Languages Supported
Research Sources
Phonemes Screened
Learning Modules
What is BoloBridge?
BoloBridge is a speech wellness platform for children ages 3 through 12. Its flagship features, a structured speech screening tool and a conversational therapy game (Story Studio), bring triage-level assessment and evidence-based intervention to communities that lack access to speech-language pathologists.
The screening uses ASHA developmental norms to test age-appropriate sounds, run dynamic stimulability probes, and generate personalized risk reports. Story Studio applies the recasting technique (Fan et al., 2025) through conversational role-play, naturally modeling correct speech forms without direct correction. Combined with structured learning modules and daily practice challenges, BoloBridge provides consistent, accessible speech practice grounded in clinical methodology.
About the Developer
BoloBridge was developed by Utkarsh Tannan at the University of Pennsylvania, where he is completing a B.A. in Neuroscience and an accelerated M.S. in Bioengineering, with minors in Health Care Management (Wharton) and Chemistry.
Utkarsh's research spans speech production, infant language acquisition, and clinical neuroscience. At Penn's Infant Language Center (PI: Dr. Daniel Swingley), he automated phoneme transcription pipelines and identified systematic detection failures in gaze-tracking tools affecting 25% of participants. At Boston University's Guenther Lab (PI: Dr. Frank Guenther), he designed speech-motor learning experiments across 350+ participants. He also co-authored a publication in Otology & Neurotology evaluating speech-to-text clinical usability across 29 applications and 140 languages. His clinical experience includes 1,200+ diagnostic neurological procedures and patient navigation for Spanish-speaking families at Puentes de Salud. BoloBridge grew from this intersection of research, clinical exposure, and a commitment to addressing global disparities in pediatric speech-language pathology.
Our Mission
Reducing barriers to early speech screening and structured practice for children worldwide, particularly in underserved and multilingual communities where access to speech-language pathologists remains limited.
Accessible
Designed for low-bandwidth environments and multilingual families, particularly in communities with limited access to speech-language pathology services.
Inclusive
Supporting 6 languages including English, Spanish, Hindi, Afrikaans, Bengali, and Tagalog with culturally relevant content for diverse communities worldwide.
Empowering
Giving families the tools for structured home practice with evidence-based techniques, while encouraging professional consultation when needed.
Research & Sources
Our content is informed by established guidelines and peer-reviewed research in speech-language development. Below are the primary sources referenced. README on GitHub.
Important Disclaimer
BoloBridge is a general wellness and educational application. It is not a medical device, and it does not diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease or condition. BoloBridge is not a substitute for professional speech-language pathology services.
If you have concerns about your child's speech or language development, please consult a licensed speech-language pathologist or your pediatrician.
Content is informed by published research and ASHA developmental norms, but has not been clinically validated as a treatment. The screening tool provides triage-level assessment only and should not replace professional evaluation.