into SMARTBOOKS, thus aligning with global educational standards and expectations for digital integration, and we need your help to make it a global reality.

Our solution, SMARTBOOKS, is an innovative educational tool that transforms traditional books into interactive, immersive learning experiences using Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This technology allows books to become more than just static text and images; they turn into engaging, interactive tutors that assist with learning in real-time.

Each book is embedded with digital layers that can be accessed using a mobile app. The pages of these books have AR markers that, when scanned by a smartphone or tablet camera, trigger interactive content like 3D animations, audio, and interactive activities (Universal Design for Learning).

The AI component acts as a personal tutor, adapting the interactive content to the child’s learning pace and style (Adaptive Learning). It provides spoken instructions, feedback, and encouragement in natural language, enhancing the learning experience.

As children interact with the book through the app, they can perform various activities like solving puzzles, answering quizzes, and participating in story-driven adventures that make learning dynamic and engaging. We record the performance of the children in our platform and send it to parents and teachers with warnings and recommendations to enhance the natural interest of the children (Personalized Learning).

Our next step is to develop a No-Code Platform that is going to enable publishers (and later on teachers) to transform their existing books into SMARTBOOKS. This tool will allow publishers to easily create and integrate AR and AI features into their books without needing advanced technical skills. that will simplify the creation of augmented books, making it accessible for publishers to update their existing content.

Here is a demo link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRXH3QHp6HM of our SMARTBOOKS in action, showcasing how these technologies combine to transform the traditional educational experience into something truly engaging for children.

Our solution serves a primary target population of children aged 3 to 10 years, from pre-kindergarten through the 4th grade, focusing particularly on those in Latin America, where educational resources have not kept pace with technological advancements. This demographic is critically underserved due to a scarcity of modern, engaging learning tools that cater to their innate curiosity and the ways they naturally interact with technology.

Many schools and educational systems still rely on outdated, traditional teaching methods and materials. Also their families have limited access to technology, and who may not have widespread access to the latest digital learning tools.

Some of the current needs we address:

1. Engagement with Traditional Resources: Traditional educational resources like textbooks and worksheets often fail to capture the attention of young learners accustomed to interactive and multimedia content.

2. Lack of Personalization: Conventional teaching methods and materials do not offer personalized learning experiences that can cater to the individual learning needs of each child.

3. Accessibility: Many existing educational tools do not consider the diverse needs of all learners, including those with learning disabilities or those who learn better through visual and interactive means.

How our SMARTBOOKS address these needs, by transforming static books into interactive and gamified experiences with AR and AI, SMARTBOOKS capture and retain the attention of young learners. This not only makes learning more enjoyable but also more effective, as students are more likely to engage deeply with the material.

Additionally, AI tutors adapt to each child’s learning pace, providing challenges that are appropriate to their level and offering help where needed. This tailored approach ensures that all children, regardless of their starting point, can make progress.

With the ability to interact verbally and visually, SMARTBOOKS are particularly beneficial for children with learning disabilities or those who are visual learners. This makes education more inclusive and accessible.

We know that early education is critical for long-term academic and social success. By enhancing the quality of education during these formative years, SMARTBOOKS lay a stronger foundation for children, increasing their chances of success in later schooling and life.

Our founders' team integrates technology, education, and strong social commitment. Edison (CEO), Ilan (CTO), Naty (COO), and Antonio (Educational Co-founder), each bring a unique blend of academic accomplishments and dedication to social causes. Together, they craft innovative solutions that bridge educational gaps in underserved communities.

Edison (He/Him) has an academic background in Theoretical & Computational Physics, which has equipped him with a structured approach to solving complex problems by using the scientific method. His ventures into founding NGOs and startups in Venezuela have given him firsthand experience with the multifaceted challenges of initiating impactful changes in demanding settings. Recognized by MIT's Technology Review and the Junior Chamber International, Edison's work has consistently aimed at leveraging technology to foster educational equity and nurture talents across diverse communities.

Ilan (He/Him) is a Computational Scientist specializing in XR and AI technologies has made him a cornerstone in the development of our AR and AI-driven educational platforms. With extensive experience managing multinational development teams, Ilan's leadership ensures that our technological solutions are not only innovative but also culturally and contextually relevant. His vision is deeply rooted in his passion for using technology as a catalyst for educational transformation, aiming to create immersive and engaging learning experiences that cater to various learning needs and styles.

Nastassja (She/Her) is equipped with degrees in Law and an MBA, along with a diploma in Organizational Development, began her career advocating for human rights, focusing on the rights of prisoners and women. Her entrepreneurial journey began when she co-founded a startup with Edison and Ilan, where she has been pivotal in steering the company towards creating meaningful social impacts. Her continued collaboration with international organizations and local communities underscores her dedication to social justice, particularly concerning the rights of Latin American migrants.

Antonio (He/Him) brings over 25 years of experience as a university educator in educational technology. His extensive background includes founding tech-driven educational initiatives and leading transformative programs in some of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Caracas. Through his work, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to using education as a tool for social change.

Our extended team comprises two pivotal groups. The Development Team, under Ilan's guidance, includes highly skilled software engineers and designers who specialize in AI and XR, focusing on the technical development of our platforms. The Instructional Design Team consists of innovative educators who are experts in creating curriculum-aligned educational content that is both engaging and effective.

We believe our team's unique qualifications and community roots across Latin America position us well to deliver SMARTBOOKS, understanding local educational needs intimately. As immigrants, our founders recognize the transformative impact of quality education and maintain active dialogues with our users—students, teachers, and parents.

We gather feedback through pilot programs in local schools, enhancing our product development. Workshops help us adapt our tools to classroom needs and understand home usage. Annually, we host the free International Online CIEI Educational Congress, connecting 6.000 educators across LATAM to share technology-driven educational practices, reaching thousands of teachers from multiple countries.

So far, we’ve moved from initial concepts to delivering meaningful educational experiences, underpinned by continual development and feedback from the communities we serve.

We've launched +60 smart educational products in different regions, in collaboration with local publishers and educational suppliers. This extensive rollout has enabled us to refine our offerings to better align with the specific needs of our target audiences.

Our products have been rigorously tested in classroom settings across several Latin American countries, including Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. These have helped us assess both the user-friendliness of our technology and its educational impact.

To date, we've reached over 200,000 students who have registered to use at least one of our SMARTBOOKS or associated smart educational resources. These students have collectively achieved more than 2 million educational goals using our products, illustrating the tangible benefits of integrating our smart solutions into traditional learning environments.

The feedback we’ve received from these implementations has been vital for refining our products. Educators report that students are more engaged and understand material better when using SMARTBOOKS compared to traditional methods. On the other hand, parents have observed that their children are more enthusiastic about learning sessions that incorporate our smart resources, indicating a boost in participation and retention.

Our plan for the future is to develop a no-code platform that allows publishers (later on teachers) to effortlessly integrate AR and AI features into their existing books. This platform is key to expanding SMARTBOOKS adoption, enabling educational content creators to enhance their offerings without needing deep technical skills.

Overall, our progress with SMARTBOOKS reflects our deep commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of our users. By continually integrating user feedback, we ensure that our solutions are innovative and effective, grounded in enhancing real-world educational outcomes.

We are applying to Solve's program because we recognize the unique potential it offers to address several specific barriers that challenge the scaling and effectiveness of our SMARTBOOKS solution. Solve's emphasis on collaborative partnerships, mentorship, and network connections aligns perfectly with our strategic needs beyond mere financial support.

Access to Solve’s mentorship and the expertise of its community members can help us address day-to-day challenges and strategic decisions with insights from leaders in technology, education, and social entrepreneurship.

While we have successfully integrated AI and AR into our SMARTBOOKS, advancing these technologies to enhance personalization and interactivity could greatly improve our product. We hope to access technical expertise and mentorship through Solve to refine our AI algorithms and AR experiences, ensuring they are as engaging, educational, and accessible as possible.

Expanding into new markets, particularly outside of Latin America, requires understanding and strategic partnerships. Solve’s global community could help us navigate these new territories, understand local educational ecosystems, and form partnerships that facilitate smoother entries. Also, establishing connections with international educational suppliers and tech companies through Solve's network can help us scale our solution globally, adapting it to various markets' needs and educational standards.

We understand that strengthening our operational capabilities is crucial as we scale. Training in areas such as sustainable business practices, impact measurement, and effective scaling strategies offered through Solve’s resources can empower our team. Also, the exposure to investment networks and legal guidance on investment readiness are well appreciated.

Our solution, SMARTBOOKS, brings a fresh and impactful approach to early childhood and elementary education by merging Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with traditional learning materials. This method not only redefines student engagement with educational content but also inspires a shift in how interactive learning is perceived and implemented across the industry.

SMARTBOOKS makes traditional books come alive by adding AR elements that allow characters and objects to leap off the page in three-dimensional form, in the context of gamified learning experiences. This multisensory and ludic interaction captivates children, making learning both fun and deeply immersive. Furthermore, our AI technology personalizes the educational content in real-time, adapting to the child's learning pace and style. This kind of personalization was once unimaginable in traditional education systems and represents a significant leap forward in meeting individual educational needs.

One of the most innovative aspects of our solution is the inclusion of an AI-based virtual assistant, that allows books to talk to children, answer their questions, and provide real-time feedback. This foster autonomous learning, using the student’s screen time in a safe way.

To scale our impact, we are creating a no-code platform to easily create XR educational content. This tool will be offered to educational publishers (an later to teachers) to allow them to create their own AR and AI-enhanced books without any need for deep technical knowledge, democratizing the creation of interactive educational content and paving the way for widespread adoption and innovation within the sector.

Our approach not only enhances how educational content is delivered but also how it is created and scaled. Any book, from textbooks to storybooks, will be easily transformed into a SMARTBOOK, making this technology adaptable across various educational contexts and locations.

The broader implications of SMARTBOOKS are substantial. By setting new standards for engagement and learning outcomes, we’re encouraging more publishers to explore AR and AI technologies. This can lead to an industry-wide uplift in educational standards, with competitors and new market entrants potentially developing new features or complementary technologies.

Moreover, SMARTBOOKS has the potential to bridge educational inequalities by making engaging and personalized learning accessible to underprivileged children who might not have access to high-quality educational resources. As we expand internationally, this model adapts to different languages and curricula, broadening its impact.

In essence, SMARTBOOKS is not just about enhancing how students learn today; it's about setting a foundation for continuous innovation in education, encouraging a shift in market expectations towards more interactive and technologically integrated educational resources. This marks a transformative step in how educational content is developed, consumed, and valued globally, promising to influence teaching and learning methodologies far into the future

Our theory of change outlines how the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) mixed with pedagogy frameworks such as Adaptive Learning, Universal Design for Learning and Multiple Intelligence, result in a more Personalized Learning into traditional educational materials through SMARTBOOKS is expected to transform early childhood education and beyond to all ages once we have develop our no-code platform to design AR/IA experiences into any book.  This comprehensive approach ensures that our solution is not just innovative but also effective and scalable, promising substantial long-term benefits for the global education system.

Several studies have proven that AR increases engagement and interaction, children find learning more engaging and interactive, as shown by their increased attention and participation during lessons. Meanwhile, AI enhanced personalization adapting content to meet individual learning styles and paces, evidenced by improved performance on personalized learning tasks. 

By transforming traditional learning resources into smart learning resources with XR, we are 

1. Providing a more attractive and effective learning environment: Safar, A., & Al-Yousefi, Z. (2017), Dünser and Hornecker, (2007); Oh and Woo, (2008); Wojciechowshi and Cellary, (2013).

2. Increasing their motivation (Herpich, F., et al. (2019), O'Brien and Thomas, (2005); Sumadio and Rambli, (2010); Sergio, Ibáñez and Kloss, (2013);

3. Fostering their imagination (Tekedere, H., & Göker, H. (2016), Klopfer and Yoon, (2004); Yuen et al., (2011); Zhou et al., (2004) among many other educational benefits.

During our interviews to teachers in Chile, Colombia and Mexico, these have noticed the improvement of learning outcomes in children, demonstrating better retention of material and understanding of concepts, as indicated by higher test scores and quicker mastery of new skills. Also, parents report higher satisfaction with educational resources due to the effectiveness and ease of use of SMARTBOOKS, especially to those children with special needs and low income groups. 

Our goal is to make children who use SMARTBOOKS more likely to enjoy learning, stay in school longer, and perform better academically, and making high technology education accessible to everyone, the use of SMARTBOOKS will contribute to closing the achievement gap between different demographic groups.

By connecting these activities, outputs, and outcomes in a logical and evidence-supported framework, we illustrate not only the potential impact of SMARTBOOKS on individual learners but also the broader systemic change it can catalyze in the educational landscape. 

Our impact goals for SMARTBOOKS revolve around enhancing educational outcomes, increasing engagement and interaction in learning, and democratizing access to innovative educational technology. These goals align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Some of our specific impact goals are:

• Improve learning outcomes among SMARTBOOKS users.
• Increase learner engagement, elevating student participation and interest in learning activities through interactive and personalized educational content.
• Democratize educational technology by making advanced educational tools accessible and affordable to underprivileged schools and communities.

Related to the metrics:

Our platform collects data on user interactions, which helps us understand usage patterns and refine our content to better meet learner needs. We collect data on how frequently and for how long students interact with SMARTBOOKS, using embedded analytics in the app. We also track improvements in all the Multiple Intelligences of the users.

At the same time, educators and parents have access to a dashboard that provides detailed analytics on student engagement and progress. This data is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of different content and for further personalizing the learning experience, making possible the integration with traditional knowledge systems.

As an organization, we regularly gather qualitative feedback from students, teachers, and parents on engagement and satisfaction with the learning materials. We measure the number of new students who adopt SMARTBOOKS each year, and track the expansion of SMARTBOOKS into new regions and countries, especially those with historically low access to educational technology. Collaborating with educational institutions and publishers offers another layer of feedback on the systemic impact of our technology on their curricula and business models.

Our solution, SMARTBOOKS, harnesses a combination of modern technologies—specifically Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—to transform traditional educational materials into interactive, personalized learning experiences. Here's a detailed look at the core technologies that power our solution:

Interactive visualization, using AR, static images in textbooks come to life when viewed through the camera of a smartphone or tablet. This can include animations that demonstrate scientific concepts, historical events, or mathematical problems in a three-dimensional space right on the pages of the book.

Engagement tools, AR elements are designed to be interactive, allowing students to engage with the content by tapping, dragging, and interacting with the 3D objects. This makes learning more tactile and exploratory, which is especially beneficial for young learners.

AI algorithms analyze how a student interacts with the content and adjust the difficulty and presentation style in real-time. This adaptive learning approach ensures that each student can learn at their own pace and according to their own learning style, maximizing their potential for success.

AI is also used to power voice interactions between the student and the AR characters. Natural Language Processing (NLP) allows students to ask questions and receive answers, fostering a conversational learning environment that promotes better understanding and retention of knowledge.

In the future, the No-Code Development Platform will empower educators and publishers. We provide a no-code platform that enables them to create their own AR and AI-enhanced educational content without needing extensive technical knowledge. This platform includes drag-and-drop tools and templates to facilitate the creation of interactive educational materials.

While our focus is on modern technologies, we recognize the value of integrating traditional knowledge systems. For instance, content can include local history, traditional ecological knowledge, or indigenous languages, delivered through AR and AI to celebrate and preserve cultural heritage.

Full-time staff: 5 people

Part-time staff: 6 people

We have been working together since 2016. This means we have been developing and refining our technology for approximately 8 years. Over this time, our team has focused on enhancing the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into educational resources, continuously improving the functionality and user experience based on feedback from educators and learners, as well as advances in technology. We launched our first Educational Resource (a Smart Toy) in 2017 and our first SMARTBOOK in 2020.

Our leadership and staff include individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including different nationalities, genders, ages, and educational histories. This diversity enriches our team dynamics and enhances our creative problem-solving capabilities.

We actively recruit talent from underrepresented groups in technology and education sectors to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the global community. We have established clear policies to ensure equity in hiring, promotion, and professional development opportunities. 

Our organizational culture is built on respect, where every team member’s voice is valued. We hold regular team meetings and feedback sessions where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and concerns.

We ensure that our workplace practices and policies foster an inclusive environment, including flexible working arrangements to accommodate different personal and cultural needs.

We have implemented an anonymous feedback system that allows team members to express concerns without fear of repercussion. This feedback is regularly reviewed by leadership to make improvements.

We engage with local communities and educational institutions to understand their needs and ensure our solutions are culturally relevant and accessible. This also helps us to stay connected with the diverse needs of our users and integrate this understanding into our work culture.

We plan to expand our recruitment efforts to more geographically and socioeconomically diverse talent pools, including partnering with organizations that support underrepresented groups in STEM.

We are committed to continually improving our workplace practices to ensure they meet the highest standards of equity and inclusiveness. By maintaining these practices and striving to improve them continually, we are committed to being a leader not only in educational technology but also as an exemplary organization in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our business model at SMARTBOOKS revolves around integrating advanced technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into traditional educational resources, transforming them into interactive, personalized learning experiences. We operate on a B2B2C model that focuses on partnerships with educational publishers, schools, and other stakeholders in the educational sector, while ultimately benefiting young learners directly. 

- For Educational Publishers and Content Providers: We offer technology solutions that allow them to enhance their existing educational materials with AR and AI, making these materials more engaging and interactive. This helps them to differentiate their offerings in a competitive market and cater to the modern educational needs of digital-native learners.

- For Schools and Educators: Our solutions provide an effective way to deliver personalized learning experiences that adapt to individual student needs, improving engagement and educational outcomes.

- For Learners (Children): SMARTBOOKS make learning fun and interactive, helping to cultivate a deeper interest in education and promoting better understanding and retention of information.

Products and Services:

- SMARTBOOKS Products: Interactive books equipped with AR and AI capabilities. These products are developed in partnership with publishers and are tailored to align with educational curricula and standards.

- No-Code Platform for AR/AI Integration: We provide a platform that allows educational content creators to easily incorporate AR and AI into their materials without needing extensive programming knowledge.

- Training and Support Services: We offer training for educators on how to effectively use our products and maximize their educational benefits, along with ongoing technical support.

Revenue Streams:

- Licensing Fees: We charge publishers and content providers a fee for using our technology to create AR and AI-enhanced books.

- Subscription Fees: Access to our no-code platform is offered on a subscription basis, providing continuous updates and support.

- Sales of SMARTBOOKS: We generate revenue from direct sales of SMARTBOOKS to schools and through educational publishers.

Delivery Method:

- Digital Distribution: Our platform and many of our services are delivered digitally, allowing for scalability and ease of access globally.

- Physical Products: While our core products involve digital technologies, they are often tied to physical books, which are distributed through traditional channels like bookstores and directly to schools.

Customer Acquisition:

- Direct Sales and Partnerships: We actively seek partnerships with educational publishers and institutions to integrate our technology into their offerings.

- Marketing and Outreach: Our marketing strategies focus on demonstrating the educational and engagement value of our products at educational conferences, through online content, and via direct outreach to decision-makers in education.

Why Customers Want or Need Our Products:

Educational publishers need to stay relevant in a rapidly changing market where digital content is increasingly important. Our technology helps them modernize their offerings. Educators are looking for effective ways to engage students and improve learning outcomes, particularly in settings with diverse learning needs. Learners benefit from educational materials that are more engaging, interactive, and tailored to their learning pace and style, making the educational process more enjoyable and effective.

Our plan for financial sustainability is grounded in a diversified revenue model that includes licensing fees, subscription services, direct product sales, and strategic partnerships. This multifaceted approach not only ensures steady income streams from various sources but also aligns with our mission to enhance educational experiences with innovative technology. Here’s how we are implementing and have seen success with these strategies:

Our evidence of success:

• Revenue Growth: We've consistently grown our revenue year over year. For instance, our Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) increased by about 30% last year, signaling strong market demand and customer satisfaction. We reached the break even in 2023

• Grant Funding: We have successfully secured grants from notable organizations supportive of educational technology innovations, such as Start-Up Chile and CORFO (Chilean Economic Development Agency). These grants have not only provided us with seed capital but also with credibility in the ed-tech space.

• Investment Funding: Our innovative approach has attracted venture capital investment. For example, we raised funds from a series of investors, including regional VCs like Magma Partners and international investors interested in ed-tech solutions. These investments have helped us scale our operations and expand our technological capabilities.

Long-Term Financial Strategy:

Our long-term financial sustainability is focused on scaling these successful initiatives, expanding into new markets, and continuously improving our product offerings to maintain and grow our customer base. Also to start our subscription Services with our no-code platform, which allows users to integrate AR and AI into their educational materials, operates on a subscription model. Customers will pay a monthly or annual fee, providing us with recurring revenue. This platform is especially appealing to smaller educational publishers and independent content creators who seek cost-effective tech solutions.

By adhering to this strategy, we aim to cover our expected expenses through our generated revenue, ensuring that we can continue to innovate and expand our impact without relying solely on external funding.