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An AI-powered research assistant that helps researchers, students, and curious minds find, understand, and organize scientific literature faster.

7 starsTypeScript

Building an open-source Google Scholar / Consensus alternative

by nexwastaken·Feb 12, 2026·2 points·0 comments
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AI Analysis

●●SolidShip ItNiche Gem

Full-stack learning project that actually solves a real problem for researchers.

Strengths
  • •Complete feature set: semantic search, AI summaries, rich-text notes, sharing, folder organization—not just a wrapper.
  • •Ambitious architecture: monorepo with Next.js frontend, backend services, analytics, payments, mobile/extension groundwork.
  • •Open-source with active development and willingness to add BYOK and multi-model support based on feedback.
Weaknesses
  • •Only 5 stars and 1 fork suggest limited traction; unclear if Semantic Scholar API integration is reliable or sustainable.
  • •Competing against established players (Google Scholar, Consensus, SciSpace) with larger teams and funding—differentiation unclear.
Category
AI/ML
Target Audience

Researchers, students, academics seeking alternatives to Google Scholar and Consensus

Similar To

Consensus · Google Scholar · SciSpace

Post Description

I wanted to build a full-stack app from start to finish to learn the modern dev cycle so I built something that'd be helpful for me in research.

Started with a single Next.js app, switched to Monorepo due to growing complexity. Has analytics, email, payment, ai, backend, frontend, help & docs - everything most modern apps need. Even some barebones for a mobile app and a browser extension (using wxt).

The main features are a search engine powered by Semantic Scholar, AI summaries, folders - with rich text notes (using WYSIWYG) & sharing.

Thinking of adding different AI models and a BYOK feature.

Here's a quick demo video too - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yv75PEghFN0-53M_Gb4EMefX-sQ...

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