INDUSTRY // Edu. tech
AI start-up reinvents screen time for early years learning
Tandem, by Early Ideas, is a new platform turning passive screen time into a meaningful learning experience for families with young children, and it is already being used by over 1,500 households across and beyond the UK and Isle of Man.
The start-up recently won the 2025 Isle of Man Innovation Challenge in recognition of the impact its Generative AI technology is having on early years development and storytelling.
Founded in 2023 by former clinicians and technologists Rob Hughes and Alastair van Heerden, Tandem uses AI to create personalized storybooks and activities for children aged two to eight. It is designed not just to entertain but to support children’ s emotional wellbeing and early literacy development while helping time-pressed parents connect more deeply with their children.
Born out of the founders’ global health experience and insight into childhood development, the platform is built on the belief that technology is here to stay and can play a more active human role in early years learning.
Content is adapted to each child, reflecting cultural relevance, family dynamics and accessibility needs, including neurodiversity and multilingual households.
This positions Tandem as a key platform for supporting early years development, and its win at the Innovation Challenge reflects its potential to positively impact society.
Tandem Co-founder, Rob Hughes, said:“ Tandem is our solution to a challenge we’ ve seen time and again, parents want to spend quality time with their children, but life gets in the way. We’ re using technology to make that easier, turning screens from a passive experience into a tool for creativity and connection.”
Hughes’ family ties to the Isle of Man, combined with the Innovation Challenge’ s focus on socially impactful and responsible AI innovation, made it a natural springboard for Tandem to grow and refine its solution in a supportive business ecosystem.
“ The Isle of Man stood out to us as a forwardthinking, agile place to pilot meaningful AI solutions,” said Tandem Co-founder, van Heerden.“ The Challenge provided access to an ecosystem that shares our values around ethical innovation and social impact.”
As the island sharpens its focus on tech that serves society, the 2026 Innovation Challenge will target solutions in health and social care, a next step that reflects its commitment to real-world public impact. Tandem is an example of the kind of innovation the island is proud to champion. p
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