Build It Right the First Time: Literacy EdTech Backed by Science

Too often, EdTech products are judged after they reach classrooms—when design decisions are already locked in and impact is harder to course-correct. But what if evidence, child voice, and rigorous learning science shaped products from day one? The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop is partnering with early-stage founders to do exactly that—embedding research and real learner feedback into literacy technologies before they scale. From foundational phonics tools to AI-powered writing agents, these collaborations are proving that intentional design isn’t a luxury—it’s a competitive advantage.

In this fireside conversation, Senior Director of Research Dr. Medha Tare joins partners from the Center’s Sandbox for Literacy Innovations to share how early research engagement has reshaped product strategy, features, and outcomes. Sebastian Belmar, Co-Founder & Head of Engineering at LitLab.ai, will discuss how literacy expertise informed everything from error analysis to learner scaffolds and playful interactivity. Dan Lee, Head of Product at Lirvana Labs, will share how their AI writing agent was co-designed with kids—leveraging supportive personas to strengthen reflection, revision, and confidence. This session offers a blueprint for founders, product leaders, and investors: align with the science of literacy, design for the whole child, and treat young learners not as end users—but as expert partners. Because the products that truly scale are the ones built to work.