Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveAvi Gupta: Indian-American teen revolutionises healthcare with affordable ventilator invention

Avi Gupta: Indian-American teen revolutionises healthcare with affordable ventilator invention

Compiled by: Team GI Youth

(September 13, 2023) “I want to take you back to March 2020. The coronavirus had landed in the United States. Social distancing entered into our vocabulary. Schools were closed and store shelves were empty. Against this backdrop, Europe grappled with its first wave of coronavirus. One of the key shortages they faced – ventilators,” that’s how Avi Gupta opens his TedX speech. The Indian American from Portland reveals that the US, especially Oregon, too faced a similar situation with a shortage of hundreds of ventilators for the critically-ill covid patients.

That’s when Oregon Health Authority reached out for help from many individuals and companies, including INTEL. However, it didn’t take the responsibility of designing and manufacturing a ventilator, instead the request was filtered down to the senior staff of the company, one of whom happened to be a manager of Avi at a former internship. That’s how the Stanford University student joined a team of doctors, researchers, and fellow engineers to co-found LifeMech, a non-profit that builds low-cost ventilators. Such has been the impact of his work that he was awarded the Truman Scholarship 2022 for his commitment to public service.

Avi Gupta | Indian American | Global Indian

Avi Gupta played a key role in developing low-cost ventilator

Then an 18-year-old, Avi helped design the ventilator’s user interface, as amid the crisis, “rapid development and deployment of the technology were essential.” Interestingly, he wasn’t just the youngest member of the team but also the reigning Jeopardy Teen Tournament champion. “The original prototype which was fully functional was made in our garages. So, it’s truly something that can be deployed worldwide,” the Global Indian said in an interview.

Avi, who switched to Stanford to pursue his interests in artificial intelligence and public policy after a year of college at Columbia University’s School of Engineering, knew that the prototype had to be scalable in both design and manufacture. But more than anything it had to be “low-cost and open source to be deployed in communities worldwide.” “What it meant that anybody like a doctor or a non-profit in another country could download our designs and code and easily manufacture the ventilator with the parts available in their country,” he added.

Avi Gupta | Global Indian | Indian American

Avi Gupta is currently studying at Stanford University.

Though he found the process of designing the interface stressful, he also found it equally rewarding as it could have a direct impact on someone’s health. Avi, who collaborated with his father, Dr Saurabh Gupta, a cardiologist for the making of the ventilator, said that the project epitomises the work that he wants to do – using technology to solve a bigger problem. “It’s using technology to advance public service,” he told the Stanford Daily. Later, the ventilator was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and used widely during the ventilator shortage.

Apart from this, Avi is also involved in Public Interest in Tech (one of the groups on the Stanford campus) which focuses on fostering conversations around technology’s role in society. Since his school days, Avi has been keen to make a change, so when he won the 2019 Jeopardy Teen Tournament, in honour of the host Alex Trebek, he donated a part of his winnings ($100,000) to raise awareness and fund early pancreatic cancer research. He partnered with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute to create and lead the #InspiredBy campaign, raising over $225,000.

It was in 2016 that he kickstarted his journey towards creating social impact when he founded Project 32, a student-run social startup that uses the power of education to tackle dental diseases in youth. Since its inception, Project32 has provided thousands of dental hygiene kits to children in the US, India, Guatemala, and Haiti.

In his free time, he loves to play chess and basketball and is a huge Portland Trail Blazers fan.

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Published on 13, Sep 2023

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How Tanishq Joshi danced his way from Indore to LA

(October 28, 2022) A dance career came through a twist of fate, when Tanishq Joshi met with an accident in his hometown in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It set in motion a new phase in Tanishq's life and since then, he has trained with choreographers like Devin Solomon, Samantha Caudle and Denzel Chisolm. In October 2022, Tanishq, or 'Taneesky', as he is known, became the first South Asian artiste to be signed by MSA (McDonalds/Selznick Associations). Now, the young dancer is among an elite group of global performers, including Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Chris Brown, all of whom have worked with MSA. Taneesky is already a well-known name, both in India and abroad, as the Global Indian has quite a list of achievements to his credit. He grew up in India and went on to train extensively in New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. It has resulted in a unique style, a blend of western street techniques with Indian dance styles, that has allowed Tanishq to fit both with American and Indian audiences. Tanishq has performed as the lead dancer for Yo Yo Honey Singh and opened for the award-winning singer/rapper Pharrell Williams at the Something in the Water Music festival

pened for the award-winning singer/rapper Pharrell Williams at the Something in the Water Music festival in Virginia, before an audience of 100,000.

[caption id="attachment_23516" align="aligncenter" width="402"] Tanishq Joshi. Photo: Instagram[/caption]

From Indore to the United States

Growing up, Tanishq wanted to play soccer, like most boys his age. Although he showed a natural talent for dance, taking inspiration from Hritik Roshan and Ganesh Hegde to perform at school events, he never thought about it as a career. That changed when he was in the tenth grade. Tanishq was hit by a car, leaving him with multiple fractures in his left leg.

After a series of painful surgeries, which involved the insertion of metal rods and screws, Tanishq was put in an extended rehabilitation programme. "After a year of long recovery, I had been advised by the doctors to undergo physical therapy. Instead of signing up for a traditional physical therapy session, I joined a dance class in the area and that's where I discovered my passion for dance," Tanishq told VoyageLA. It was a slow, slow process. "In the beginning - and in a super-beginners'-level dance class, there was one step that took me three or four days to get," he told Dance Spirit.

A couple of years later, Tanishq moved to the United States to study Finance at Drexel University, where he had been awarded a full scholarship. "I even earned $25,000 from Live Mas Scholarship by the Taco Bell Foundation for showcasing my outstanding leadership in dance," he said.

Rising above challenges

Even with all the doors that had opened for him, life in the US was not easy. Tanishq devoted himself to training as much as possible, supporting himself with a 9 to 5, working at part-time gig as a barista in Starbucks and taking a full course load at university. It meant a packed schedule with half a dozen classes to attend, work hours till 10 pm and returning home to catch up with academics until midnight. Still, he would go out into the streets at night to freestyle, to choreograph and to learn.

Tanishq's hard work paid off when he was spotted by dance crew, Creative Reaction. Every weekend, he would hop on the bus from Philadelphia, where he lived, to New York city for classes on weekends. "My perseverance started paying off when I choreographed and danced for my team at World of Dance, Philadelphia and won second place," he said, in the interview with VoyageLA.

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A post shared by Tanishq Joshi (@taneesky)

However, his student visa prohibited him from working anywhere except the university itself. He was not allowed to earn money through dance. Instead, he hosted free classes, holding open sessions and putting out calls to dancers across the city. Tanishq wanted the dance circuit to know his name. And although his talent was appreciated, he was still stereotyped.

LA calling

When he arrived in LA, Tanishq had to deal with what is possibly another form of racism - the stereotype. "I was always seen as a good dancer 'for an Indian'," he says. "This notion bothered me until I started making this my strength." Instead of shunning his cultural heritage, Tanishq learned to lean into it. Now he teaches at some of LA's biggest dance studios but makes sure he fuses Bollywood music with Hip Hop or Popping.

"I'm challenging the stereotype in the baddest way I can," he remarks. "I'm proud to be an Indian and it runs through my veins." Indian he might be but Tanishq has found appeal among American audiences too, making a name for himself in the LA dance industries, starring in music videos and taking on other big projects. "I'm not just a really good dancer 'for an Indian'. I'm skilled and my craft speaks for itself. Period."

All this resulted in Tanishq developing a style that is uniquely his own. The boy who wanted to hide from the world - his culture, background, country and family - became his source of strength. He auditioned constantly for multiple agencies and failed to get into any. He learned then that it wasn't about skill, it was the fact that he wasn't 6'2, muscular black man. So, he leaned into who he was, rather than who he imagined himself to be and began dancing to Bollywood.

The entrepreneur

When he graduated from college, Tanishq decided to establish his own e-commerce business, Asha Creative, LLC, providing dance and choreography services to brands across platforms. The big brands came calling - "I worked as a choreographer and director for a social media ad campaign for Fanta," he said.

As his social media presence increased, Tanishq was invited to take classes and attend programmes around the world, including India, London and the Middle East. The pandemic hit around this time although he didn't let it get him down. "I trained at home and taught online via Zoom in multiple countries," he says. Tanishq's dance videos were reposted by superstars like Shakira, Missy Elliot and the Black-Eyed Peas. "I also became one of the first South Asians to teach at globally renowned dance studios like Tmilly TV, Snowglobe Perspective and the West Course Dance Theatre.

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Meet the five Indians selected for Rhodes Scholarship 2024

(January 5, 2024) Five Indian students have been selected as Rhodes Scholars for 2024, and will head to Oxford University for their postgraduate studies. The rigorous selection process, which involved over 1,000 applicants, was conducted by a panel headed by former foreign secretary and Ambassador, Nirupama Rao. Global Indian takes a look at the youngsters who have bagged what is arguably one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. They will join a cohort of 105 scholars from around the world for their fully-funded postgraduate study. Since 1903, the Rhodes scholarship, offered by the Rhodes Trust, has brought the world’s best and brightest young students, handpicked from the top universities around the world, to the University of Oxford. It was established by Cecil John Rhodes, a British mining tycoon and the founder of De Beers—a diamond company that had, until recently, wielded control over global trade. The Rhodes Trust’s website states: We find, bring together and develop exceptional people who are impatient with the way things are and have the courage to act. Originally intended to foster unity among English-speaking nations, this esteemed and long-standing international scholarship programme underwent revisions over time. By the 21st century, eligibility expanded to

exceptional people who are impatient with the way things are and have the courage to act.

Originally intended to foster unity among English-speaking nations, this esteemed and long-standing international scholarship programme underwent revisions over time. By the 21st century, eligibility expanded to encompass citizens from all countries. Indians gained access to this scholarship opportunity in 1947.

Joann Rachel Cherian

Joann is interested in delving into the possibility of faith becoming a subject of public discourse. She is keen on merging her love for writing to examine the interplay between faith and everyday experiences. Having completed a BA in English from Christ University and subsequently earning an MA in English from Jawaharlal Nehru University, she now aims to pursue theology at Oxford University.

[caption id="attachment_35033" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Joann Rachel Cherian[/caption]

Her ambition is to blend her literary expertise with theological studies, thereby innovating new methods of interpreting sacred texts. Joann is particularly interested in investigating how the Bible addresses matters of gender. She envisions a future with increased female theologians in India. Alongside her academic pursuits, she holds a passion for music, fiction, films, and engaging in profound conversations about life over cups of tea.

Ayan Gupta

Ayan, a senior student at National Law University (NLU), Delhi, holds a keen interest in matters related to sentencing and punishment, particularly focusing on the complexities surrounding the death penalty and prolonged incarceration. At Oxford, Ayan aims to explore the fields of criminology and criminal justice for his further studies.

[caption id="attachment_35034" align="aligncenter" width="341"] Ayan Gupta[/caption]

With a love for teaching Ayan hopes to shape the future of criminal justice education. He has served as research and teaching assistant to his professors in NLU Delhi and currently serves as the editor-in-chief of NLUD’s Journal of Legal Studies. In his free time he loves either playing or watching tennis.

Asma Shakeel

Hailing from Kashmir, Asma aspires to make a career in the sphere of global and imperial history. She is currently pursuing international history at Georgetown University in Qatar, and plans to pursue a master's degree in global and imperial history followed by a Ph.D. in history at the University of Oxford.

[caption id="attachment_35035" align="aligncenter" width="373"] Asma Shakeel[/caption]

During her time at Oxford, Asma aims to explore the archives of British missionaries in South Asia to gain deeper insights into the history of Kashmir, the Himalayan region where she spent her formative years. Her ultimate vision is to develop a digital archive chronicling Kashmir's history, facilitating access and contributions from generations of Kashmiris. With the archive her plan is to offer an alternative perspective, inviting Kashmiris to share their family's oral histories, photographs, obituaries, and personal experiences, to illuminate and comprehend their past, and influence their present in the process.

Mohammad Zayaan Asimi

Mohammad, a final-year BA LLB (Hons) student at Gujarat National Law University, hails from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. His academic focus revolves around the convergence of law, society, and technology. His ambition is to explore the influence of technology in enhancing access to justice within marginalised segments of society. He aspires to undertake socio-legal research at Oxford.

[caption id="attachment_35036" align="aligncenter" width="356"] Mohammad Zayaan Asimi[/caption]

The sports enthusiast has represented Jammu and Kashmir in national basketball tournaments.

Siddhant Dhawan

Siddhant completed his BS in bioengineering at Stanford University in 2022 and is currently pursuing a research-focused MS in biology at the same institution. During his tenure as a researcher at Stanford, he has contributed to multiple neuroscience research papers while working in the laboratories of esteemed professors like Nobel laureate Prof. Thomas Sudof, Prof. Tarik Massoud, and Prof. Nicolas Grillet.

[caption id="attachment_35037" align="aligncenter" width="343"] Siddhant Dhhawan[/caption]

Devoted to advancing inclusive healthcare and education, Siddhant spearheads initiatives that advocate for menstrual equity and promote science education, impacting numerous individuals in both the US and India. His dedication extends to advocating for mental health support and promoting diversity within academia. In preparation for a career as a physician-scientist, Siddhant intends to further his studies in neuroscience. He aims to conduct research on motor neuron diseases utilizing stem cells and genetic engineering techniques.

The applications for the 2025 Rhodes Scholarships will open in June 2024. More information about the Scholarship application can be found here.

“There are over 4,500 living Rhodes scholars residing in more than 100 countries around the world,” shares the Rhodes Trust’s website.

Some of the eminent Global Indians who have been Rhodes Scholars in the past:

Montek Singh Ahluwalia – Economist and policy expert who won the Padma Vibhushan award
Sanjay Singh – Businessman and former first class cricketer
Dr Menaka Guruswamy – Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India
Sagarika Ghose – Journalist, columnist and author who has written biographies of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Tanjore Ramachandra Anantharaman – One of India’s eminent metallurgists and materials scientists
Late Girish Karnad – Playwright, author, actor and director

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Bending it like Huzaib: Kashmiri footballer Shah has mastered 400 trick-shots

(March 17, 2022) On a sunny day in 2016, a bored Shah Huzaib casually stepped out of his home in Charar-e-Shareef in central Kashmir's Budgam district when he spotted three friends playing football. They asked him to fill in as a goalkeeper. It was a time when Kashmir was witnessing violence following the Burhan Wani killing which led to the closure of schools, internet shut down and several restrictions. [caption id="attachment_12737" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Shah Huzaib, footballer and trick-shot artiste[/caption] A few kicks and playing goalkeeper later, Huzaib felt drawn towards the sport. Before he knew it, the sport had become a passion. For the next two years, he fine-tuned his skills and built a reputation as a football trick-short artiste. Over a period of time, the Kashmiri lad mastered 400 different types of trick-shots, which won hearts across the internet. His mind boggling trickery took him to newer heights after the freestyle footballer got shoutouts from Indian football team skipper Bhaichung Bhutia, sports minister Kiren Rijiju, Bollywood star Suniel Shetty and more recently, from Real Madrid and Germany footballer Toni Kroos, who shared a video of Huzaib's trick-shots. Amazing Trick Shots; Keep up the good work Shah! #keepgoing pic.twitter.com/zKaTWnH9Et —

ywood star Suniel Shetty and more recently, from Real Madrid and Germany footballer Toni Kroos, who shared a video of Huzaib's trick-shots.

Amazing Trick Shots; Keep up the good work Shah! #keepgoing pic.twitter.com/zKaTWnH9Et

— Bhaichung Bhutia (@bhaichung15) March 3, 2021

"My aim is to make trick-shots popular in India. I will be seeking help from the Indian Army to take trick-shots to every nook and corner of the country. I want to represent Kashmir and India on the international level someday," Huzaib tells Global Indian. The most recent feather in his cap was when he was selected for India's Got Talent season 9, for which he travelled to Delhi. "All the appreciation made me work harder," he says.

[caption id="attachment_12736" align="aligncenter" width="819"] Shah Huzaib, trick-shot artiste[/caption]

Footie, and its beautiful shots

Before the football bug bit him, Huzaib, like a majority of Indians, was a die-hard cricket fan. Born in January 2002, his love affair with cricket began as a kindergartner. "I used to watch a lot of matches on TV, and watching Virat Kohli play led me to play cricket. I used to go to the local stadium every Friday and Sunday for matches," informs the 20-year-old, whose father is in the fruit business, and mother a homemaker.

[caption id="attachment_12734" align="aligncenter" width="853"] Shah Huzaib, trick-shot artiste[/caption]

As he switched to football in 2016 after his chance introduction to the sport, Huzaib took the game a notch higher. Watching Cristiano Ronaldo on YouTube and other trick-shots videos, he was quick to buy a pair of football shoes, and practice rigorously. Thereafter, it was trick-shots all the way. "Of the 400 trick-shots I've mastered, some are very difficult, requiring focus and regular practice," smiles the youngster, who schooled at Life School Kashmir and later at Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Charar-e-Sharif.

As he first burst onto the scene with his trick-shots, Huzaib received a lot of attention from Kashmiris. Soon the Kashmiri media took note of his talent and the resultant exposure motivated him to further hone his skills. Huzaib then got featured on a popular YouTube page, wherein his trick shots fetched him five million views. He went on to be featured on several other platforms including Oh My Goal, Sportskeeda, and Wion, etc.

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A post shared by Suniel Shetty (@suniel.shetty)

Religious with his practice, Huzaib ensures he gets in one hour of practice each day. “For each trick-shot, the skills required are different. The sport requires patience and hardwork and no one can learn or perform them overnight," says the young lad, who hopes to get government support take up football as a full-time profession.

Trick-shots, says Huzaib, connected him with the world too. "The government needs to work more on sportspersons and provide them with the facilities to encourage and promote their talent. Only then can many here take up sports and do something meaningful, especially in Kashmir," feels the youngster. "For now, my family and friends support me and share my work," says Huzaib, who was preparing for his class 10 examinations when the Centre abrogated Article 370, which plunged Kashmir into chaos and uncertainty.

The talent to kick-off

When Huzaib got a call from India's Got Talent team, he was on cloud nine. "I travelled to Delhi in October 2021 for auditions. I got an opportunity to interact with immensely talented people from across the country. Delhi has a lot of opportunities for talented people when compared to Kashmir," says the trick-shot artiste, who likes to watch movies in his free time.

"Early on in life, I was often confused whether I should become a cricketer or a doctor. But now, my life revolves around football," smiles the trick-shot artiste, who aims to make it big in the sport.

While Huzaib continues to make waves with his skills, the youngster has had to face quite a few challenges. He now hopes for far more recognition. "Government support apart, even society does not appreciate or support what I do. Even the footballing scenario is not very developed," he rues.

Follow Shah Huzaib on Twitter

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How 15-year-old golfer Avani Prashanth, the maiden of swing, has her sights on Asian Games 2022

(December 23, 2021) Driven, zealous and supremely skilled, 15-year-old golfer Avani Prashanth is a teen wonder whose achievements have now made her the number 1 amateur player in the country. The Bengaluru-based ninth grader recently won the Global Prodigy Award 2021, which recognises the top 100 child prodigies around the globe from different verticals. Thrilled to bits about her latest recognition, Avani tells Global Indian, "It feels great to win this award as so many children who are talented in diverse fields had applied for it. I will be heading to Dubai for the award ceremony in February 2022." [caption id="attachment_8763" align="aligncenter" width="530"] Avani Prashanth with her winning trophy at All India Ladies Amateur Championship[/caption] Road to No. 1 Avani is now the best ranked Indian golfer on the World Amateur Golf Ranking at 136th position globally, and is the number one amateur golfer in India. The All India Ladies Amateur tournament which was held in November, which Avani won, propelled her to the number 1 spot in the country. "This is a prestigious tournament which is played over a period of seven days, and I had to play nine rounds of golf. I'm the only player to have won

a. The All India Ladies Amateur tournament which was held in November, which Avani won, propelled her to the number 1 spot in the country. "This is a prestigious tournament which is played over a period of seven days, and I had to play nine rounds of golf. I'm the only player to have won both the match play and the stroke play, and this rare double victory is all the more special as no one else has won it in the last decade," beams the teenager who is eyeing the Asian Games for more silverware, and busy training under her British coach.

Avani topped off this major victory with another laurel by winning the IGU All-India Junior Golf Championship in Ahmedabad a week ago. The golfer is also a two-time winner on the Women's Professional Golf Tour of India. Some of the other milestones in this fervent youngster's journey are being the best-performing Indian female in the US Kids World Championship held at North Carolina and also at the European Championship held at Scotland.

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A post shared by Avani Prashanth (@avaniprashanth)

The beginning

The road to number one has been filled with arduous work and perseverance for Avani. Her tryst with golf happened when she was barely four. "My father, who used to play golf, wanted to take my granddad to learn the sport. On that particular day, I excitedly asked my father to take me along too, and he did and also gave me a junior club to play with. Although the coach was reluctant about teaching a four-year-old, he was amazed by my hand-eye coordination at such an early age. When he and my dad returned after three hours, they saw that I was still practising with the club. They were convinced that I was born to play golf," reminisces Avani, who first trained in Gurgaon, post which she went to Nigeria and then finally moved to Bengaluru six years ago. "Bengaluru is where I honed my golf skills properly. I currently train at the Karnataka Golf Association and also at the Eagleton, The Golf Resort and Sir Laurence Brotheridge, my coach from the UK, trains me online."

Balancing act

A ninth grader from Greenwood High School, Avani credits her school management for their constant support. "My principal Aloysius D'Mello and my teachers are really supportive and accommodative. They let me give my exams according to my schedule and don't pressurise me even if I am unable to write the exams along with the other students. Recently, I wasn't able to give my term 1 exams with the others as I was busy playing tournaments, so they created a separate question paper for me, and allowed me to take the exam later," says a thankful Avani.

[caption id="attachment_8782" align="aligncenter" width="848"] Avani Prashanth[/caption]

Of course, having supportive parents who root for you consistently can make a youngster's journey towards their goal all the more easier. "My parents Surekha and Prashanth have been very encouraging and supportive. My dad never thought twice about taking me on a tour to Scotland when I was just six, and spending money on the best equipment and coaches to train with. In fact, my dad is my best friend," shares Avani. Her father works in the pharmaceutical industry and her mother, a home maker travels with Avani on her golfing exploits.

Despite not being able to indulge in typical teen activities like most other people her age, Avani maintains that she doesn't miss out as she loves playing golf. "I also get to travel across the world for tournaments while playing my favourite sport, so I have the best of everything," smiles the tiny golfer who idolises American golfer Nelly Korda who won the LPGA seven times.

Making golf more accessible

Golf in India is still a growing sport, and not accessible to everyone because of how expensive it is. While Avani was lucky to have the best training facilities, not every aspiring golfer has that privilege. In order to make the sport more accessible to youngsters, Avani says, "They should create more driving ranges as most of them are currently in private clubs, which you need to be a member of, to be able to undergo golf training. Increasing the number of driving ranges will expose more youngsters to golf and also make the sport more accessible to them."

[caption id="attachment_8783" align="aligncenter" width="440"] Avani Prashanth is an amateur golfer.[/caption]

As for her future plans, the go-getter has her eyes set on the Asian Games. "My goal for 2022 year is to break into the top 50-100 in the world and win a gold at the Asian Games in China, that will be held in September 2022," she signs off.

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Archika Dogra: From Forbes 30 Under 30 to Spirit of Princeton Award

(June 16, 2024) When she was 15 years old, Archika Dogra founded Innoverge, a non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing educational inequity by promoting STEM education for social good. In her leadership, Innoverge has impacted over 10,000 underrepresented students across 14 countries through 75 youth-run chapters. Her significant contributions to education and social upliftment earned her spots on the Forbes 30 Under 30 lists in North America and Seattle in 2023. As a student at Princeton University, Archika’s dedication to making a difference got recognised once more. This year, she is one of the eight recipients of the Spirit of Princeton Award. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, the award honours undergraduates who have demonstrated a strong commitment to student organisations, athletics, community service, religious life, residential life, and the arts within the campus. [caption id="attachment_38271" align="aligncenter" width="511"] Archika Dogra[/caption] “Through my pursuits, I’ve always looked to make a positive impact on the world,” the 22-year-old said in an interview, reflecting on her journey from Greater Seattle where she was raised, to the halls of Princeton University, New Jersey. In May, Archika graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, and is set

;"> “Through my pursuits, I’ve always looked to make a positive impact on the world,” the 22-year-old said in an interview, reflecting on her journey from Greater Seattle where she was raised, to the halls of Princeton University, New Jersey.

In May, Archika graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, and is set to start the next chapter of her life in San Francisco as an Associate Product Manager on the Databricks Artificial Intelligence Platform.

A consistent achiever

Apart from her work with Innoverge, Archika Dogra boasts an impressive array of accomplishments. She worked on a project involving a computer vision model that helped map poverty in Uganda, aiding resource redistribution efforts.

In 2018, she was one of 45 interns nationwide selected for the NASA SEES internship in Austin, Texas, where she developed a web application to aid flood response efforts in Texas. Later that summer, she supported research at the intersection of neuroscience and machine learning at the University of Washington. In 2019, she interned at Sensoria Health, a Redmond startup focused on wearable technologies.

Her achievements also include being a 2018 Congressional App Challenge winner, a 2019 Mars Generation Global 24 Under 24 STEM Leader, a 2020 Google Computer Science Summer Institute Scholar, and 2020 Coca-Cola Scholar. Additionally, Archika led TEDxYouth@Redmond as its 2019 president, founded her school’s Technology Student Association, and served as captain of its debate team.

[caption id="attachment_38272" align="aligncenter" width="506"] Archika Dogra as a keynote speaker at the EduData Summit[/caption]

After speaking at the 2019 World Innovation Summit for Education in Qatar, the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York City, and the 2024 QS Quacquarelli Symonds Edudata Summit on artificial intelligence and education, she has become a strong advocate for the power of the youth narrative.

Discovering the charisma of technology

In 2017 Archika got an opportunity to attend an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory Outreach Summer Program called AI4ALL which was being conducted by computer scientists Olga Russakovsky and Fei-Fei Li, professors in the Computer Science Department at Stanford University and co-directors of Stanford’s Human-Centred AI Institute. “At AI4ALL, I had the opportunity to explore machine learning intersected with social good in very tangible ways, meet a community of dedicated and brilliant women, and grow under the mentorship of phenomenal faculty and researchers,” she shared.

The opportunity triggered in her a fascination for technology at a time when she was more inclined towards humanities.

Always driven by a desire to work for social good, the transformational programme made her realise that she could leverage technology to make a greater impact on the causes she cared about. With time her interest in STEM deepened.

[caption id="attachment_38273" align="aligncenter" width="744"] Archika Dogra at the AI4ALL programme in 2017[/caption]

Making a difference through Innoverge

Soon after, Archika laid the foundation of her nonprofit Innoverge that partners with community centres, schools and libraries to offer long-term STEM and humanities-focused programming for K-8 students.

“I started Innoverge after realising how much of a need there was not only in the diversity of who had access to a STEM education, but diversity in the way that STEM was being taught,” she said.

During her first experience with the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory Outreach Summer Program, AI4ALL, she was one of only two girls among 32 attendees. This stark disparity opened her eyes to the gender imbalance in the field and inspired her to start her nonprofit to address the issue.

Over time, her work gained momentum, inspiring young people in 14 countries to volunteer for the cause. Recognizing the impact of her efforts, organisations like Microsoft, Disney, AI4ALL, and Vital Voices have supported her work.

Innoverge conducts various initiatives both in-person and virtually, centred around the STEMxHumanities model. “At Innoverge, we integrate STEM fields with empathy, storytelling, leadership, ethics, and humanity by intentionally focusing on the intersection of STEM education with the humanities and social sciences. Our programming and workshops, range from CSxPolitics to NeurosciencexEthics,” shared the youngster.

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Contributions at Princeton

During her time at Princeton, Archika held multiple leadership roles, including serving as co-president of the Entrepreneurship Club and co-president of Princeton South Asian Theatrics. She enriched the broader university community through her mentorship with academic service. Additionally, she was the recruitment chair for the Orange Key tour guides, a member of the Undergraduate Student Government movies committee, and served as an accessibility notetaker.

Archika looks at the future with hope - where technology would uplift marginalised communities and level the playing field.

Follow Archika Dogra on LinkedIn
Follow Innoverge on LinkedIn and Instagram

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