Interview with Aleksa Cvetkovic, Head of Synapta: Key Questions Answered
Artificial Intelligence Transforms Education with Synapta's Personalized Learning Platform
The Center for Data Innovation recently interviewed Aleksa Cvetkovic, CEO of Synapta, an Australian company harnessing AI to create customized learning paths for students. In the interview, Cvetkovic explained how AI tools can revolutionize education by simplifying grading, bolstering academic integrity checks, and offering uniquely tailored learning experiences for each student.
David Kertai, from the same institution, posed a series of questions about Synapta. In response, Cvetkovic detailed the features of the AI-powered educational platform.
Q: What does Synapta do?
A: Synapta is an AI-driven educational platform that tailors content delivery for students based on their cognitive and behavioral profiles, enhancing focus, retention, and overall performance. Four integrated AI tools are included.
The first tool, Sypher, protects academic integrity by detecting AI-generated or manipulated content. Critora automates grading and provides feedback using subject-specific rubrics and real-time performance tracking. Axion adapts learning materials to each student's cognitive patterns, acting as an "Artificial Second Brain" that evolves over time. Lastly, Nexcruit bridges the gap between education and employment by creating secure digital profiles based on students' academic and behavioral data, allowing them to explore job opportunities through immersive previews.
Q: Can you elaborate on the Artificial Second Brain?
A: The Artificial Second Brain is a personalized digital system that functions similarly to a memory extension and learning assistant for the student. By continuously tracking student interactions, it adjusts how knowledge is stored and categorized, adapting to their unique learning preferences.
For instance, when studying cellular respiration, the Artificial Second Brain connects related concepts and offers additional resources or practice questions. It evolves over time, optimizing content delivery for each student's learning style, such as flashcards, videos, or simulations. Students can monitor their progress with a heatmap displaying strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring attention.
Q: How does Synapta personalize learning with AI?
A: Synapta combines cognitive psychology, behavioral analytics, and real-time AI adaptation to optimize learning experiences. Each learner's cognitive profile is individually created based on interaction patterns, content preferences, attention cycles, and past performance.
Critora, Synapta's AI grading tool, tailors feedback to each student's strengths and weaknesses. The platform also uses AI to adjust learning materials dynamically, such as difficulty levels or content formats, to sustain engagement and aid retention. By continuously adapting to the learner's needs, the platform keeps pace with each student's progress.
Q: How does Synapta ensure academic integrity?
A: Synapta combats academic dishonesty through the AI-powered tool, Sypher. This solution goes beyond traditional plagiarism checkers by employing advanced language learning processes and statistical modeling to examine a student's writing structure.
Sypher cross-references known AI-generated content and previous submissions for a more nuanced analysis of authenticity. By examining changes in complexity, vocabulary, or tone, Sypher provides sophisticated assessments of the work's originality.
Q: How does Synapta promote inclusive education?
A: Synapta values equity and accessibility in education, offering a platform that caters to neurodivergent learners by adapting content and delivery to their individual needs.
In underrepresented and indigenous communities, Synapta takes a culturally responsive approach by integrating traditional educational practices into its digital learning format. With AR and VR technologies, it offers immersive educational experiences that bridge the gap between modern technology and cultural heritage. Through the Synapta Foundation, subsidized access is provided to low-income and infrastructure-limited regions, ensuring inclusive education regardless of financial or technological barriers.
Deep Dive:
Research into artificial synaptic devices, which mimic brain function, is currently underway, paving the way for advanced AI systems designed to emulate the brain's neural processes. These artificial second brain systems can enhance human cognition, memory storage, and information processing, making them ideal for personalized learning applications [5].
Moreover, the AI for Good Summit 2025 focuses on AI solutions addressing complex challenges, such as personalized and agentic intelligence, which relate to systems that empower human decision-making and autonomy [1]. These developments underscore the potential role of artificial second brain systems in transforming education and learning experiences.
- The Artificial Second Brain, a personalized digital system in Synapta's AI-driven educational platform, functions as a memory extension and learning assistant, adapting content delivery based on students' unique learning preferences.
- Synapta's AI grading tool, Critora, tailors feedback for each student, addressing their specific strengths and weaknesses, while also adapting learning materials dynamically to sustain engagement and aid retention.
- Sypher, an AI-powered tool in Synapta, ensures academic integrity by employing advanced language learning processes and statistical modeling to examine a student's writing structure, detecting AI-generated or manipulated content.
- Synapta's adaptive learning platform caters to neurodivergent learners by adjusting content and delivery to their individual needs, and it takes a culturally responsive approach in indigenous communities by integrating traditional educational practices into its digital learning format.
