BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 23, 2025 / Thinkifi has announced the formation of a new advisory board as the company prepares to launch its initial product in fall 2025. The board includes four seasoned professionals with diverse expertise: Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, Nathanial Langman, Sherry Brennan, and Bill Allen.

The company's growing momentum is a reflection of its strong leadership team. Ken Allen, Founder and CEO, brings over 25 years of experience in technology and strategic advisory, and is the driving force behind Thinkifi's mission to foster respectful, evidence-based dialogue in academic settings. Supporting product development is Dan Hirsch, Thinkifi's CTO, a seasoned technologist with a Ph.D. in Computer Science, who is focused on building scalable systems that support safe and structured conversations.

Meet the Advisory Board

Walter Sinnott-Armstrong is the Chauncey Stillman Distinguished Professor of Practical Ethics in the Philosophy Department at Duke University. His expertise in the ethical implications of AI and deep experience with campus culture add a foundational voice to the team.

"Walter brings the invaluable perspective of a professor, which is critical as we develop our MVP for higher education institutions," said Ken Allen. "His background in ethics and philosophy, and his deep understanding of how students engage with ideas, is incredibly aligned with our mission."

Nathanial Langman brings technical leadership from his current role in agentic AI at AWS.

"Nathanial provides us with unmatched product and engineering insight as we build a system that's equal parts robust and intuitive," Ken Allen explained.

Sherry Brennan, a senior media executive and seasoned board advisor, joins them.

"Sherry understands what makes media products successful, especially when it comes to business models and sustainable growth," Ken Allen pointed out. "Her advice will be crucial as we navigate product-market fit and scale."

Bill Allen, a retired CEO with decades of business leadership experience, is also on the advisory board.

"Bill gives us the lens of a seasoned executive who has built and led organizations through every phase of growth," Ken Allen added. "He's a mentor and a steadying force."

Launching a Platform for Civil, Safe, and Trusted Dialogue

As the advisory board steps in to guide development, Thinkifi is simultaneously preparing for its initial product launch. The company's new platform will offer students, faculty, and academic institutions a structured space for civil, evidence-based dialogue.

"There is a crisis in the way we talk to one another, especially online," Ken Allen emphasized. "Too often, conversations devolve into unproductive shouting matches. Thinkifi is here to change that by providing a "marketplace of ideas" where different viewpoints can be safely and respectfully explored."

The platform caters to classroom and campus-wide discussions. Ken explained how it allows users to explore complex topics, exchange diverse ideas, and do so in a trusted, moderated environment: "We designed Thinkifi from the ground up to create thoughtful, courageous conversations. That starts with creating the right structure and technology. Our values - Trust, Respect, Empathy, and Courage - are at the heart of everything we do."

Targeting Higher Education First

The initial focus will be on colleges and universities. Thinkifi is partnering with select academic institutions for a pilot this fall.

"Students are hungry for spaces where they can express ideas freely, without fear," Ken Allen concluded. "Our goal is to enhance the learning experience and encourage rigorous, respectful conversations."

Thinkifi's proprietary conversation formats borrow from the world of debate, while its AI tools help keep discussions civil and on track. The result is a collaborative platform tailored for learning, problem-solving, and community building.

As part of its broader rollout strategy, Thinkifi is currently raising capital to accelerate development and expand its impact in higher education.

About Thinkifi

Thinkifi is a software platform for civil discourse focused on delivering enhanced learning outcomes for students. It is designed to inspire safe, respectful, and trusted conversations across a variety of different perspectives and viewpoints. Focusing on higher education, Thinkifi empowers students and educators to explore issues that matter through structured discussions, smart moderation, and a culture focused on meaningful dialogue.

Contact Information

Company: Thinkifi
Website: https://thinkifi.com
Email: info@thinkifi.com
Address: Boston, Massachusetts

SOURCE: Thinkifi