Tech Startup Kizoom Receives $500,000 Funding to Teach Children about the Brain

BERKELEY, Calif., Nov. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kizoom, a children's learning company, has received a $500,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH).

The funding will allow the company to continue developing products focused on K-12 neuroscience education, with a key emphasis on explaining neurons and neuroplasticity.

"Every parent wants their child to grow up to be healthy, happy, successful, and wise. The secret ingredient for achieving those goals is brain health," says Erica Warp, Kizoom CEO and neuroscience Ph.D. "Teaching neuroscience and brain health to children has never been more important and we're delighted to be receiving an endorsement and funding from the NIH."

The grant comes on the heels of the release of Kizoom's second product, a mobile app entitled "Brain Jump with Ned the Neuron." The app contains games that challenge memory and concentration skills and stories that explain neuroplasticity. "Brain Jump with Ned the Neuron" is designed for children ages 6 to 11 and is currently available for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Android devices.

Kizoom's mobile apps and product development efforts are in response to research showing that when kids know how the brain works, specifically in connection with improving cognitive functions, they become more motivated and successful learners. Despite the benefits of teaching children about the brain, a recent survey conducted by Kizoom shows that more than 80 percent of parents have never discussed brain health with their kids.

As further testament to the company's objectives, Kizoom has been selected to participate in UC Berkeley's SkyDeck accelerator program for emerging businesses. "We're delighted to be joining the SkyDeck program because UC Berkeley shares our passion for innovation," Warp says. "We look forward to working with the university community to test and promote our products."

To learn more about Kizoom, visit www.kizoomlabs.com and www.facebook.com/Kizoom.

About Kizoom:

Kizoom creates products that inspire children to know and grow their brains. The company believes that a healthy brain is the key to success, happiness, and creativity. Kizoom is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Press Contact:

Drew Combs
[email protected]
(310) 985-1084

SOURCE Kizoom