MaPanda is a Ukrainian innovative tool for gamified online learning and therapy for children aged 3-9. The uniqueness of the technology lies in the fact that the learning or therapeutic session is conducted by an animated character, who is actually guided by a highly qualified teacher or psychologist, according to the press release.
The startup creates an immersive experience for children by immersing them in a cartoon universe, where specialists manage the animation in real time, adapting the environment to the child. This reduces the stress of interacting with adults and increases trust and engagement.
The development has currently secured $1.3 million in investment from the founder of Bini Games through several rounds of venture funding. This funding has allowed the development of the MVP, testing it with partners, and achieving high engagement and retention rates. The team is currently focused on developing the technology in the Ukrainian market, with plans to expand to the USA.
“This technology addresses two parental concerns: mobile games are engaging but non-systematic, while Zoom learning is systematic but hard to maintain a child's attention. MaPanda allows the teacher to conduct lessons according to a plan, while immersing the child in a playful world. Now, the child is not just in a lesson with a teacher; they interact with a character in a cartoon world and entrust their anxieties to a safe and friendly character. And it shows results. According to our research, 91% of children maintain attention during 20-30 minute sessions, and 98% look forward to the next meeting,” said MaPanda founder, Mykhailo Honcharov.
Although the end user is the student, MaPanda primarily collaborates with schools, educational initiatives, community organizations, teachers, and psychologists. Additionally, when a partner joins the platform, they undergo a detailed verification of their qualifications and diplomas.
MaPanda has conducted over 40,000 sessions and is open to new partnerships. The platform is suitable for learning disciplines such as foreign languages, school readiness, development of soft skills, logic, mathematics, emotional intelligence, and creativity.
