#Interview
“Education providers are sitting on large amounts of static content that they need to modernize. This is exactly where we come in by automating the transformation of content into interactive learning offerings,” says Antong Yin, founder of the AI learning platform acemate.
Behind acemate from Berlin there is an “AI learning platform for students and educators”. The startup’s based software, founded in 2024 by Antong Yin, Jan Tiegges and Paul Herman (CPO), analyzes lecture materials and uses them to create tailor-made learning materials such as summaries and exams – including solutions.
In an interview with deutsche-startups.de, acemate maker Antong Yin looks back in detail on the past year.
2025 is just over. What was the highlight for you in the last few months?
Clearly the jump from the pure university context into the breadth of vocational training. In 2025, we proved that our solution not only works as a learning platform for students, but also as a scalable infrastructure for large education providers. A particularly important milestone was the use of our technology in the IHK network. For us, this is not only a major operational step, but also a clear signal from the market: Established educational institutions are actively looking for ways to bring their extensive, often static materials into the AI age. And this is exactly where acemate provides the right infrastructure. We have also secured our financing needs in 2025 through angel investors and funding programs. A crucial partner in this is AI NATION: We are currently part of their accelerator program and have been supported by them since it was founded.
What didn’t go well for you in 2025?
We had to learn that the higher education market is not the ideal environment for quick decisions. The administrative processes are often long, unpredictable and difficult to plan. Initially, we were able to conclude deals at the department level with renowned universities in a very short time, which made us very optimistic. But the decision-making processes at higher levels turned out to be much tougher and more bureaucratic, which is why we adapted our growth strategy: Today we are focusing more on product-led growth in higher education through our free version and are concentrating our sales resources on customer segments that decide and implement more quickly – such as companies and training providers.
Which project is at the top of your agenda in 2026?
In spring 2026 we will focus primarily on the nationwide rollout with the IHKs. Our platform is intended to become an integral part of the IHK’s further training offering – in higher vocational training and in adaptation training. We are in the middle of integration and are already running the first courses. For us, this collaboration is the greatest lever for noticeably modernizing continuing vocational training in Germany and aligning it more closely with the needs of learners. In the course of this, we are expanding our focus from pure learning applications to complete AI infrastructure. In the future, we will cover the entire value chain: from the creation and curation of new content to central course management and digital distribution.
What are your economic expectations for 2026?
The education market is currently changing massively. Since the pandemic, the trend towards hybrid and digital formats has increased in all areas of education. At the same time, AI creates the first opportunity to make personalized learning widely accessible. Education providers are stuck with large amounts of static content that they need to modernize. This is exactly where we start by automating the transformation of content into interactive learning offerings. With acemate we want to offer the best solution on the market and use the momentum. In short: We are moving confidently into 2026, with a clear focus on sustainable, product-driven growth.
What do you personally have planned for 2026?
2025 was a very intense year for me personally. We made good progress, but there was little room for relaxation and personal interests. For 2026, I have decided to take more time for the things that have recently been neglected: reading, sports, music as well as friends and family. I can put the energy I get from this to good use in my everyday life as a founder.
Tip: You can find more reviews and outlooks in our Annual review.
Startup jobs: Looking for a new challenge? In ours Job exchange You will find job advertisements from startups and companies.
