Sizzle AI and the Rise of the AI Study Companion with Jerome Pesenti

Jun 30, 2025

Jerome Pesenti, founder of Sizzle AI and an AI expert with 25 years in the field, discusses the transformative impact of AI on learning. He highlights how Sizzle AI turns study materials into personalized, bite-sized content, enhancing student engagement. Jerome shares his journey from big tech to focusing on education and explores the future of homework in the AI era. He emphasizes the potential of AI as a lifelong study companion, adapting learning paths to individual needs and fostering real understanding beyond mere answers.

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INSIGHT

Sizzle Creates Personalized Study Paths

Sizzle AI turns a study guide into a personalized study plan with bite-sized activities.
It optimizes pacing and makes studying feel manageable like Duolingo for test prep.

INSIGHT

Using AI Engagement for Learning

Jerome left big tech to apply AI engagement techniques to learning.
He wants to use bite-sized content to make learning both effective and engaging.

INSIGHT

AI Breaks Down Learning Content

Sizzle breaks content into key skills and knowledge components using AI.
Users practice concepts through interactive, streaming bite-sized exercises.

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Jerome Pesenti is the founder of Sizzle AI, an AI-for-learning company whose mission is to make learning amazing for everyone. Jerome has worked in AI for the past 25 years, including as VP of AI at Meta, co-CEO of BenevolentAI, VP at IBM Watson, and co-founder of Vivisimo (sold to IBM).

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Sizzle AI uses bite-sized, adaptive learning to help students study more effectively.
Why Jerome left big tech to tackle educational challenges with AI.
The evolving role of homework and assessments in the age of generative AI.
How AI can personalize learning paths and study plans for individual learners.
The future vision for AI as a lifelong learning companion across school, work, and personal interests.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:21] Sizzle AI turns study guides into personalized learning paths.
[00:03:10] Jerome shares why he left Meta to focus on AI for learning.
[00:05:45] Test prep mode boosts readiness with smart study plans.
[00:06:51] Students love Sizzle for making hard content manageable.
[00:08:18] Gamification features are coming soon to enhance engagement.
[00:09:16] Why Sizzle chose a direct-to-learner approach over schools.
[00:11:00] AI shows steps, not just answers, to promote real learning.
[00:14:36] AI can assess student readiness, not just complete tasks.
[00:17:29] Future of testing: both AI-assisted and AI-free formats.
[00:20:14] Sizzle already supports learning beyond the classroom.
[00:23:04] The role of personality in AI study companions.
[00:25:03] Using data to drive learning science at scale.

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