A spotlight on the GESAwards 2023 Innovation Award Winner
When Ofir Kerker and Nadav Yaron embarked on their journey to create Storywizard.ai, they were venturing into uncharted territory. “Our journey began two years ago when Nadav and I set out to build an AI platform that would help parents create captivating bedtime stories for their children,” Ofir explains. This was before Generative AI had become a household term, months prior to the arrival of ChatGPT. Yet, the duo saw an untapped opportunity to use AI to spark creativity and nurture children’s imagination.
The original concept was straightforward yet revolutionary. “Children could choose the main character of their story, provide a brief concept or a detailed idea, and watch as the AI brought their imagination to life,” says Ofir. By allowing kids to control the level of input, the platform enabled a unique synergy between structured learning and creative freedom.
A Surprising Shift: Entering the Education Market
What started as a tool for bedtime stories soon found its way into classrooms, almost unexpectedly. Ofir recounts, “One day, we noticed something remarkable in our analytics: a classroom in Israel was actively using the platform to create stories. This discovery led us to track down the teacher, who generously shared how she was integrating it into her lessons. That moment marked our first step into the education space.”
The classroom use case ignited a chain reaction. “Soon, we saw schools across the globe adopting our platform organically, without any marketing on our part,” Ofir continues. The enthusiasm from educators and students was infectious, and the team quickly pivoted to meet the needs of this new audience.
Listening to Educators, Empowering Students
Recognizing the enthusiasm of educators, Storywizard.ai’s team developed a robust suite of features tailored for classrooms. Nadav Yaron explains, “We realized early on that teachers are incredibly enthusiastic about giving feedbackת and they gave us plenty! We listened closely and used their insights to design the first features of our education platform.”
These features focused on storytelling as a powerful medium for learning. Teachers could set educational goals, while students were encouraged to explore their creative paths. Nadav shareג a memorable story: “One teacher shared how a student who rarely participated in class used our platform to create a story that wowed both classmates and her parents. It was a pivotal moment for the student’s confidence and sparked a newfound love for learning.”
Young Learners Creating Their Own Personalized Journey
Storywizard.ai has redefined personalized learning by placing students at the center of their educational journeys. Ofir explains, “Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, our platform empowers students to become the authors of their own learning journeys. By creating stories based on their interests, proficiency levels, and imagination, students engage with educational content in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and fun.”
This adaptability ensures that students at all levels feel both challenged and inspired. “A beginner might craft a simple story with basic prompts, while a more advanced learner dives into complex narratives and themes,” Ofir elaborates. “The innovation lies in flipping the script: rather than passively consuming content, students actively shape it.”
Bridging Creativity and Educational Outcomes
Nadav highlights the platform’s “X-factor,” saying, “It’s the seamless blend of AI-powered creativity and educational outcomes. Teachers set learning goals, but the journey to those goals is entirely student-driven. This not only enhances engagement but also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep sense of ownership over their learning.”
This unique approach has positioned Storywizard.ai as a transformative force in education. Students are not just learning—they are creating, exploring, and building confidence through storytelling.
The GESAwards Advantage: Scaling Through Partnerships
Scaling an EdTech platform is no small feat, but Storywizard.ai has leveraged strategic partnerships to expand its reach. Ofir shares, “Early on, we recognized the value of collaborating with distributors and partners who already have deep connections in the education sector. These partnerships have allowed us to scale our reach efficiently, connecting with schools and educators worldwide without the need for a large direct sales force.”
Ofir credits MindCET programs and specifically the recognition and exposure received via GESAwards, for playing a pivotal role in their growth. “As a hub for EdTech innovation, GESAwards and MindCET provided us with invaluable resources and introductions to key players in the industry,” he says. These collaborations accelerated their impact while ensuring their platform reached educators who could implement it effectively.
Looking Ahead
Storywizard.ai’s journey from a bedtime storytelling tool to a global educational platform is a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability. By placing creativity and personalization at the heart of their product, listening carefully to their users and making the right connections, storywizard.ai are now growing and expanding at a global scale. As Ofir puts it, “By focusing on collaborative efforts, we’ve been able to scale our impact while staying true to our mission of empowering students to take ownership of their learning journeys.”
*** Follow the GESAwards Finals to discover who will be crowned the Best EdTech Solutions of the year! Join us on January 23rd, 15:30 GMT, at Bett Arena.
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