USC

Toptal helps USC launch AI-powered mental health chatbot to support 40,000+ students.

The University of Southern California needed expert development talent to build a scalable, student-focused wellness platform powered by AI.

Client

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private university in Los Angeles recognized for its strong academics, research, and influential alumni network.

Industry

Educational Services

Delivered Services

Artificial Intelligence Services

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Challenge

USC set out to create a mobile app that could provide 24/7 support and offer an authentic, conversational interface through an AI-powered chatbot. To bring this vision to life, USC needed specialized software development expertise—particularly in AI and chatbot integration.

Solution

Leveraging generative AI

USC partnered with Toptal to build Ask Ari, a first-of-its-kind mental health chatbot designed to interact with students in a personalized and supportive way. The tool applies generative AI to deliver on-demand, contextually relevant resources based on individual mental health needs.

Expertly matched development team

Toptal assembled a highly specialized team of software engineers with deep experience in AI, chatbot interfaces, and cross-platform development. Working closely with USC’s Institute for Creative Technologies, the team ensured seamless collaboration, translating vision into execution with precision and care.

Outcome

24/7 support for a diverse student population

With Ask Ari, USC successfully launched a platform that offers continuous mental health support, expanding student access to wellness tools anytime, anywhere. The app empowers students to engage proactively with their mental health in a format that feels accessible and authentic.

A scalable platform for student wellbeing

Toptal’s AI expertise helped USC go beyond a traditional mental health resource—creating a smart, responsive platform that evolves with student needs. The collaboration not only met USC’s high standards for quality and innovation but also positioned the university as a leader in student mental health support through technology.

Artificial Intelligence Services AI Development Services Generative AI Services Cloud Services UX/UI Design Services Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Development AI Design AI Product Management UX Design

Toptal developers are very reliable. I can’t think of a time that they didn’t accomplish a task that we asked them to accomplish and in record time, to be honest.
Lyndsey Christoffersen
Application Administrator, USC

I’ve worked with Toptal for a number of years in three different companies and have always had phenomenal results. Bringing them to the university was just a natural extension of my experience with them.
Kelly Christoffersen
Senior Software Engineer, USC

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