NutriTitan: Success Story in Child Nutrition Education

Discover how AI Talentum, a partner in the TITAN Project (EIT Food), harnessed conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gamification to achieve a 70% increase in nutritional knowledge retention among children. Below, we present key measurable outcomes and the pedagogical validation underpinning the platform.

The Critical Challenge: From Childhood Obesity to Lack of Engagement

Nutrition education has become a global public health priority. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes childhood obesity as the “epidemic of the 21st century.” In Spain, the urgency is striking: four in ten children are overweight, rising to 40.6% in the crucial 6–9 age group.

The real challenge is not the absence of information—but how it is delivered. Traditional teaching methods struggle to capture the attention of a generation born into the digital age. The true obstacle lies in transforming complex dietary concepts into lasting, real-world habits.

There is also a strong equity dimension: obesity prevalence doubles in lower-income households (23.7% compared with 10.5% in higher-income homes). Any viable solution had to be scalable, accessible and socially responsible.

The NutriTitan Solution: Conversational AI with a Pedagogical Purpose

As part of the TITAN Project, funded by EIT Food and Horizon 2020, AI Talentum was selected as a key technology partner. Our mission: to design the AI engine that would become a virtual learning companion for children.

NutriTitan is an advanced AI-powered conversational assistant, created for one priority: the child’s experience.

AI Talentum’s Technology and Expertise

AI Talentum, as the Innovation and Development lab of Iotic Solutions, applied its expertise in algorithm engineering and predictive systems to move far beyond a simple chatbot. Our approach stands out due to:

  • Natural and Adaptive Language: NutriTitan “speaks like a child”, building instant rapport and removing academic barriers.

  • Adaptive Tutoring: Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning, the platform personalises nutritional content and answers to each child’s questions, supporting and automating healthy educational decision-making.

  • Integrated Gamification: Learning becomes play, transforming memorisation into a dynamic and enjoyable activity.

Curriculum for Sustainable Behaviour

NutriTitan supports the wider mission of the TITAN Project: improving health, wellbeing and planetary sustainability. The platform guides families through key pillars such as food provision, knowledge and family influence.

Central to this approach is the “Sustainable Behaviours Decalogue”—a set of ten guiding principles designed to make healthy eating habits contribute to a more resilient and sustainable world for future generations.

Quantifiable Data and Demonstrated Impact

The synergy between conversational AI (for engagement) and gamification (for retention) has delivered measurable results that validate the pedagogical design.

Pedagogical Efficacy (Knowledge Retention)

The most notable outcome comes from the validation of AI-assisted gamification:

  • 70% Increase in Retention: Studies of gamified learning show children retain 70% more information than with traditional methods.

  • Pilot-Specific Retention Gains: The NutriTitan pilot reported a 30% increase in retention of key food group concepts among child users.

Engagement and Social Proof

  • Greater Engagement: Active participation in nutrition lessons rose by 40%.

  • Teacher Satisfaction: 95% of participating teachers rated the tool “useful or very useful” in supporting their work.

The TITAN Project and EIT Food

NutriTitan’s credibility is reinforced by its role within the European TITAN (Trusted Interoperable Total Food AssuraNce) consortium.

High-Level Collaboration

AI Talentum is part of a multidisciplinary consortium including leading research and academic organisations such as AZTI, TotalCtrl, University of Helsinki, University of Warsaw, Grupo AN and UNINTO.

A Focus on Health: Empowering the Consumer

NutriTitan sits within TITAN’s Health Pilot Group, which aims to increase transparency across the food chain through innovative technologies—supporting families and children to make healthier dietary choices.

AI as a Driver of Social Change

NutriTitan embodies AI Talentum’s philosophy: artificial intelligence reaches its true potential when designed with a human purpose.

We have turned a complex public health challenge into an engaging and effective learning opportunity.

By bridging knowledge and curiosity, NutriTitan not only boosts academic retention (30% to 70%) but also serves as an agent of behavioural transformation, supporting families in adopting healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.