Tengai
Swedish automated screening with an AI avatar that interviews candidates 24/7 and returns a ranked shortlist
Quick Overview
| Company | Tengai AB |
|---|---|
| Category | Video Interviewing Software |
| Headquarters | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Sweden (EU) |
| Data Location | Sweden, according to the compliance page |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | AI avatar interviews, structured competency and personality framework, ranked shortlist, email and SMS candidate communication, open API, ATS-agnostic integration, selectable interview languages |
| Pricing | Pricing on request |
| Best For | High-volume hiring in retail, hospitality, logistics and public sector where a first interview can be automated |
| Replaces | HireVue AI interviewer |
Detailed Review
Tengai replaces the recorded-video format with a conversation. Candidates meet an AI avatar that asks structured questions, understands answers with natural language understanding and runs the interview on mobile or desktop with no download.
The idea was born in 2017 at the Swedish recruitment company TNG, in an innovation lab aimed at reducing unconscious bias in the first interview. The company behind the product is Tengai AB in Stockholm.
Structured Interview, Same for Everyone
Recruiters choose screening questions and the personality traits that matter. Every candidate goes through the same framework, which Tengai says was developed with HR professionals and psychometric experts.
Ranked Shortlist
Once interviews are complete the software returns a shortlist ranked on the selected criteria with scores and structured data. Tengai states that candidates are ranked mechanically on competency requirements, not by AI, and that the recruiter makes the decision.
Integration and Compliance
Tengai describes itself as ATS-agnostic with an open API, and handles candidate communication by email and SMS. Its compliance page says data handling happens in Sweden, with candidates able to delete or export their own interview data, and the site states the product meets EU AI Act requirements.
Limitations to Consider
Tengai is an AI interviewer rather than a recorded-video tool, so teams that want to watch candidates answer on camera should look at Willo or Hireflix. Pricing is not published, and the personality-trait ranking raises fairness questions that buyers will want to document under the EU AI Act. The customer stories on its site feature Nordic employers.
Who Should Use Tengai
Employers that interview many candidates for similar roles and want an automated, structured first round with a ranked result.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Same structured interview for every candidate
- Ranked shortlist with scores
- ATS-agnostic with open API
- Interviews 24/7 on any device
- Swedish vendor, data handling in Sweden
Cons
- No recorded video to review
- Pricing not published
- Personality-based ranking needs AI Act documentation
- Mostly Nordic reference customers
Alternatives to Tengai
Other European video interviewing software worth comparing before you decide:
Willo
United Kingdom · Structured one-way video screening with published pay-as-you-go pricing
Hireflix
Spain · Flat-price one-way video interviews with unlimited seats and positions
Cammio
Netherlands · Pre-recorded interviews built for graduate and high-volume hiring
Recright
Finland · Video screening and structured interviews with ISO 27001 and EU hosting
See all European video interviewing software or compare them directly against HireVue AI interviewer on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in the recorded-video sense. Candidates interact with an AI avatar in a structured interview, and recruiters receive scores and a ranked shortlist.
Tengai states that AI is used only in the interview dialogue, that candidates are ranked mechanically on competency requirements, and that the recruiter decides.
Tengai describes its screening software as ATS-agnostic with an open API, and lets recruiters either invite applicants through an ATS integration or paste email addresses directly.