Turning Insight into Innovation
ParenTalk, a start-up dedicated to supporting working parents, partnered with the Walton Institute at South East Technological University (SETU) to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI)—specifically Natural Language Processing (NLP)—could power a smarter, more scalable version of their wellbeing platform.
The goal? To determine the technical feasibility of building a voice-driven AI assistant that provides evidence-based guidance to parents dealing with everything from early childhood concerns to teenage challenges.
This collaboration laid the groundwork for ParenTalk’s next stage of development, including commercialisation, funding applications, and the creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
“The level of domain expertise and technical advice from Walton really enabled me to figure out what features are required to pilot and commercialise the ParenTalk AI platform.”
Camilla Marks, Founder & Director, ParenTalk
Partnership in Practice
The collaboration began with a Digital Scoping Consultation through the ICS Technology Gateway at Walton Institute. This was followed by a six-week project involving one-on-one consultation between Camilla Marks, founder of ParenTalk and the James O’Rourke, Software Research Engineer at Walton Institute.
The partnership drew on the strengths of the Mobile Ecosystem & Pervasive Sensing (MEPS) division at Walton Institute, whose researchers specialise in AI and NLP system design. SETU researchers provided a technical needs assessment; evaluation of suitable Large Language Models (LLMs); recommendations on platform architecture, feature classification, and module design; guidance on legal, ethical and GDPR compliance
“Working with ParenTalk embodies true collaboration—taking a concept and growing it alongside such a passionate client made the journey as rewarding as the outcome.”
Jim Prendergast, Business Development Executive, Walton Institute
From Concept to Commercial Opportunity
The project helped ParenTalk:
- Translate complex technical concepts into a clear product roadmap
- Identify real-world use cases and user experience elements
- Prepare for a High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Feasibility Project
- Understand the risks and responsibilities tied to AI implementation, including data privacy and ethical use
The result is a platform strategy that is not only innovative, but responsible and scalable, with long-term potential for positive social impact. With the success of this feasibility phase, ParenTalk will continue working with SETU to develop a working prototype, an innovation with potential for both national and global impact.
