AI-supported Nutritionist Platform Business Model Development
Erel, Ali Nihat (2026)
2026
Master's Programme in Business and Technology
Johtamisen ja talouden tiedekunta - Faculty of Management and Business
This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2026-06-01
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202606016678
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202606016678
Tiivistelmä
This master’s thesis examines the development of an AI-supported nutritionist platform as a business model. The study focuses on a digital platform concept that combines artificial intelligence tools with professional dietitian support.
The aim of the thesis is to analyze how such a platform can be developed as a viable startup business model. The theoretical part of the thesis examines business models and strategies in startups, business model validation, growth strategies, artificial intelligence as an enabling technology, and the role of AI in nutrition and dietetics. The empirical part of the study is based on an exploratory survey conducted with professional dietitians. The survey was used to collect expert views on AI-generated diet plans, AI-supported nutrition services, online dietitian support, and the possible role of dietitians in a hybrid AI-supported model.
The findings indicate that professional dietitians are cautious about nutrition plans generated by AI without expert involvement. This concern is especially strong in cases involving chronic diseases, metabolic conditions, or therapeutic dietary needs. However, the respondents were more positive toward AI when it was positioned as a supportive tool under dietitian supervision. They considered AI useful for improving service efficiency, supporting meal tracking, and assisting dietitians in selected professional tasks.
Based on the findings, the thesis suggests that the most suitable direction for the proposed platform is not an AI-only diet planning system, but a hybrid model in which AI supports accessibility, continuity, and data-based tracking while dietitians remain responsible for personalized planning, professional interpretation, and final guidance. The thesis contributes to the discussion on AI-enabled startup business models by showing how digital scalability and professional expertise can be combined in a health-related service context.
The aim of the thesis is to analyze how such a platform can be developed as a viable startup business model. The theoretical part of the thesis examines business models and strategies in startups, business model validation, growth strategies, artificial intelligence as an enabling technology, and the role of AI in nutrition and dietetics. The empirical part of the study is based on an exploratory survey conducted with professional dietitians. The survey was used to collect expert views on AI-generated diet plans, AI-supported nutrition services, online dietitian support, and the possible role of dietitians in a hybrid AI-supported model.
The findings indicate that professional dietitians are cautious about nutrition plans generated by AI without expert involvement. This concern is especially strong in cases involving chronic diseases, metabolic conditions, or therapeutic dietary needs. However, the respondents were more positive toward AI when it was positioned as a supportive tool under dietitian supervision. They considered AI useful for improving service efficiency, supporting meal tracking, and assisting dietitians in selected professional tasks.
Based on the findings, the thesis suggests that the most suitable direction for the proposed platform is not an AI-only diet planning system, but a hybrid model in which AI supports accessibility, continuity, and data-based tracking while dietitians remain responsible for personalized planning, professional interpretation, and final guidance. The thesis contributes to the discussion on AI-enabled startup business models by showing how digital scalability and professional expertise can be combined in a health-related service context.