AI in IA: A multi-part series that focuses on the increase in the number of startups coming through the ISU Startup Continuum whose core technology is enabled by AI. Like the broader tech ecosystem, founders in Iowa are identifying problems and leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to solve them. From early idea incubation in the ISU Startup Factory to early revenue and traction in the Iowa G2M Accelerator, these companies are bringing these technologies to underserved markets and meeting the needs of Iowans and beyond. 

Ama AI: Personalized Support for Every Learner

As Large Language Models (advanced machine learning models designed to understand and generate human language) became publicly accessible to developers, Karri Haen saw a shift that she describes as “science fiction becoming real.” For years, she had explored assistive technologies as a faculty member at Iowa State University, but the tools simply weren’t capable of delivering the level of personalization required for students with cognitive disabilities. That changed when advanced AI came on the scene. 

Her son Ethan’s experience made the gap impossible to ignore. After he was diagnosed with autism, Karri watched him bounce between general education, special education, speech therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral therapy—each environment operating in its own silo. The disconnect left children, families, and educators without a unified way to support learning and behavior across settings. “The technologies out there just weren’t enough for full inclusion,” she says. 

Karri’s company, Ama AI, is built around the premise that AI can unify and interpret the fragmented information that surrounds a child in special education—from classroom data to therapy strategies—and transform it into a hyper-personalized digital advocate. “This product cannot exist without AI,” Haen says. “It’s central to the function of the technology.” 

Each child receives an individualized model that can differentiate assignments automatically, surface therapy strategies in real time, and adapt as the child moves between environments. That level of synthesis is far beyond what educators and therapists can manually coordinate, especially given limited staffing. AI allows Ama AI to do the heavy lifting of analyzing, reconciling, and deploying tailored support instantly. 

Karri sees this as the beginning of a broader transformation. In a marketplace flooded with “GPT wrapper” tools, she stresses the difference between simple workflow shortcuts and AI systems that tackle meaningful, complex problems. Ama AI uses multiple model providers to build a more comprehensive capability. “If you can run with the major AI platforms like OpenAI and apply them to a specific, real-world problem, that’s the best approach,” she notes. “They’re not slowing down.” 

Karri’s son Ethan using Ama AI.

That rapid pace also brings challenges. Families and schools often struggle to differentiate between exaggerated marketing claims and tools with genuine proof of concept. As a result, Ama AI is leaning heavily on pilots and partnerships with therapy organizations and schools to validate the technology in authentic environments. Early support through NewSchools Venture Fund and the USDA SBIR program is helping accelerate this research, including taking the system off the computer screen and into simple robotics for children who benefit from tactile, real-world interaction. 

With growing demand and a crowded AI marketplace, Karri is focused on building credibility through partnerships, which is where the greater entrepreneurial community can support her venture. The company is actively seeking therapy organizations and schools interested in piloting the platform. Investment conversations are also underway as Ama AI pushes toward its long-term vision: an assistive technology that stays with a child throughout their day, helping build independence through consistent, portable support. 

Want to know how you can support Ama AI?

Ama AI is currently seeking therapy organizations or schools interested in piloting the platform (USDA pilot funding is available). Reach out to karri@narratear.com to connect.