About LanternScout
Finding what lights them up
Meet the founder
Elly Akhoundi — Machine Learning Researcher at SEED (Electronic Arts), working on ML for games and character animation. Master's in AI, with published research at CVPR. LanternScout is an independent, solo-built project.
Why I built this
As an AI researcher, I wanted to apply modern technology to a real-world frustration. LanternScout (also written as Lantern Scout) uses AI to understand your interests — or those of someone you're searching for — maps them to local opportunities, and helps you discover options you might not have considered — in seconds, not hours.
Built on privacy
Privacy is a core design principle here, not an afterthought.
- Minimal retention — Your description is not saved in our database. It is processed in real time by AI, briefly cached in server memory (up to 10 minutes) for identical repeat searches, and may be kept as a draft in your browser tab until you close it.
- No personal profiles — We do not require accounts and we do not build advertising profiles. We collect anonymous usage statistics (such as which age ranges and cities use the service) to improve LanternScout — never your description or your identity.
Supporting the project
LanternScout is a solo-funded project. It relies on AI and mapping technology that carries a real cost per search. If this tool saved you time and helped you find that perfect activity, consider buying a coffee to help keep LanternScout running for other users.
Support LanternScout
Support LanternScout
Get in touch
Have feedback, found a bug, or just want to say hi?