Duolingo CEO Highlights AI's Transformative Role in Education

At an Axios event in Pittsburgh, Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn emphasised the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on education, particularly in language learning. He highlighted how AI enables Duolingo to generate content more rapidly and offer personalised learning experiences, such as practising conversations via video calls with AI—a significant advancement in user engagement.

Von Ahn envisions AI-driven education extending beyond languages to subjects like mathematics, music, and chess, aiming to provide every learner with a personalised tutor. This approach leverages AI to tailor educational content to individual needs, enhancing the learning process.

The event also featured Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, who discussed revitalising the city’s downtown to retain tech industry growth, which initially surged in the 2010s but has since slowed. Sponsored by U.S. Steel, the event included insights from Michael Williams, the company’s vice president of human resources, who spoke on preparing the future workforce by promoting early education in manufacturing and adapting training to the AI era.

These discussions position Pittsburgh—and companies like Duolingo—as pivotal players in integrating AI into education and workforce development, highlighting the city's role in the evolving tech landscape.