Fluency in English is a common hurdle for many non-native speakers, despite their literacy in the language. In India, students and professionals alike struggle to express themselves confidently in English. This challenge was recognized by four IIT-BHU graduates, who decided to develop a solution. Their creation, Stimuler, is a voice-first, AI-powered app designed to help ESL (English as a Second Language) learners find their voice and speak English fluently. Launched in 2022, Stimuler is revolutionizing how users practice spoken English by offering realistic phone conversations and personalized feedback.
Stimuler: A Voice-First AI Tutor for ESL Learners
Stimuler’s unique approach focuses not on literacy, but on fluency, addressing the critical issue that many learners face—the inability to speak English confidently. The app simulates real phone conversations, allowing users to engage in voice-based interactions with an AI bot. After each session, the app provides detailed feedback across several parameters, including pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, emotional tone, and more. This AI-driven learning experience aims to improve users’ spoken English skills, focusing on aspects often overlooked in traditional learning methods.
How Stimuler Works: Personalized Feedback and Practice
Unlike many language-learning tools that rely on chatbots or text-based exercises, Stimuler uses speech recognition technology to evaluate pronunciation, fluency, and regional accents. After each phone call simulation, users receive a “speech report card” that breaks down their performance in various speech metrics. The app then recommends personalized exercises to address any weaknesses, such as pronunciation issues or vocabulary gaps.
The app’s strength lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive analysis using proprietary AI models. These models assess speech at the phoneme level, making it possible to deliver highly nuanced feedback for users in India, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and other regions. Whether it’s adjusting emotional tone or improving fluency, Stimuler’s feedback engine tailors each session to the learner’s unique needs.
Challenges and Future Plans for Stimuler
Despite its early success, Stimuler faces competition from global players like Speak.com and Praktika. However, the app’s deeptech foundation sets it apart, offering precise feedback and advanced AI-powered exercises that its competitors lack. Stimuler’s in-house AI infrastructure is continually evolving to provide the best possible experience for users.
Looking ahead, Stimuler plans to expand its user base in international markets, particularly in Latin America and Southeast Asia. With a global mission to make spoken English proficiency accessible, the company is investing heavily in product infrastructure, increasing compute capacity, and expanding its engineering team. The team aims to scale its acquisition efforts, especially on platforms like TikTok, to attract users worldwide.
Conclusion
Stimuler’s innovative use of AI to help ESL learners improve their spoken English is transforming how non-native speakers gain fluency. With its AI-powered voice simulations and personalized feedback, it’s providing a valuable solution for learners worldwide. As the app continues to grow and expand, it’s poised to become a leading platform in the English fluency space, offering people the tools they need to speak confidently and fluently. Whether you’re looking to improve your job prospects or just feel more confident in social situations, Stimuler is helping learners find their voice with the power of AI.
