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High-school friends create AI companion for mental wellness

· 3 min read· 4 weeks ago

Rene Myrie and Francine Forbes, who forged a friendship during their high school years in Jamaica, have leveraged their combined professional expertise to develop Choobi, a mental health support tool that harnesses artificial intelligence technology. The two entrepreneurs, whose partnership spans more than twenty years since they first met as students, have channeled their collaborative experience into creating a digital companion designed specifically to support users' mental wellness needs.

The creation of Choobi represents a convergence of personal connection and professional ambition. What began as a high school friendship in Jamaica evolved into a shared vision for addressing mental health challenges through innovative technology. The pair's longstanding relationship provided a foundation of trust and shared values that informed their approach to developing a mental health solution. Their decision to work together professionally demonstrates how enduring personal bonds can translate into meaningful business ventures aimed at serving broader communities.

Mental wellness initiatives have become increasingly important in recent years, with many individuals seeking accessible support for emotional and psychological health. Digital mental health tools have gained prominence as technology offers new avenues for people to access wellness resources, particularly in regions where traditional mental health services may be limited or costly. By creating an AI-powered companion, Myrie and Forbes have positioned themselves within a growing sector focused on democratizing mental health support through technology-driven solutions.

The artificial intelligence component of Choobi suggests that the platform employs computational methods to provide personalized interactions and support to users. AI-powered wellness companions typically operate by learning from user interactions, adapting responses to individual needs, and providing consistent availability for those seeking mental health guidance. This technological approach enables continuous access to support, a significant advantage for users who may benefit from immediate assistance during moments of psychological distress or when they need to process their thoughts and emotions.

High-school friends create AI companion for mental wellness
Photo by Andreea Munteanu on Unsplash

The Jamaican context of the founders' background adds notable significance to their work. Jamaica, like many Caribbean nations, faces documented challenges related to mental health access and awareness. The development of a mental wellness tool by two accomplished Jamaicans positions Choobi within conversations about addressing health disparities and creating locally-informed solutions to regional challenges. The founders' understanding of their home country's unique cultural and social landscape likely informed their approach to mental health support design.

Myrie and Forbes represent a model of entrepreneurship in which long-term personal relationships and professional development intersect productively. Their journey from high school classmates to collaborative business partners reflects trends in which established networks and mutual understanding facilitate successful venture creation. The stability of their two-decade friendship presumably contributed to their ability to navigate the complex process of developing and launching a new technology product.

The emergence of Choobi also highlights the expanding role of artificial intelligence in healthcare and wellness sectors. As AI technology continues to advance and becomes more accessible, entrepreneurs and professionals across various backgrounds are exploring applications that could improve quality of life. Mental health, an area historically marked by barriers to access and stigma, represents an important domain for such innovation.

The partnership between Myrie and Forbes demonstrates how professional achievements can grow from personal foundations. Their creation of Choobi addresses a pressing societal need while simultaneously representing a significant milestone in their individual careers and their continued collaboration. As digital mental health tools gain wider adoption and acceptance, ventures like Choobi may prove instrumental in expanding mental wellness support to populations that might otherwise lack access to traditional mental health services.

Source: Lead Stories | Published: Tue, 25 Aug 2026 05:06:18

Image: Photo by Karl Callwood on Unsplash

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