Lola: Digital career coach for the over-50s continues to grow
"People over 50 deserve better support in the labor market" - with this conviction began a team of young thinkers during the National Think Tank 2023. The result? Lola, an AI-powered digital career coach that uses innovative technology to make career coaching accessible to older job seekers.
Acoach with a mission
Rejections and changing application processes make many over-50s uncertain about their chances in the job market. Lola offers a solution to this. The AI-powered digital coach guides users step by step through their job application process. From an intake interview with a chatbot to practicing job interviews: in just 2 to 4 hours, users gain the tools and self-confidence to successfully apply for a job - much faster and more accessible than with traditional career coaching.
A flying start at New Future Lab
After the National Think Tank, the team behind Lola found a home at New Future Lab's Kickstart Lab program in Delft. Here they received free workspace and valuable support. Thanks to collaborations, such as with the DigiHandig project, the tool was further optimized for people over 50. "New Future Lab gave us the space to experiment and grow. That support was indispensable in the early stages," shares Max Kosian.
From pilot to professionalization
With a grant from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, the team was able to develop the first version of Lola and start a pilot project. Meanwhile, the team is working from Rotterdam and focusing on the next big challenge: finding a sustainable business model.
The future of Lola
The team is exploring several directions to make Lola more widely available: they are considering direct sales to job-seeking people over 50, partnering with agencies such as the UWV, deploying Lola as an HR tool within companies or offering the tool through municipalities to support job-seekers. Although the exact direction is still being determined, the goal remains clear: to make career support accessible through generative AI.
From idea to impact
Lola is more than a digital coach; it is a disruptive solution that is shaking up the career sector. Their departure from our Kickstart Lab proves that a supportive environment and a strong idea can grow into an impactful business. We continue to follow Lola and look forward to their next chapter! Want to learn more about this innovative career coach? Then visit Lola's website: careerlola.com
Possibly also of interest to you
Never too old for a party: students and seniors together in Delft
New Future Lab transfers WIJcafé to 015 Sustainable
