$3.2M Wellcome Grant for Kids Help Phone AI Project

Dr. Naimul Khan is the TMU lead on a $3.2 million Wellcome-funded project in partnership with Kids Help Phone to develop a generative AI simulator for crisis responder training.

The project creates a prototype trained on 750,000+ de-identified KHP transcripts to generate realistic youth crisis scenarios. This allows volunteers to practice in a safe environment with real-time performance feedback aligned with KHP’s clinical standards — before working directly with young people. The model will be tested internationally and shared globally through Child Helpline International.

Young people serve as co-applicants and participate in prototype development to ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy.

Read the full announcement: TMU Media Release