Coding in the Age of AI: How imagi Is Rethinking Computer Science Education with Dora Palfi

Jan 19, 2026

Dora Palfi, Co-founder and CEO of imagi, is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree with expertise in neuroscience and human-computer interaction. In this discussion, she explores the transformative power of creative coding in education, especially for non-technical students. Dora explains how imagi partners with advanced AI tools like Lovable to enrich curriculum and foster AI literacy. She highlights the innovative concept of 'vibe coding' and shares inspiring classroom examples, showcasing how coding can spark creativity across diverse subjects.

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ANECDOTE

From Research Labs To EdTech Founder

Dora Palfi started coding to do neuroscience research after being asked to use a terminal and data analysis tools during a summer project.
Her path from science to UX to tech and teaching inspired Imagi to make CS education accessible for all backgrounds.

INSIGHT

Bring Professional AI Tools Into Classrooms

Imagi partners with professional AI tools rather than rebuilding mediocre replicas to keep pace with fast-changing industry capabilities.
They pair that access with safety, compliance, and curriculum design so schools can use cutting-edge tools responsibly.

ADVICE

Use Short Projects To Drive Adoption

Design bite-sized, project-based activities that show tangible results in a single class to win teacher buy-in.
Provide PD focused on fundamentals and computational thinking, not just tool training, so teachers feel confident to implement.

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Dora Palfi is the Co-founder and CEO of imagi, an edtech company reimagining computer science education through creative coding and AI. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Dora has a background in neuroscience, human-computer interaction, and technology, and is a passionate advocate for equitable access to future-ready skills.

Special note: Free access to the Lovable × imagi collaboration has been extended through March 31, giving educators and students more time to explore professional AI tools in real classroom settings.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why creative coding can unlock computer science for students who don’t see themselves as “technical”
How imagi partners with cutting-edge AI tools like Lovable to bring real-world tech into classrooms
What “vibe coding” teaches students about AI literacy, prompting, and debugging
How AI enables truly cross-curricular learning across subjects like history, art, and storytelling
Why constraints, scaffolding, and design thinking are essential for meaningful AI-powered learning

✨ Episode Highlights
[00:02:40] Dora Palfi on how education and coding changed her life—and inspired imagi
[00:07:13] Why imagi partners with professional AI tools instead of building replicas
[00:10:55] Making AI classroom-ready: compliance, safety, and curriculum design
[00:19:05] “Constraints breed creativity”: reframing coding as a creative act
[00:21:03] Real classroom examples—from Harry Potter sorting hats to interactive art projects
[00:27:40] Vibe coding, entrepreneurship, and preparing students for an AI-native future

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This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

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