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STARTUPS, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 19 save people time by removing duplicative information. One search with Kazark has the power of at least 10 Google searches, Hontz said. The plat- form presents information from multiple perspectives, including opposing viewpoints, in an easy-to-understand visual format. For example, performing a search about an incident that occurred in Ukraine could yield results that include links to a CNN article and a report from a local Ukrainian news outlet, a post on X (formerly Twitter) from a person on the ground in Ukraine, and an article about the impact on Russian politics. Hontz called the additional sources "contextually relevant dimensions." The algorithms vet news sources, providing only credible information, he said. Kazark also provides users with solutions, such as direct access to organizations that provide aid and relief — what Hontz calls "actionable insights." "With one click, I've got six different perspectives, I have 12 videos, I've got 20 tweets," Hontz said. "I've got multiple expert arti- cles. I'm connected to the groups that are doing something about the issue. I'm able to 'Kazarkify' it." The team Kazark lists Waterbury attorney James Cummings as its chief legal officer and Kim Peratt as its chief experience officer. Hontz said he's also working with a patent attorney in Boston. The business has roughly 10 employees. While the app is still under development, Hontz said some components will be ready for beta testing this year. In addition to news, Kazark's algorithms have applications for e-commerce, business intelligence and travel, Hontz said. "It's called a hub-and-spoke model," Hontz said. "The Kazark hub is the core technology that can be used in multiple appli- cations. The spokes are the different verticals." Kazark also includes a movie app, capable of making movie suggestions based on numerous variables — from the user's favorite director to their mood — with the ability to apply other user-defined filters. "Kazark is a tool that is going to make it easier and more infor- mative for you to make a decision that you can feel good about," Hontz said. www.easternct.edu/visit FALL OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Spend the day exploring our vibrant campus, chatting with passionate faculty, and discovering the perfect program for your future. From cutting-edge facilities to a welcoming community, Eastern has it all.