EXHIBIT: MIKO THE MEERKAT
Species: Digital Meerkat
Role: Museum Guide & Storyteller
Special Abilities: Sparking Curiosity
Field Notes: Meet Miko
Miko is a one-of-a-kind digital meerkat with a passion for turning museum visits into thrilling adventures! Emerging from her virtual burrow, she's on a mission to make art, history, and science come alive for young explorers. With her warm, cheerful personality and knack for storytelling, Miko transforms every exhibit into a journey of discovery.
Observed Behaviors:
- Transforms exhibits into fun, kid-friendly stories
- Adapts her approach for explorers of all ages
- Inspires curiosity with playful energy and questions
- Encourages connections to everyday life
About MuseKat
MuseKat is an innovative, AI-powered educational platform designed to inspire screen-free exploration and curiosity in children and parents alike. Centered around museums and cultural sites, the platform provides an interactive, audio-first learning experience.
By taking photos of exhibits and descriptions, users receive age-tailored, engaging stories narrated by Miko the Meerkat, a playful digital guide. MuseKat works in any museum worldwide, and registered users can create personalized profiles based on children's age, interests, and learning preferences.
Musekat takes learning beyond the classroom, igniting curiosity in even the youngest explorers and inspiring them to ask questions about the world around them. Curiosity calls!
Bethany Crystal | Founder & Chief Curiosity Officer
Bethany Crystal is a seasoned leader at the intersection of technology, education, and community building. With over 15 years of experience spanning startups, venture capital, and nonprofits, she has worked with organizations like Union Square Ventures and Tech:NYC to drive innovative initiatives that expand access to technology and empower learners. Her career includes building scalable grant programs at the Uniswap Foundation, launching the Decoded Futures initiative to integrate AI in nonprofit learning, and designing tech-forward programs for NYC schools.
As the founder of MuseKat, Bethany is reimagining how families experience museums and cultural spaces. Inspired by her background in workforce development and her own parenting journey, she created Miko the meerkat—a playful, interactive guide that helps kids explore exhibits in a fun, personalized way.