What started as a need to improve online learning for his personal computer science studies soon led Kian Ansarinajed and his sister Melika to think bigger. “Initially, I needed a platform with the features I wanted—that was my first step. But, as I talked with friends and proceeded with customer discovery, I learned about the common challenges people faced while learning. The similarities in these pain points sparked our interest in developing a solution. Plus, I began thinking about how this solution could be transformed into a scalable business that benefits companies and content creators financially,” Kian explained.
With a deep interest in the intersection between technology and business, the idea for Graphium was born. The team’s web application is designed to leverage large language models and other AI-driven tools to curate, personalize, and refine video tutorials while allowing learners to track their progress for subjects in computer science.
Kian and Melika’s I-Corps experience was one of refinement, networking and skill building. Initial key issues with online learning platforms found through interviews with students and working professionals were content management and playback control. These pain points confirmed a core user base for their technology in computer science students. “At first, our target customers were students in general—from primary to secondary and university levels. But after conducting interviews, receiving mentor feedback, and researching further, we realized a broad scope made it difficult to refine our solution. We narrowed our focus to university students and later even more specifically to computer science students.”
A large benefit of I-Corps for this team was the opportunity to network with others and learn from each other. “This network is truly valuable. In a classroom setting, even if you’re the smartest programmer or the ‘best nerd on the board,’ you won’t learn how to build a successful business or develop a product that really solves people’s problems. This program isn’t just academic; it’s a practical starting point that lets you assess your skills and validate your tools before spending thousands of dollars hiring developers, with the risk of ending up with something no one uses. Attending these cohorts not only helps you build a strong network but also offers an early evaluation of your idea, potentially saving you lots of money later on.”
Moreover, the soft skills gained throughout the program proved to be a key takeaway for this team. By jumping in and regularly participating, the duo was able to build confidence and learn how to communicate complex ideas clearly—a skill that isn’t typically honed in traditional classes. Melika shared “I-Corps offered me hands-on experience, encouraged a professional demeanor, and provided strong, responsive support. The opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and practice my soft skills was transformative. In addition to the technical learning, I found that the increased visibility was a bonus during interviews—I’ve had several conversations with companies from Fargo to New York City, and they were all impressed when I mentioned my I-Corps involvement.”
While mastering the basics of industry is crucial, coupling that with an entrepreneurial spirit and soft skills can make a huge difference. The journey of an entrepreneur is often one step at a time. Programs like I-Corps help teams like Graphium push forward. Melika summarized her experience by saying “The level of professional support and real-world connections is why I highly recommend I-Corps, not just as a course project, but as a vital stepping stone in your career.”
