A 13-year-old student named Zhu Shuhan from Shanghai has launched an AI-powered application called Zai Chang aimed at helping students stay focused on their homework. In just three days, the app received 86 orders, generating revenue of ¥18,295 (approximately $2,700), according to local media.

Zhu Shuhan at the Markethon competition in Hangzhou. Source: Jiefang Daily.

The application utilizes a computer or smartphone camera to monitor when a child becomes distracted, leaves their study space, or starts using their phone. When such behavior is detected, a "virtual parent" appears on the screen to remind the child to refocus. After each study session, the app generates a report on the user's concentration levels.

To create the digital character, users simply upload a photo of a parent. The camera takes periodic snapshots, which are sent to the cloud for analysis. Zhu emphasized that images are deleted after processing, and no continuous video recording occurs.

Zhu's younger brother, who is preparing to enter primary school, was the first to test the Zai Chang app.

Inspiration from Personal Experience

With her parents often busy at work, Zhu frequently has to complete her homework independently. She admitted that she sometimes gets distracted by her phone during these times.

Before developing the app, she surveyed her classmates, many of whom reported similar struggles.

"When I do my homework, I inevitably get distracted and secretly play on my phone. That’s why I wanted to create a digital 'clone' of my parents," Zhu explained.

Initially, the service featured an "angry mom" function that would notify parents if their child became distracted. However, Zhu later decided to remove these features, opting instead for gentle reminders.

"I don't like to tattle. I want [Zai Chang] to be softer and allow the child some space," she stated.

Zhu was introduced to AI around a year ago and learned the technology on her own. Her father mentioned that she utilized educational websites and available online tools, asking a chatbot for clarification on questions she found confusing.

While she lacks formal programming skills, Zhu developed Zai Chang by describing tasks to a large language model in simple terms. The AI assisted in structuring the app's logic and generating code, which Zhu then tested and debugged herself.

However, the sources do not specify which AI services she utilized.

Project Earned Approximately $2,700 in Three Days

From August 21 to 23, Zhu showcased Zai Chang at the Markethon competition in Hangzhou, which featured 59 teams, with outcomes based on actual product sales.

She completed the working version of the app just a day before the event. During her first public demonstration, she encountered some difficulties, including forgetting her account credentials and a delay in one of the system notifications.

Despite these challenges, her project secured third place. Throughout the competition, users placed 86 orders totaling ¥18,295 (~$2,700), and Zhu received ¥5,000 (~$740) as a prize.

Source: Jiefang Daily.

An annual subscription to the service was priced at ¥99 (~$15), while a lifetime subscription cost ¥199 (~$30).

Over 60 orders were placed online, with Zhu's mother assisting in promoting the product through live streams and short videos on social media. Zhu herself participated in these broadcasts, answering questions from potential customers, and sold more than ten subscriptions directly to event attendees.

Following the Markethon, Zhu continued to refine the app, monitoring usage statistics daily through an administrative panel and gathering customer feedback via the Chinese messaging app WeChat.

It is worth noting that China launched a national plan in April to integrate artificial intelligence into education, encompassing schools, universities, and vocational training.