Australian startup InnerSteps is boosting children’s mental health with AI
University of Sydney student Matt Gordon is yet to graduate, but already he is being recognised for his work using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve children’s mental health.
Gordon’s AI startup, InnerSteps, saw him and Co-Founder Jesse Waller named in Forbes Australia’s 30 Under 30 list of young Australian innovators for 2024.
Matt and Jesse, both 22, created storytelling app InnerSteps to build mental well-being in children aged 3-12. The app ranked in the Global Top 50 iOS App Store Charts for its category.
Inspired by the mental health struggles of family and friends, the pair developed InnerSteps with support from the University of Sydney’s Genesis startup accelerator program, learning from experienced mentors and working alongside fellow entrepreneurs.
“We’ve both watched loved ones struggle with mental health issues and seen the devastating impact,” said Matt, who is in his fourth year of a Bachelor of Design Computing in the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning. “That shared experience created a desire to make a difference – to find a solution that transcends languages and cultures – providing support for every child, everywhere.”
AI-powered storytelling
InnerSteps utilises AI to build unique stories for children based on their age, interests and needs. Each story is shaped by the child’s passions and features a relatable character who faces challenges based on their individual mental-health and wellbeing struggles.
With guidance from a mentor character, the protagonist learns practical coping skills rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy – for example, deep breathing – drawing on advice from more than 30 child psychologists in Australia about strategies proven to be most effective. The stories are available in more than a hundred languages.
“These stories resonate across cultures and empower young minds globally with tools they can carry into adulthood,” said Jesse.
Globally, one in 10 children aged 3-12 have a clinically significant mental illness. In Australia, the figures are higher at one in seven. There has been a 50 percent increase in children’s mental health concerns since 2010.
Startup’s bright future
Jesse and Matt are taking on investment and have plans to expand InnerSteps to help adults as well as children.
The company has won awards including Global E-Learning Platform of the Year at the 2024 World Congress on Innovation and Technology and the Forbes Australia 30 Under 30 recognition for social impact. At the Australian Information Industry Association’s Australian Technology Awards, InnerSteps won Student and Education Solution of the Year, and was runner-up for best Australian Community Organisation and best Australian Organisation in Business and Industry, competing with large organisations such as Telstra, the South Australian Government and the National Heart Foundation.
Built thanks to nearly $200,000 in funding from the NSW Government, the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, the app is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to bring in private investment and take it global.
