Samsung Invests in Liner: A Reliable AI Bot for Students and Researchers

In a significant move to support educational technology, Samsung has invested in Liner, an innovative AI search engine tailored specifically for students and academics. With a recent funding round of $29 million (approximately ₹243 crore), Liner is set to enhance its capabilities in providing reliable information retrieval, distinguishing itself from general AI services like ChatGPT.

What is Liner?

Liner is an AI tool that focuses on narrowing searches to credible sources such as academic papers and government databases. Launched last year, it aims to deliver high-quality, trustworthy information for research purposes. The startup, based in Seoul, has gained traction in the United States, boasting around 10 million users, predominantly among higher education institutions like UC Berkeley and Texas A&M.

The Need for Specialized AI

As educational demands evolve, the need for reliable information has never been greater. Traditional AI tools often deliver mixed results, sometimes including irrelevant or low-quality content. In contrast, Liner aims to filter out the noise, ensuring users access only valuable information. According to Liner’s CEO, Luke Jinu Kim, "It's a new type of search engine. There's no junk, only valuable information."

Unique Features of Liner

Liner sets itself apart by utilizing generative AI technology, similar to that used in popular bots like ChatGPT. However, Liner customizes its large language models to focus on the validity and reliability of information. Students can pose complex questions, such as “What are the key literary devices in Hamlet's ‘to be or not to be’ soliloquy?” or “How do you calculate heat loss through a wall based on thermal conductivity?” The tool is designed to cater to various academic disciplines, including medicine, engineering, humanities, and history.

The Journey of Liner

The idea for Liner originated over a decade ago when founders Kim and Chanmin Woo were undergraduates themselves. They initially developed a browser extension to highlight relevant search results. The release of ChatGPT in late 2022 prompted them to create a more focused chatbot that would avoid inaccuracies often seen in general-use AI tools. Their mission has always been to enhance the research experience for students and academics.

Funding and Future Plans

The recent funding round included investors such as Intervest, Atinum Investment, and Samsung Venture, contributing to a total of $33 million raised to date. Liner plans to expand its global team, currently numbering around 40, with additional positions opening up in San Francisco. This growth is crucial as Liner seeks to solidify its presence in the academic sector, where the majority of its paying users reside.

Conclusion

With Samsung's backing, Liner is poised to become a game-changer in the realm of academic research. By providing a reliable AI tool that prioritizes credible sources, Liner aims to transform how students and researchers access information. As the demand for accurate and relevant data continues to rise, Liner's innovative approach could redefine the academic landscape, offering a much-needed solution for today's learners. This partnership highlights a growing trend of integrating advanced technology into education, promising a brighter future for students and educators alike.