26/08/2025
Generative AI has progressed beyond solitary applications. While the majority of platforms serve as personal assistants, researchers at The Education University of Hong Kong are leading a novel initiative: collaborative AI that fosters connection rather than separation.
From Solo to Social
Dr. Ting Sze Thou Fridolin's team has created YoChatGPT!, an AI-driven chatroom that recently earned a Silver award at Inventions Geneva 2025 and a Silver Medal at Silicon Valley International Invention Festival 2025. This platform redefines AI from a solitary instrument into a cooperative environment for group learning and problem-solving.
"When ChatGPT was introduced in 2022, I recognized the challenge of teaching students to actively utilize generative AI together," Dr. Ting reflects. "They were unable to prompt alongside me or view each other's responses from GenAI on a single screen. This is the reason we developed YoChatGPT!"
When Group Discussion Meets AI
The platform combines familiar group chat interfaces with large language models such as GPT or DeepSeek. Users can co-prompt, co-learn, and co-solve problems in real-time or asynchronously across time zones.
Smart Features for Smarter Learning
Key features encompass Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and support for multiple LLMs, enabling users to discuss effectively incorporating uploaded materials, such as lecture notes, curriculum guides, or drafts. "Just as students gain from various textbooks or instructors, they also enhance their learning through multiple AI models," Dr. Ting observes.
Collective Intelligence Over Individual Output
While education remains central, YoChatGPT! is expanding into law, medicine, marketing, and research. Enterprise deployments with human-in-the-loop verification ensure privacy and accountability for sensitive applications.
YoChatGPT!'s philosophy challenges the individual-focused AI paradigm. In an optimization-obsessed digital world, the team champions collective intelligence. "We're just at the beginning," he says. "As more people discover how generative AI can be used in group settings, we want to be there to support that journey."
