Startup
AI Adventure helps kids learn AI skills
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the world, yet many children are learning about the technology through unguided use.
Milwaukee-based startup AI Adventure, founded in 2025 by Anu Höysniemi, aims to change that by introducing elementary-age students to artificial intelligence through interactive games, storytelling and hands-on activities.
Höysniemi launched the company after seeing firsthand how quickly AI was transforming professional environments. “As a former strategy, analytics and product management executive, I witnessed how fast AI was transforming the workplace,” she said.
At the same time, she was thinking about how technology was shaping her own children’s experiences at home. “I was worried my kids’ screen time, especially low-quality YouTube, wasn’t preparing them for what’s ahead,” she said.
So the family tried something different.
Together they began experimenting with AI tools to create animations, videos, games and digital projects. Over time, Höysniemi noticed a shift in how her children interacted with technology. “The question changed from ‘Can I watch YouTube?’ to ‘Can we use AI to create a new game today?’” she said.
The experience sparked the idea for AI Adventure.
“They were having fun and learning valuable skills like problem-solving, creativity and coding without even realizing it,” Höysniemi said.
Teaching AI through play
AI Adventure offers after-school programs and camps that introduce students to artificial intelligence in an engaging and accessible way. Rather than focusing on lectures or technical instruction, the curriculum uses games and creative exercises to help children understand how AI works.
“We make it fun through play and games,” Höysniemi said.
Students learn both how AI tools function and how to use them responsibly. Activities include building AI-powered games, creating music and exploring machine learning concepts through hands-on exercises. Alongside technical concepts, the program emphasizes broader “future ready” skills.
“We also inspire a lot of critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork because those are the skills that will be extremely important in the AI-driven future,” Höysniemi said.
From consuming technology to creating it
A central goal of AI Adventure is helping children move from passive technology use to active creation. Höysniemi says the shift happens quickly once students see what they can build with AI. Students also learn how AI can support learning.
“We showed them how they can actually use AI to study math,” Höysniemi said. “They got so excited to practice more math and the results were impressive.”
Building momentum through community partnerships
Since launching in 2025, AI Adventure has expanded through partnerships with after-school programs and community organizations. Rather than working directly with school districts, many programs are offered through recreation departments and community partners.
The demand has been strong, and the company has received a steady stream of requests to launch cohorts in new communities. “The kids absolutely love it,” Höysniemi said. “Our retention rate is probably 90 to 100 percent.”
Preparing kids for an AI-driven future
While many countries have begun integrating AI education into school curricula, the topic is not yet part of Wisconsin’s elementary education standards. That gap was another motivation for launching AI Adventure.
Ultimately, Höysniemi believes AI literacy is a foundational skill for the next generation.
“I believe AI is extremely important for the future,” she said. “As important as reading, writing and math.”
To learn more about AI Adventure and see a list of their current offerings, connect with the company here.
