2026

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Mathematics proficiency among K-12 students is at a crisis point, and the most effective solution—high-dosage human tutoring—has traditionally been a luxury good, costing families upwards of $2,000 per month. PLUS is a non-profit service design intervention that uses Artificial Intelligence to break this economic barrier, delivering that same expert-level support for just $20 per month.
Rather than replacing human teachers with chatbots, PLUS redefines the role of AI in education. We place the technology "behind" the tutor, acting as an invisible super-power. The platform connects K-12 students in under-resourced schools with university-level tutors. Through a proprietary digital interface, these tutors receive real-time, AI-driven guidance—a "Co-pilot"—that helps them navigate complex math concepts and student emotional needs in the moment.
The design creates a virtuous "Value Loop": philanthropic funding trains tutors, tutors serve schools at no cost to families, and every session generates research-grade data that improves the AI models. The result is a scalable engine for social mobility. Currently operating across seven U.S. states, PLUS has delivered over 100,000 hours of tutoring, proving that when you design for human connection rather than automation, you can solve the "Iron Triangle" of education: achieving quality, access, and affordability simultaneously.
Credits
Entrant
Nantong Erji Home Furnishing Co., Ltd.
Category
Storage & Display Furniture - Sideboards
Country / Region
China
Entrant
ChangZhou University
Category
Digital Devices & Technology - Portable Powertools / Power, Tablet Computing
Country / Region
China
Entrant
Modern Kitchen (China) Co., Ltd
Category
Bathroom & Sanitary Equipment - Toilets / Accessories
Country / Region
China