Tech Spark AI raises $1.4 million to create ChatGPT alternative

Artificial intelligence company Tech Spark AI announced on Wednesday a $1.4 million pre-seed round to build out a new generative AI platform called Spark Plug. The round was led by TD Bank, with participation from Salesforce, Canada’s government and NBA Canada.

Tech Spark AI is based in Toronto and was founded by Tamar Huggins 8 years ago to develop school curricula for Black and brown students across North America. This eventually led to the idea of creating a more personalized experience for students.

She created the product with her 13-year-old daughter, Talia Grant. It seeks to be a Black-owned alternative to current AI search platforms, mainly ChatGPT. Spark Plug has partnered with educational institutions in the U.S. and Canada, with a particular focus on schools within underserved Black and Brown communities.