KOKORO lingua Launches AI-Powered Language Learning App for Children at VivaTech 2025
Franco-Swiss edtech startup revolutionises early childhood language education with emotional learning, artificial intelligence, and a strong footprint in Italy.
At VivaTech 2025, KOKORO lingua, the Franco-Swiss edtech startup transforming how young children learn languages, unveiled the MVP of its new AI-powered language learning app. This mobile application blends artificial intelligence, image recognition, and emotional learning to create an immersive and intuitive educational experience for children aged 3 to 8.
Selected as one of the “Tech for Change” startups, KOKORO lingua showcased how its neuroscience-based method is already reshaping language education for over 700,000 children worldwide.
Emotional Language Learning Enhanced by AI
KOKORO lingua’s unique method goes beyond traditional grammar-heavy approaches. Instead, it puts emotion, intuition, and peer interaction at the heart of language learning. Children are taught by native-speaking peers through short, engaging videos, fostering a natural and emotional connection with the language.
The MVP results are promising: a 41.7% improvement in vocabulary retention and 90% engagement levels among children. The app turns everyday objects into educational tools, offering a real-life, emotionally rich learning experience powered by AI.
With this launch, KOKORO lingua moves closer to its ambitious goal: reaching 5 million children globally by 2029through emotionally intelligent, AI-supported language education.
Tackling Italy’s English Proficiency Gap
According to the EF English Proficiency Index 2024, Italy ranks 46th out of 116 countries, dropping seven positions compared to the previous year. Italian learners often struggle with confidence in oral communication due to traditional, rigid teaching methods.
KOKORO lingua addresses this challenge by offering a spoken, emotional, and play-based language learning solution, particularly suitable for early learners.
Already adopted by schools and families in Italy, the startup has built a strategic partnership with Save the Children Italia, delivering its programme in 18 “Punti Luce” centres in underserved communities.
The company is strengthening its presence in Italy through:
- School integrations
- Family subscriptions
- Corporate services offered as child education benefits for employees
Benefits for Italian children include:
- Improved confidence in spoken English
- Greater intercultural understanding
- Early cognitive development through multilingualism
- Stronger social bonds through peer-to-peer learning
The Founder Behind the Vision
Nathalie Lesselin, the sole founder of KOKORO lingua, launched the project through her non-profit BIG BANG Generation. She leads the startup with a clear vision, strategic direction, and a deep personal commitment to education and language learning.
Nathalie brings extensive international experience. She spent five years living and working in Japan, speaks the language fluently, and has worked with luxury giants such as LVMH and Gucci. She also played a key role in scaling a French medtech startup to national prominence.
A mother of two, Nathalie combines business acumen with a heartfelt mission to improve global childhood education. Her strength lies in synthesising the best pedagogical methods and collaborating with experts to create accessible, effective learning tools.
A Multidisciplinary Team of Experts
The KOKORO lingua method was developed with input from leading specialists in:
- Neuroscience
- Linguistics
- Montessori pedagogy
This collaborative, research-driven approach ensures that the app delivers meaningful, lasting impact for children across cultural and educational contexts.
International Recognition and Global Expansion
Today, over 12,000 classrooms in 21 countries use KOKORO lingua’s content. The company works with national ministries of education in France, Uzbekistan, and Taiwan, and continues to expand across Europe.
The startup has earned numerous international awards:
- 🏆 Cartier Women’s Initiative – European Laureate
- 🥇 Concours Lépine – Gold Medal
- 🌍 HolonIQ – Top 200 EdTech Startups in Europe
- 🚀 VivaTech 2025 – Tech For Change Startup
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