University of Birmingham Press Release

Two student entrepreneurs at the University of Birmingham have developed StudyStash, an innovative learning platform that combines AI and cutting-edge neuroscience to personalise study content and adapt the learning process to each individual's unique needs.

The StudyStash Platform

Founders Ben Ward and Jonathan Graham created StudyStash while revising for their second-year Computer Science exams, based on their own study experiences. They designed the platform to reduce exam stress, boost confidence and improve overall academic performance.

The multilingual StudyStash platform uses AI to analyse lecture notes and course materials to generate a range of bespoke learning and revision aids, including flashcards, tests, games, revision schedules and peer interactions. AI is also used to adapt the learning process to the unique needs and style of each user, with students able to access their personal learning schedule and content 24/7 with mobile devices such as smartphones.

University-Wide Pilot

Supported by the University's student start-up programme, UoB Elevate, the pair have now moved the fledgling business to the next level. University of Birmingham education experts have worked with Ben and Jonathan to design and roll out a year-long, University-wide pilot of the platform, as part of a next stage of the start-up programme UoB Elevate PLUS.

The pilot will involve over 5,000 students in taught modules across a diverse range of subjects including Computer Science, Medicine, Law, Sports Science, Chemical Engineering and Politics.

Benefits for Lecturers and Students

Lecturers can use the platform to identify how well students are engaging with their course and where they may need extra support - helping staff to adapt teaching to improve student attainment and course satisfaction.

Alongside the pilot, researchers will formally analyse the platform's impact on the study experience and academic results - examining how students and staff benefit from the technology and how StudyStash can maximise its impact.

Founder Perspectives

We created StudyStash for ourselves - building the entire platform from scratch - and it helped us get great exam results. The platform has evolved to provide everything students need to smash their exams. It's like having a personal tutor on hand 24/7, learning from how you study and helping you to revise like a pro. The real-world stories from the many thousands of users we've helped to date give us great confidence we can deliver brilliant learning outcomes for students of all abilities and backgrounds.

There's a potentially huge benefit for lecturers - giving them more time to focus on students who need one-to-one support. They also have the option of integrating StudyStash into their teaching programme and tracking students' progress - allowing them to adjust teaching according to their students' needs. This is a real game-changer for the academic teaching community.

The pilot is hugely exciting and offers us an excellent opportunity to explore how we can use education technologies to further enhance student support and the student experience at the University of Birmingham.

Professor Deborah Longworth

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), University of Birmingham

Ben and Jonathan have the skills and passion to build their business, while studying full-time for their degrees. As an alumnus, I'm delighted to guide and support them with a career's worth of experience in the software industry, and hopefully see their business flourish.

Gareth Noyes

StudyStash Advisory Board Member

Advisory Board and Support

High-profile supporters who have joined the young entrepreneurs' business advisory board include US-based alumnus and tech expert Gareth Noyes, Tech WM chair Jason Sahota and University of Birmingham Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Deborah Longworth.

Ben and Jonathan received a Start-up Scholarship - made possible by alumni philanthropy - and support from UoB Elevate in developing their business to become a viable, commercial venture.