Presenting Kuopio Health members: SpeakTX
Transforming speech therapy with SpeakTX
SpeakTX is an innovative online speech therapy platform that provides interactive exercises created by experienced speech therapists. The platform is designed to be adaptable across multiple devices and accessible from any location. By offering engaging and motivational exercises, SpeakTX personalizes therapy sessions, giving users flexibility and control over their progress. The result is a more effective therapy experience that helps individuals achieve faster results.
SpeakTX tackles industry challenges
SpeakTX was founded in 2022 by CEO Andres Mellik. However, its roots go back to 2013 when the platform was initially launched in the Estonian market under the name Kõneravi.ee. Domestic expansion took place in 2020, and by 2022, SpeakTX was ready to enter the international market. The company’s mission is to bridge the growing gap in accessible and personalized speech therapy services, especially for children and patients recovering from strokes or brain trauma.
With around 25 % of children requiring speech therapy support and 64 % of stroke or brain trauma patients needing rehabilitation, SpeakTX tackles several industry challenges, including long waiting times, limited specialist availability, and a shortage of therapy professionals. By offering a flexible, digital solution, SpeakTX ensures that individuals receive the therapy they need regardless of location.
Tailored and personalized excercises
”What sets SpeakTX apart from other speech therapy platforms is its combination of interactive exercises tailored to different age groups and skill levels. The platform is available 24/7, allowing users to practice at their own convenience. Speech therapists can create personalized exercises using 17 different templates, track patient progress, and conduct integrated video consultations. SpeakTX has already demonstrated its effectiveness through a successful pilot project in Estonian kindergartens, where 20 institutions in Tallinn participated”, says Mellik.
Cooperation with experienced therapists
SpeakTX is a web-based platform compatible with computers and tablets. Although it does not currently integrate AI or machine learning, the company is actively exploring advanced technologies that could enhance user experience.
”The effectiveness of SpeakTX stems from its collaboration with experienced speech therapists who design high-quality exercises that meet professional standards. The platform allows specialists to create custom therapy plans based on individual needs, track progress, and adjust exercises accordingly. Real-world validation has demonstrated its success, with a pilot study showing high satisfaction rates: 96.8% found onboarding easy, 90.5% reported time savings, and 93.8% believed SpeakTX contributed to children’s speech development”, Mellik continues.
SpeakTX provides a broad range of exercises targeting pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing. The platform supports children with speech delays, individuals with reading and writing difficulties, and patients needing speech rehabilitation after a stroke or brain injury. Specialists can customize therapy plans, ensuring a tailored approach to each user’s development.
The platform also offers a home-user account option, where parents or patients can access pre-made exercises without requiring immediate therapist intervention. However, users should have an initial diagnosis from a speech therapist to ensure they select the most appropriate exercises.
Real-World impact and enhanced patient outcomes
Feedback from users highlights SpeakTX’s positive impact. Estonian speech therapist Ruuda Lind shares her experience.
“The kids I work with are always very excited when we log in to SpeakTX to do the exercises in class. If I have planned other activities, they immediately ask, ‘Why aren’t we doing the online exercises today? They’re so much fun!’”
SpeakTX contributes to improved patient outcomes by offering structured, engaging exercises that can be accessed anytime. This flexibility allows for more frequent practice, leading to faster progress and a shorter treatment duration. Therapists can track and adjust therapy plans in real-time, ensuring an adaptive and effective approach.
Compared to traditional in-person speech therapy, SpeakTX offers several advantages, including reduced waiting times, increased accessibility in remote areas, and greater involvement of parents and caregivers in the therapy process. By integrating digital solutions into healthcare, SpeakTX extends therapy beyond clinical settings, making it more accessible to those in need.
Collaboration within the healthcare ecosystem
SpeakTX collaborates closely with speech-language pathologists, educators, and healthcare professionals to ensure its exercises meet professional standards. The platform is currently available in multiple languages, including Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Georgian, and German, demonstrating its adaptability across different linguistic and cultural contexts.
”In Estonia, SpeakTX has established long-term partnerships with the speech therapists at Kõneteraapia Keskus in Tartu, who have contributed significantly to content development. The platform’s expansion strategy includes forming partnerships with professionals in every new market it enters, ensuring continuous improvement and relevance”, Mellik adds.
A strategic partnership with Kuopio Health
”SpeakTX became a member of Kuopio Health following an introduction facilitated by the Estonian Connected Health Cluster. We recognized Kuopio Health’s strong ecosystem and its alignment with SpeakTX’s mission. This partnership allows SpeakTX to collaborate with other digital health innovators, expand its presence in the Nordic region, and engage in research initiatives, including a post-doctoral research exchange program funded by the Marie Curie initiative.”
By joining Kuopio Health, we aim to foster cross-border cooperation, access valuable networking opportunities, and contribute to the development of new digital health solutions that enhance speech therapy”, Mellik explains.
New markets and platform development
Looking ahead, SpeakTX plans to expand into new international markets, including Finland, South Africa, and Arabic-speaking regions, while strengthening its presence in existing territories. Future platform developments will focus on enhanced personalization, an expanded exercise library, and AI-driven therapy tools.
A major upcoming update involves improving UI/UX design to ensure greater accessibility for users with disabilities, such as vision or motor impairments. Additionally, the platform will be optimized for mobile use, making it even more accessible for patients and caregivers.
”SpeakTX envisions a future where digital tools play an integral role in speech therapy within both healthcare and education systems worldwide. By combining innovative technology with professional expertise, we are committed to make speech therapy more accessible, efficient, and engaging. The platform’s mission is to empower individuals to overcome communication challenges and reach their full potential in the digital age”, ends Mellik.