As conversational AI tools like ChatGPT become widespread, the founder’s doctoral research across multiple universities identified two key challenges in the educational use of AI:

 

1. Limited trust and customization: Educators question the  accuracy of AI-generated responses and want tools that can be customized using their own teaching materials.

 

2. Unclear usage boundaries: Teachers expect AI to support learning and critical thinking, not replace student work or enable academic misconduct.

 

In response, the founder developed Curiously, a platform that lets educators upload materials, set learning goals, and control the AI’s scope, tone, and teaching strategy.

Beyond basic chatbot functionality, many educators have expressed strong interest in a virtual avatar–based video conversation feature. For example:

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• University career centers hope to use it to support mock interviews for students.

• Medical school faculty see potential in creating simulated scenarios for students to practice communication with patients or their families.

• Business school instructors plan to apply it to experiential learning activities such as simulated business negotiations.