Saro, the first motivational AI in education, could reduce university dropout rates in Romania
Picture: © Digital Nation
This innovative solution, developed by Digital Nation with a $700,000 grant from Google.org, aims to support students throughout their academic journey by providing personalized and interactive guidance. Saro is currently being piloted at the Faculty of Marketing at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE), where over 100 students have already agreed to engage with it. Early feedback shows high interest and enthusiasm for the AI assistant.
To evaluate its impact, a joint working group of students and professors has been created within the faculty. The group operates under the leadership of Dean Prof. Dr. Ioana Cecilia Popescu and Vice Dean Prof. Dr. Mihai Ioan Roșca. Their goal is to assess how Saro affects student motivation, academic performance, and satisfaction.
Saro’s core mission is to help reduce university dropout rates, improve student satisfaction, and provide personalized support for up to 1,000 students. Initially available only to Marketing students, the plan is to expand its use to other faculties and programs in the near future.
Beyond the university level, Saro is also set to be introduced in high schools. This expansion is made possible through a collaboration protocol signed between Digital Nation and the Ministry of Education and Research. As part of this effort, high schools interested in using the AI assistant can apply by completing a form available at digitalnation.ro/saro-in-licee until April 30. The selected institutions will be announced in May.
The official launch event was held in the Aula Magna of ASE, gathering over 200 participants, including students, educators, and officials.
Picture: © Digital Nation
Picture: © Digital Nation
Saro uses artificial intelligence to initiate personalized conversations based on each student’s needs and preferences. It helps them stay engaged, motivated, and focused on their goals. The AI assistant encourages regular interaction throughout the semester, supports students with reminders for exams, helps those with backlogs, and guides them in clarifying their career objectives.
Additionally, Saro provides instant answers to administrative questions via WhatsApp, acting as a reliable and accessible digital companion. It also facilitates smoother communication between students and universities by integrating with institutional platforms, such as online gradebooks and learning management systems. The AI can interact through text, voice messages, and even images.
Educators also benefit from the system. By reducing administrative workload and offering relevant data on student progress and engagement, Saro allows professors to provide more targeted and efficient support.
During the launch, Minister of Education Daniel David emphasized the need to embrace technological change while maintaining ethical standards and inclusivity. He stressed that technology should be used responsibly to reduce disparities and ensure that all children, including those from underprivileged areas, have equal access to its benefits.
“We’re living in a new paradigm shaped by rapid technological advancements. The Ministry understands this shift and wants our education system and our children to keep up. This partnership is part of our alignment with the ongoing industrial revolution. However, it’s essential that this progress is guided by ethical principles. Technology is neither good nor bad—it depends on how we use it,” said Minister David.
Source of the cover picture: Academia de Studii Economice din Bucuresti / © ASE, 2025
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