Q&A with Chris DeYoung

Take a moment to learn about recent Collider Business Incubator graduate Chris DeYoung and his project, KeelStone Pathfinder!

Q: Can you share a bit about your business and target customer?

A: Cognogent is developing KeelStone Pathfinder, an AI-powered reflection and habit-building platform designed to help people replace anxiety and doomscrolling with a simple, personalized daily practice. Pathfinder blends Scripture or wisdom texts, tailored reflection questions, and a 10-minute actionable habit to create meaningful growth without overwhelm. 

Our primary customers are churches that want scalable discipleship tools and real data about what is resonating and keeping members engaged without increasing staff workload. Secondly, individuals seeking clarity, purpose and wanting to build great habits.

Q: What do you hope to learn from the incubator program? 

A: I hope to use the incubator as a structured environment to validate the product, business model, and go-to-market strategy for KeelStone Pathfinder. I’m looking for mentorship on user acquisition, traction building, and refining the core experience so it delivers real value in minutes per day. Ultimately, I want clarity, guidance, and momentum to accelerate early growth.

Q: What is your motivation and inspiration for pursuing your business idea? 

A: My motivation comes from seeing how overwhelmed people are by noise, outrage, and constant digital distraction. Many want depth, peace, and purpose—but without complicated programs. KeelStone is inspired by the overlap between Stoic and Christian wisdom and the belief that AI can now personalize daily practices in a way traditional devotionals or self-help tools cannot. I want to build a tool that helps people think more clearly and live more intentionally.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background, hobbies and interests?

A: I’m Chris DeYoung, Founder & CEO of Cognogent, with over two decades of experience leading AI, cloud, and high-performance computing efforts at Microsoft, IBM, Canonical, and other global organizations. A U.S. Army veteran and TOGAF-certified architect, I’m passionate about building tools that elevate clarity, virtue, and human flourishing. Outside of work, I enjoy family, friends, strength training, reading motorcycles, guitar and travel.