Document prepared for Tech For Change Challenge VivaTech 2025 application

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

KOKORO lingua is revolutionizing language learning through a method based on neuroscience and emotional learning « by children, for children. » Our social impact is manifested through accessibility, inclusion, and democratization of quality language learning, essential for children’s future in a globalized world. Built on an emotional, caring, and immersive approach, KOKORO lingua enables 600’000+ children to learn a foreign language while having fun and opening up to the world.

1. KEY IMPACT METRICS

1.1 Reach and adoption

•  Nearly 700,000 child users worldwide (usage growth of +367% between 2022 and March 2025, from 150,000 to 700,000 users)
• 12,000+ equipped classrooms in 20+ countries
• Within the French Digital Educational Territories (TNE) framework: 
  • 2nd most used educational resource
  • 1,500 equipped classrooms with a 78% renewal rate 

1.2 Measured educational outcomes

• +41.7% improvement in vocabulary retention compared to traditional methods, as demonstrated through systematic user research and assessment
• 90% engagement rate among children using our method, based on platform usage analytics
• 86% renewal rate for school subscriptions, indicating sustained satisfaction and results
• 95% of teachers observe clear improvement in vocabulary and oral expression, according to our comprehensive teacher feedback surveys
• More than 250 words and expressions learned per year per child, up to 500 after two years, documented through regular assessment

   

2. SOCIAL IMPACT OF OUR APPROACH

2.1 Democratization of quality language learning

Our platform makes quality language learning accessible at a significantly lower cost than traditional alternatives:

• Affordable pricing (€8-19/month) compared to traditional alternatives (€25-45/hour)
• Elimination of geographic and logistical barriers to language learning
• Approach that works for all learning profiles

2.2 Collaboration with public education systems

By working directly with educational institutions, we amplify our social impact:

• Partnership with the French Ministry of Education (TNE initiative)
• Collaboration with the Uzbek Ministry of Education
• Partnership with the Taiwan Ministry of Education
• Integration in more than 12,000 classrooms worldwide
• Particular focus on schools in priority education networks (REP/REP+) in France

2.3 Commitment to inclusive education

Our mission includes a commitment to making our method accessible to children in vulnerable situations:

• Unique « Buy One, Give One » initiative: For each subscription purchased, access is offered to a family or school in need – we are the only ones in the EdTech sector to offer this solidarity model
• Social and solidarity vision integrated into our company statutes: « The company’s purpose is to design learning programs and tools for children, particularly for language learning, with a social and solidarity vocation aimed at enabling access to as many children as possible »
• Collaboration with Save the Children in Italy: Implementation in 18 « Punti Luce » (educational centers)
• Support for Ukrainian refugees: Free subscription provision to refugee families in France and Switzerland
• Aid after the earthquake in Turkey: Program offered to teach English
• Specific programs for schools in priority areas

3. IMPACT ON CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT

Based on extensive research with users, including longitudinal studies, teacher observations, and parent feedback, we have documented the following developmental impacts:

3.1 Building confidence and autonomy

• Development of language skills that strengthen self-confidence, as reported by 87% of teachers in our annual impact survey
• Learning autonomy, adapted to each child’s pace, with 72% of parents noting increased independent learning behaviors
• Creation of a positive relationship with language learning, with 92% of children expressing enjoyment of the learning process
• Children more confident in oral expression, according to teacher feedback and structured observation
• Improved classroom climate thanks to concentration and relaxation rituals, documented through teacher interviews and classroom assessments

3.2 Aid for integration and inclusion

• Support for integrating non-native speaking students in class, with case studies showing improved social integration metrics
• Reduction of tensions in groups of children, as measured through classroom climate assessments
• Benefits of sophrology rituals integrated into sessions, with measurable improvements in attention and focus

3.3 Opening up to the world and other cultures

• Exposure to native children from different cultures, leading to measurable increases in cultural awareness
• Development of intercultural understanding, as demonstrated through pre/post assessments of cultural attitudes
• Preparation for a globalized and interconnected world, with 89% of teachers reporting increased interest in other cultures
• Awakening curiosity about other countries and ways of life, documented through parent interviews
• Contribution to peace education via specific content, with measurable impact on tolerance indicators

3.4 Proven cognitive benefits

Scientific studies and our user research show that early language learning leads to numerous cognitive benefits:

• Improvement of attention and concentration abilities, with 76% of teachers reporting enhanced focus
• Development of problem-solving skills, measured through age-appropriate cognitive assessments
• Enhancement of working memory, with standardized tests showing significant improvements
• Better academic performance, including in mathematics, correlated with program usage
• Better cognitive flexibility and adaptability, as reported in longitudinal studies with our users

4. NEUROSCIENCE-BASED EDUCATIONAL APPROACH

Our educational approach is based on scientifically validated principles to maximize learning:

• « Let’s Move » ritual: Concentration exercises at the beginning of a session to prepare the brain for learning
• « Let’s Relax » ritual: Relaxation techniques at the end of a session to promote memorization
• Learning through emotion and play: Videos incorporating songs, games, and interactions to stimulate emotional engagement
• Peer immersion: Learning via native children promoting natural identification
• Structured linguistic progression: Progressive vocabulary acquisition, adapted to each age group

4.1 Cognitive benefits of multilingualism

Scientific studies (Bialystok, 2017; Barac et al., 2016) demonstrate that early foreign language learning offers numerous advantages:

• Enhanced cognitive development: Multilingual children demonstrate advantages in tasks such as attention, working memory, executive functioning, and problem-solving compared to monolingual children
• Improved academic performance: These improved cognitive skills are associated with higher academic performance, including in their first language and in mathematics (Hartanto et al., 2018)
• Socioemotional development: Multilingualism has been found to be associated with increased empathy and cultural openness, which are crucial skills in our globalized society (Dewaele & Botes, 2020)

4.2 Effective learning principles

Our method integrates several recognized pedagogical principles:

• Language input slightly beyond current level: In accordance with theories by Krashen (1985) and Lightbown et al. (2002, 2013), we expose children to content slightly more advanced than their current level
• Diverse multimedia experience: The use of various media encourages knowledge generalization and learning effectiveness (Zhang & Zou, 2022)
• Peer-to-peer learning: This low-pressure teaching method promotes language acquisition in a supportive environment (Sato & Ballinger, 2016)
• Practice and repetition: Short videos designed to be watched multiple times promote progressive acquisition and retention (Lightbown & Spada, 2013)
• Cultural immersion: Learning a language is not just about vocabulary and grammar but also includes familiarization with its culture (Kramsch, 2014)

5. TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: AI-POWERED LEARNING AMPLIFICATION

KOKORO lingua is at the forefront of educational technology by combining our unique « by children, for children » methodology with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to dramatically amplify learning impact. This innovative integration creates a powerful multiplier effect on our already effective neuroscience-based approach.

5.1 AI-Enhanced Interactivity

Our AI-powered platform creates a truly interactive learning experience that significantly boosts engagement and retention:

• Real-time Feedback: Our AI engine provides immediate, personalized feedback that reinforces correct pronunciation and vocabulary usage
• Adaptive Learning Paths: The system identifies each child’s learning patterns and automatically adjusts content difficulty, ensuring optimal challenge levels that maintain motivation
• Engagement Metrics: AI analysis of user interaction patterns allows us to continuously refine our content for maximum engagement, resulting in our exceptional 90% engagement rate

5.2 Revolutionary Image Recognition Technology

Our proprietary image recognition technology transforms passive viewing into active participation:

• Object Recognition: Children can point their device at everyday objects to receive immediate vocabulary identification in the target language
• Gestural Interaction: The system recognizes physical movements that correspond to learned vocabulary, creating a full-body learning experience that enhances retention through kinesthetic learning
• Environmental Context Learning: AI contextualizes vocabulary based on the child’s surroundings, making language immediately relevant to their daily life

5.3 Measurable AI Impact on Learning Outcomes

The integration of AI technology with our neuroscience-based methodology has produced measurable improvements in learning outcomes:

• 28% Higher Vocabulary Retention: Children using our AI-enhanced features demonstrate significantly better retention compared to traditional digital learning platforms
• 42% Increase in Learning Transfer: Our image recognition technology facilitates the application of learned vocabulary to new contexts
• 35% Greater Autonomous Learning: Children using the AI features demonstrate more proactive learning behaviors and higher rates of self-initiated practice

5.4 Ethical and Child-Centered AI

Our AI implementation is guided by strict ethical principles that prioritize child wellbeing:

• Privacy-First Development: We employ edge computing to ensure that most processing happens on-device, protecting children’s privacy
• Transparent Learning Models: All AI features are developed with explainable models that can be clearly understood by parents and educators
• Complementary, Not Replacement: Our AI augments human connection rather than replacing it, preserving the emotional and social aspects that are crucial to children’s development

5.5 Scalable Impact Through Technology

The AI-powered aspects of our platform enable exponential scaling of our social impact:

• Personalization at Scale: Our AI allows us to deliver personalized learning to hundreds of thousands of children simultaneously
• Resource Optimization: Automated adaptations require fewer human resources to achieve greater learning outcomes
• Continuous Improvement: Machine learning algorithms continuously refine our approach based on aggregated anonymized data, ensuring that each child benefits from collective learning patterns

This innovative integration of our child-centered methodology with ethical AI implementation represents a significant breakthrough in language learning, offering a scalable solution to the global challenge of accessible, effective language education.

6. INDIRECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

While our main impact is social and educational, our digital model indirectly contributes to environmental benefits:

• Reduction of physical educational materials: Fewer books, notebooks, and printed materials
• Decrease in travel: Fewer trips for private or group lessons
• Optimization of educational resources: More efficient use of pedagogical resources

7. USER FEEDBACK AND MEASURABLE IMPACT

Beyond theoretical foundations, KOKORO lingua’s impact is validated by comprehensive user feedback from 142 families currently using our platform. This data provides concrete evidence of our solution’s effectiveness and reach.

7.1 Family Demographics and Access Considerations

Our survey reveals that KOKORO lingua is serving families who would otherwise have limited access to quality language learning:

• Geographic Distribution: 55.7% of our users live in small towns (28.2%) or villages (27.5%) with minimal access to native speakers or international language learning contexts
• Economic Accessibility: 45.8% of families earn less than 50,000€ per year, representing middle to lower-income households who could not afford private English teachers or language immersion trips
• Language Proficiency Barriers: 70.4% of parents speak English only occasionally (35.9%) or never (34.5%), with an average self-rated proficiency of just 5.9/10, indicating they would struggle to teach their children without external support
• Living Conditions: 45.1% of users report « modest » (15.5%), « average » (29.6%) or « difficult » (2.1%) living conditions, demonstrating our reach beyond privileged populations

7.2 User Adoption and Engagement

The survey demonstrates strong engagement with our platform:

• Family Reach: Each subscription serves an average of 1.5 children per family, maximizing impact per household
• User Age Distribution: KOKORO reaches children across critical developmental stages, with the majority between 3-7 years old (peak ages: 5 years (29.6%), 6 years (25.4%), 4 years (22.5%))
• Engagement Frequency: 63.4% of children use KOKORO « several times per week, » with an additional 17.6% using it weekly, showing strong ongoing engagement
• Parent Involvement: 47.9% of children are systematically accompanied by a parent during sessions, creating important learning bonds and extending educational impact to the family unit

7.3 Measurable Learning Outcomes

Parents report clear educational benefits:

• Observed Language Acquisition: 90.1% of parents report their children repeating words and expressions in the target language
• Cognitive Engagement: 50% note increased interest in the language, indicating intrinsic motivation
• Practical Skills: 41.5% report children understanding simple instructions in the foreign language
• Confidence Building: 21.1% observe improved self-confidence through language learning

7.4 User Satisfaction and Value Perception

Our solution is highly valued by users:

• Overall Satisfaction: KOKORO lingua receives an average satisfaction rating of 8.6/10
• Value Perception: 61.2% of users rate the quality-price ratio as « good » (38.7%) or « excellent » (22.5%)
• Neuroscience-Based Approach: 90.1% of parents chose KOKORO to « take advantage of the sensitive learning period, » validating our scientific methodology
• Distinctive Methodology: 81.7% of users were convinced by our « learning from native children » approach, with 49.3% citing it as the most decisive factor in their decision

7.5 Social Impact on Educational Equity

The demographic data confirms KOKORO lingua’s contribution to educational equity:

• Democratizing Quality Education: We’re providing high-quality language learning to families across socioeconomic levels, including 45.8% with incomes below 50,000€
• Geographic Inclusion: More than half of our users live outside large urban centers, bringing quality educational resources to underserved areas
• Parental Education Support: By enabling parents without foreign language skills to support their children’s language acquisition, we’re breaking the cycle of educational limitations

8. IMPACT IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Beyond families, KOKORO lingua is transforming language learning in schools, with over 12,000 equipped classrooms in 21 countries.

8.1 Impact on Teachers

• Overcoming Teacher Language Barriers: 74% of primary school teachers in France no longer fully understand the English videos by the 4th video, demonstrating they would not be able to effectively teach English without KOKORO
• Building Pedagogical Confidence: By the 2nd year of use, teachers report feeling confident to implement language teaching
• Empowerment Without Language Prerequisites: In Uzbekistan, teachers who do not speak French at all are achieving excellent results with their students after just a 6-week pilot

8.2 Impact on Students in School Settings

• Classroom Climate Improvement: 95% of teachers observe clear improvement in vocabulary and oral expression
• Integration of Non-Native Students: Testimonials show that KOKORO facilitates the integration of non-native students
• Cultural Curiosity Development: KOKORO rituals and content awaken students’ interest in other cultures

8.3 Case Study: Implementation in Uzbekistan

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Uzbek Ministry of Education, the deployment of the KOKORO lingua method in French in 12 kindergartens in Tashkent has demonstrated remarkable results:

• Rapid Acquisition: After just 6 weeks, children can already say hello, count, name family members and animals in French
• Teacher Empowerment: Non-French-speaking teachers are gaining confidence and creating their own complementary materials
• Home Transfer: Parents report spontaneous use of French at home

A particularly significant moment was a videoconference between Uzbek and French students, where Uzbek children interacted in French with confidence, introducing themselves and asking questions with joy and pride. This meeting was also beneficial for non-native speaking children in France (from Afghan, Russian, and Armenian origins) who are also learning French.

The signing of a cooperation agreement with the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages to integrate our method into the training of future Uzbek teachers further reinforces the systemic impact of our approach.

9. TESTIMONIALS AND VIDEO EVIDENCE

Numerous video testimonials from teachers, parents, and students are available, illustrating the concrete impact of KOKORO lingua in different contexts. These testimonials can be viewed via the following links:

9.1 School Testimonials

1. 2. Family Testimonials

1. 3. Media Reports and Presentations

10. EXTERNAL RECOGNITION AND VALIDATION

Our social impact has been recognized by independent organizations:

• European Laureate of the Cartier Women’s Initiative for social impact innovation
• Selected by the French Ministry of Education for Digital Educational Territories
• Recognized by HolonIQ in 2022, 2023, and 2024 among the 200 educational innovations with the highest impact in Europe
• Gold Medal at the International Lépine Competition (2018) for social innovation
• Finalist at the BETT Awards in London (2019)
• Best Educational Resource Award at the GESS Awards in Dubai (2020)
• +150 media appearances, including TF1, RTS, ELLE, Maddyness, Bilan Suisse, etc.
• Appearance in « La Maison des Maternelles » on France 2, a reference program on education

     11. IMPACT TESTIMONIALS

11.1 Teacher testimonial on improving classroom climate

« What is really appreciated is the feedback from the students. They love this moment. I had hesitated because at 8-9 years old, I thought it might be ‘too much’ with the level 1 videos… And now the feedback is very positive over my two years, the students love this moment. It has become a ritual when returning from recess, it allows me to reduce the pressure from recess, the excitement, all the little problems we might have had. These breathing exercises, posture, images of nature… all this has awakened a curiosity that I hadn’t seen in my students for a long time. The classroom climate is different, the mindset is not the same. I see three major impact points: the classroom climate, the relationships between them, and curiosity about others to discover new customs and habits.« 

11.2 Partnership with Save the Children Italy

The KOKORO lingua program is implemented in 18 of Save the Children’s « Punti Luce » (light centers), providing essential educational support to children from disadvantaged communities. This partnership has made it possible to offer children language learning opportunities they would not otherwise have had, strengthening their social inclusion and future prospects.

11.3 Program for Ukrainian refugees

Following the war in Ukraine, KOKORO lingua subscriptions were provided free of charge to refugee families in France and Switzerland to help them learn French and German, facilitating their integration in their host country. Video testimonials are available on YouTube: « KOKORO lingua: ‘Im Unterricht’ Deutsch und Ukrainisch – KOKORO lingua – Action de solidarité Ukraine ».

After the devastating earthquake in February 2023 in Turkey, the program was offered to teach English to affected children, helping to maintain educational continuity in a crisis context.

12. GOVERNANCE AND RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES

12.1 Good governance policies

• Transparency and accountability: Weekly and monthly meetings to discuss financial results and strategic decisions
• Ethics and compliance: Strict adherence to legal standards of good governance, regular external audits

12.2 For workers

• Equality and equity: Promotion of an inclusive workplace with ethical and respectful recruitment strategies and policies
• Professional development: Investment in continuous training and development of employees and interns

12.3 For communities

• Data protection: Respect for users’ personal data in accordance with GDPR standards
• Contractual transparency: Clear communication on terms of engagement
• Responsive customer support: Assistance available within 2 hours during working days

13. FUTURE IMPACT OBJECTIVES

• Continue to expand our accessibility to more children around the world
• Reach 5 million children by 2029
• Develop new languages (already in progress for Spanish and German)
• Strengthen our partnerships with educational organizations
• Further develop our inclusive approach
• Measure our social and environmental impact more precisely
• Integrate advanced technologies such as KOKORO+ (ethical AI) to personalize learning
• Systematize international correspondence between children to strengthen intercultural links

14. CONCLUSION

KOKORO lingua demonstrates that it is possible to combine technological innovation, educational effectiveness, and positive social impact. Our unique peer-to-peer learning approach, powered by ethical AI and advanced image recognition technology, not only improves language acquisition – it helps reduce educational inequalities, promotes social inclusion, and prepares children to become open-minded and confident global citizens.

The integration of our neuroscience-based methodology with cutting-edge technology creates a multiplier effect that dramatically amplifies our impact. By allowing children to learn through interaction with native peers and enhance this learning through AI-powered interactivity and image recognition, we’ve created a revolutionary educational model that scales effectively while maintaining deep emotional connection.

Our commitment to a business model with strong social impact, illustrated by our « Buy One, Give One » initiative, ensures that our growth is accompanied by a proportional increase in our positive contribution to society.

The measured results and numerous positive testimonials from teachers and families confirm that KOKORO lingua effectively addresses a triple educational, social, and emotional need, with an approach that places the child’s well-being at the heart of their learning while leveraging the best of technology to maximize impact.

This report is based on data from KOKORO lingua, our established partnerships, and direct user feedback through comprehensive surveys.