Exploring AI-Powered Learning with MiiApps - Featuring Nancy Sun Who Are These Startups? - MiiApps: Revolutionizing Children's Reading with AI Host: The Startup Coach (Learn More) Guest: Nancy Sun, Founder of MiiApps MiiApp on the Web In this engaging episode of the Who Are These Startups? podcast, The Startup Coach sits down with Nancy Sun, the visionary founder behind MiiApps. Recorded live at Collision, one of the largest tech conferences in the world, this episode delves deep into how MiiApps is transforming the way children learn to read using the power of AI. The Genesis of MiiApps Nancy Sun's journey into the world of AI and education was sparked by a personal experience. As a mother, she noticed her son struggling with reading from a very young age. Despite offering books on topics he loved, his attention would quickly wane, leading to concerns about his language development. After his eventual diagnosis of ADHD, Nancy began exploring solutions that could cater to his unique learning needs. This exploration led to the birth of MiiApps, a platform designed to make reading more engaging and inclusive for all children, especially those with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and dyslexia. How MiiApps Works MiiApps' flagship product, StoryMi, is an AI-driven reading platform that serves children aged 2 to 12. Unlike traditional reading methods, StoryMi incorporates neurodivergent-friendly features, such as reading masks and specialized text formatting, to ensure that children with ADHD and similar conditions can fully engage with the content. The app also emphasizes short, action-packed sentences that cater to the unique attention spans of these children, resulting in significantly improved comprehension and enjoyment during storytime. AI: A Tool for Inclusivity and Engagement One of the standout aspects of MiiApps is its commitment to inclusivity. Nancy highlights how the platform allows children to create their own stories, complete with AI-generated illustrations, making reading a more interactive and imaginative experience. This feature is particularly beneficial for children who might struggle with traditional reading formats, offering them a personalized and engaging way to interact with stories. The app also supports language learning by allowing stories to be translated and rewritten at different reading levels. This feature not only helps children learn new languages but does so in a way that is age-appropriate and contextually relevant. For example, a story written for a seven-year-old in English can be translated and simplified for a three-year-old in French, helping young readers develop language skills at their own pace. The MiiApps Community: Stories by Kids, for Kids MiiApps aims to create a vast library of stories, with the goal of reaching one million stories by year-end. These stories are created by children and for children, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. This feature is particularly important for families who may not be able to afford premium services, as it offers free access to a wealth of content that resonates with children facing similar challenges. The Role of AI in Education During the conversation, Nancy and The Startup Coach discuss the broader implications of AI in education. While AI has often been viewed with skepticism, especially in the context of children's learning, Nancy argues that it can be a force for good. She sees AI as a tool—much like a hammer—that can build or destroy, depending on how it’s used. In the case of MiiApps, AI is being harnessed to address real societal challenges, helping children who have traditionally been overlooked by the education system. MiiApps at Collision Nancy's appearance at Collision was not just about promoting MiiApps, but also about engaging with the startup community and spreading the message that AI can be a powerful ally in education. She emphasizes the importance of