Cancer Council and Miroma Project Factory Launch AI Support for Youth Vaping Cessation

On November 18, 2025, the Miroma Project Factory (MPF) announced the completion of a Technical Feasibility Assessment and a Proof of Concept for an innovative AI-driven vaping cessation tool aimed at young Australians aged 14 to 25. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Cancer Council NSW, seeks to address the rising rates of vaping among youth, offering an alternative to traditional cessation methods that have struggled to connect with younger audiences.

Innovative Approach to Youth Support

The vaping cessation tool is designed as a chatbot that delivers accessible, non-judgmental guidance tailored to the communication styles of young people. It features goal-setting options, personalized messaging, and milestone tracking, creating an experience that resembles a conversation with a peer rather than a formal lecture. According to Kat Robinson, CEO of Miroma Project Factory, “This isn’t about telling young people what to do, it’s about listening to what they need.” The chatbot aims to provide support that feels safe and relatable, addressing the unique challenges faced by young individuals seeking to quit vaping.

Preliminary research conducted by the project team revealed that over 80% of surveyed young people expressed a willingness to use a tool like this if it were available immediately. The research emphasized that young individuals prefer tools that are mobile-friendly, accessible 24/7, and allow for self-check-ins, progress tracking, and encouragement without feelings of shame or pressure. This feedback directly informed the development of the chatbot experience, ensuring it aligns with the needs and preferences of its intended users.

Collaboration and Future Plans

The project’s success has been bolstered by extensive collaboration involving over 150 young Australians, facilitated by Cancer Council NSW, along with support from partners such as U1, MASS LBP, and Avion. The insights gained from this national co-design process have been instrumental in shaping a supportive and youth-led approach to vaping cessation.

As the project advances, the goal is to establish a comprehensive digital platform that meets the diverse needs of young Australians across the country. The vision is to create a national digital service that combines empathy, evidence-based practices, and technology to reduce harm and improve accessibility to support, particularly for those who may not engage with traditional help-seeking methods.

MPF played a crucial role in the strategic technical planning, user experience design, content development, and overall communications strategy for the chatbot prototype. This groundwork is expected to inform future partnerships, funding opportunities, and the scaling of the initiative.

Cancer Council NSW is recognized as a leading not-for-profit organization focused on cancer prevention and support. Its initiatives include research and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing the impact of cancer through various means, including youth engagement in tobacco control and vaping research.

For more information about the project and its future developments, interested parties can reach out to Miroma Project Factory at [email protected] or Tiana Vourliotis at Cancer Council NSW at [email protected].