UVU Graduate Students Launch AI-Developed Toothpaste Brand KLYYR
Brothers Ben and Will Wright leveraged their Applied AI degree program to accelerate the development of their new dental care venture.
Graduate students at Utah Valley University (UVU) have launched a toothpaste business developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The venture demonstrates a shift in how academic research is being translated into commercial products through the use of generative tools.
Founders Ben and Will Wright, brothers enrolled in UVU's Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program, used AI to build their company, KLYYR. According to reports from KSL News, the duo integrated AI into several critical stages of the startup process, including researching ingredient science and comparing various formulations. The technology was also employed to explore current consumer trends and develop the overall branding for the product.
The Role of Applied AI in Entrepreneurship
This project is a direct application of the curriculum within UVU's Applied AI program, which focuses on the practical implementation of machine learning and generative models. Rather than using AI solely for administrative tasks, the Wright brothers applied the technology to the technical aspects of product development. By automating the initial phases of market research and chemical formulation analysis, the students were able to compress the timeline typically required to move from a conceptual idea to a physical product.
Lowering Barriers to Entry
The emergence of KLYYR highlights a broader trend where AI lowers the barrier to entry for student entrepreneurs. Traditionally, developing a consumer packaged good requires significant upfront capital for market analysis and specialized consultants for formulation. By utilizing AI to synthesize complex data and identify market gaps, student founders can now perform high-level strategic planning and product iteration with fewer resources, allowing them to compete more effectively with established brands.
Future Implications for Academic Startups
As more universities integrate applied AI into their graduate programs, the pipeline from classroom to commerce is expected to accelerate. The KLYYR case serves as a blueprint for how generative AI can be used not just for content creation, but for the scientific and strategic foundations of a business. Observers will be watching to see if this model of AI-driven product development leads to a surge in niche consumer brands launched directly from academic environments.