Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveInduced AI to Karya: AI startups to look forward to in 2024

Induced AI to Karya: AI startups to look forward to in 2024

Compiled by: Team GI Youth

(January 3, 2024) In the fast-changing world of tech and new ideas, young Indian entrepreneurs are making waves with their cool AI startups. These startups are getting attention for using artificial intelligence to do good things. These smart young minds are using AI to solve big problems our society faces and make things better. Now, in 2024, these startups are showing a new era of clever ideas. They’re not just proving how talented young Indians are in tech, but also showing they want to use AI to help our communities and the whole world. These startups are like guiding lights, giving us hope and making us excited about a future where AI does good things for everyone.

Karya

“Karya brings dignified, digital work to economically disadvantaged Indians, giving them a pathway out of poverty. We empower individuals and communities with fair economic opportunities through completing high-quality data annotation services for AI/ML clients. We envision an ecosystem of ethical data usage; a world where data can both financially and technologically empower individuals,” reads Manu Chopra’s LinkedIn profile.

Manu Chopra with members of Karya

Launched in 2021 by Manu Chopra, a Stanford graduate who himself grew in a basti (slum) in Delhi, saw poverty first hand. While studying computer engineering at Stanford, the idea of tech-for-good inspired him and he was keen to explore ways to tackle poverty by giving the poor access to dignified, digital work. With almost everyone having access to a mobile phone, he decided to use Indian languages to unlock economic value for rural India. “The idea in my head was, what if we could bypass skilling? Can we give people a livelihood and money for skills they already have? What is the skill that rural India already has? Their language,” Manu said in an interview.

The AI startup has already helped 30,000 rural Indians earn ₹65 million so far.

Follow Manu Chopra on LinkedIn

Delv.AI

2023 saw 16-year-old Pranjali Awasthi make headlines as her venture Delv.AI, that offers services linked to data extraction for research, raised $45000 (₹3.7 crore) at a valuation of ₹100 crore. For someone who has been learning coding from the age of seven from her dad, things shifted when she moved to Florida a few years ago. She began interning with the Florida Internal University lab that was working on machine learning, and her daily tasks included searching, data extraction and generating literature reviews.

Pranjali Awasthi, the founder of Delv.ai

2020 came with a massive opportunity when OpenAI released its ChatGPT-3 beta version. “I knew we could use it to make extracting and summarizing research data easier,” she said. The very next year, she was accepted into an accelerator program, and in 2022, she launched the beta version of Delv.AI on Product Hunt, a platform that allows people to share software for free. “As more content gets uploaded online, it’s getting harder for people to find the right information, especially when that information is very specific. Delv.AI helps researchers leverage AI to find exactly the information they’re looking for,” she wrote on her blog on the website.

Follow Pranjali Awasthi on LinkedIn

Induced AI

Aryan Sharma and Ayush Pathak became overnight entrepreneurial stars as the teenager’s AI startup is backed by none other than Open AI co-founder Sam Altman. In 2023, they raised $2.3 million in funding for their startup – Induced AI, which empowers businesses to imput their workflows in plain English, instantly transforming these instructions into pseudo-code for handling repetitive tasks, typically managed by back offices.

Aryan Sharma and Ayush Pathak, the founders of Induced AI

It all began with cold emailing and a few trips to San Francisco to meet some of the Bay Area’s tech and VC titans. That’s when they met Sam Altman, and a few meetings and emails later, he decided to backup these two Indian teenagers. Induced AI enhances business workflows efficiently. “It’s not meant to book a flight ticket or write an email. It’s designed for specific processes and tasks, like generating leads at 9 am every day, or collating insurance claims,” Aryan said.

Follow Aryan Sharma on LinkedIn

Kroop AI

Deepfake menace created quite a havoc in 2023, and now Kroop AI has come up with a potential solution as the startup aims to help detect manipulated videos online. Dr Jyoti Joshi, the co-founder of Kroop AI which was launched in 2021, says, “The problem is very niche and in the Asia Pacific region, there are no companies (dealing with it). The threat is new and so is the whole set-up around its detection.”

The co-founders of Kroop AI

Kroop AI has an API as well as a website where one can upload a piece of media, a file or a folder to scan the potential manipulation. The website offers a simple probability assessment for video manipulation, whereas the tool provides a comprehensive analysis, specifying the percentage of manipulation and detailing the aspects of the video that have been altered. Users are charged an average of $1 per minute for the video analysis service.

Follow Dr Jyoti Joshi on LinkedIn

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Published on 03, Jan 2024

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Champions of Change: Celebrating their triumphs in 2023

(December 27, 2023) Exceptionally talented young individuals committed to betterment of their communites have been rewarded for their efforts in 2023. They have pushed boundaries with their remarkable work over the years to make life around them better. These inspiring young minds serve not only as an example for aspiring youth aiming to do meaningful work for society but have also set a personal benchmark that they hope to surpass in the upcoming year. Their dedication to making a difference within their communities uplifts the spirits of the Indians and the diaspora. Global Indian celebrates their achievements. Shriya Bopanna Miss India America 2020, Shriya Bopanna who is also an activist, author, and on-air personality has been named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Austin list of 2023, “I am honestly still shocked and incredibly grateful for making it to the list,” Shriya told Global Indian. “There is a certain amount of validation I feel in being authenticated and it has been a dream of mine to make it to Forbes 30 Under 30 since I was 16,” she added. The multi-talented change maker who also works as a project manager and business analyst at Accenture in the United States, looks at the Austin list

16,” she added.

The multi-talented change maker who also works as a project manager and business analyst at Accenture in the United States, looks at the Austin list as a stepping stone to eventually making to the entire North American list of Forbes. Right from her school days, Shriya Boppana had been passionate about advocacy, and deeply involved in raising awareness and funds for causes like anti-sex trafficking. She would do whatever it took to achieve her goal – show up at community events to hand out flyers, volunteer, do community service, and more.

Read Shriya' Global Indian story

Shrusti Amulya

The Maryland based teenager has been named a ‘Woman of Worth 2023’ by L’Oreal Paris for fighting food waste in America. The United States discards more food than any other country in the world. Approximately 31 percent (133 billion pounds) of the country’s overall food supply goes is wasted by consumers and retailers, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS). To address this problem in her community, Shrusti, a senior at Richard Montgomery High School, began the Rise N Shine Foundation.

[caption id="attachment_32864" align="aligncenter" width="485"] Shrusti Amula[/caption]

The youth-led initiative aims to tackle the effects of food waste through composting and food recovery programmes, and in the process – avert climate change. Shrusti has received many awards and recognition, apart from the ‘Woman of Worth 2023’ title by L’Oreal Paris.

Read Shrusti's Global Indian story

Uday Bhatia

It was in the spring break of 2022 that the then 16-year-old Uday Bhatia embarked on a school project. His destination was the village of Bichpuri in Uttar Pradesh, where he aimed to mentor 30 students on financial literacy and ways to earn a sustainable livelihood. Little did he know that this endeavour would profoundly impact the lives of the village residents. It all began when his students turned up without homework the following day. When inquired, he learned about the frequent power outages plaguing the area, lasting between 6 to 8 hours each day, making it impossible for the students to finish their assignments. “The only alternative they had was kerosene lamps, which I found was harmful due to the release of carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide. Additionally, they posed risks of respiratory problems and eye irritation,” Uday told Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_32012" align="aligncenter" width="467"] Uday Bhatia[/caption]

Motivated by the discovery, Uday delved into research and found that an inverter costs ₹10,000, the amount equivalent to the average income of many households in the village. This pushed him to find a low-cost solution, which he did with an emergency inverter bulb capable of providing 10 hours of power backup. The ground-breaking invention, that has illuminated 5000 households till now in five states, earned him the Diana Award 2023.

Read Uday's Global Indian story

Oviya Singh

When Sadhguru recognised Oviya Singh’s efforts to spread awareness on soil conservation, the joy and elation of 12-year-old knew no bounds. “His acknowledgment in one of the Save Soil Campaign events and later, a mention of my name in the ‘youth in action’ section on his website, are recognitions that evoke indescribable emotions,” she smiled. The youngster became one of the youngest TEDx speakers in India last year, gaining recognition in India and beyond. The powerful public speaker has been using her gift of gab to motivate not just youngsters but also industrialists, public figures and government authorities to do their part in making the planet a better place through initiatives like soil conservation and other measures to enhance sustainability.

In 2023 she became the recipient of the Nelson Mandela Award that came with the opportunity of visiting the University of Oxford to receive the medal and the certicate in person. It was presented at the Global Peace Summit organised by the NRI Welfare Society in the UK.

Read Oviya's Global Indian story

Anya Gupta

In 2022, Boca Raton, a city in Southern Palm Beach Country, Florida, announced that October 14 would be E-Waste Day. It was a triumph for Anya Gupta, the pre-teen environment advocate, and her efforts to protect the planet by addressing the elephant in the room – e-waste. Mayor Scott Singer passed the proclamation, helping Anya spread awareness about the harm caused by electronic waste on the environment. Anya has gathered over 1,000 pounds of electronic waste through her e-waste collection drives, ensuring that the e-waste generated by Boca Raton’s 100,000 inhabitants is reused or recycled, rather than ending up in a landfill.

At just 12 years of age, Anya Gupta is creating a significant impact as a passionate champion with a mission to safeguard the environment. The young environmentalist is the founder of the non-profit ‘Pennies for Penguins’ which she started with the purpose of ocean wildlife protection when she was barely five. In 2023 she won the Everyday Young Hero Award by Youth Service America for her committment to finding her voice, taking an action and creating an impact in her community. She has beem proud to pave the way for other young people, inspiring them to find their voice and take action.

Read Anya's Global Indian story

Reading Time: 5 mins

Ridi Oswal: Indo-European GenZ singer making an impact through her music

(February 25, 2024) Indo-European singer songwriter Ridi Oswal released her first single, Top Guy, at the age of 17. Two years later, she is a rising Gen-Z popstar in the global South Asian community. Ridi's music, which is a fusion of her Indian roots and global influences, explores themes like social injustice, mental health, and the strains of social media. Ridi, who has just signed a contract with Universal Music, SA, also runs an anti-bullying platform with her sister, Vasundhara. Sound of Music A self-proclaimed advocate for blending her Indian roots with Western influences to create indie pop music with a universal appeal, Oswal has been tinkering with music since she was eight. Her journey into professional realm began at the age of 14 when she dedicated herself to honing her craft. "Growing up, I faced my fair share of challenges - from being bullied in high school for my Indian heritage to enduring stereotypes about my food choices and cultural background. My identity became a joke to some. But throughout, music was my steadfast companion. It was my lifeline, my way of finding connection and meaning in a sometimes chaotic world," she tells Global Indian, adding, "I want to

finding connection and meaning in a sometimes chaotic world," she tells Global Indian, adding, "I want to share that sense of connection with others through my music, to be that comforting voice in someone else's storm." Currently pursuing a degree in chemical engineering in London, Oswal acknowledges that studying science keeps her grounded, providing a sense of balance amidst the whirlwind of creativity.

Indian connect

For Oswal, mixing her Indian roots with contemporary music is like creating a musical mosaic, where each piece adds depth and richness to the overall picture. Drawing inspiration from classical Indian instruments like the tabla and dholak, she infuses these traditional elements with modern beats and melodies, creating a unique fusion that resonates with audiences worldwide. "It's about honouring my heritage while embracing the ever-evolving landscape of music, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Whether through rhythmic patterns or melodic motifs, my goal is to create a seamless blend that celebrates the diversity of our musical heritage while pushing the boundaries of creativity,” she explains.

Making the case for inclusivity

Experiencing bullying at school and understanding its ramifications, she has co-founded ‘Stop The B’ with her sister. This is an initiative that aims to combat bullying and promote inclusivity in schools and communities. "Having personally experienced the pain of bullying during my school years, I knew I had to do something to make a difference," says Oswal who is striving to empower individuals to stand up against discrimination through music and activism through Stop The B. "Moreover, we are fostering a culture of kindness and acceptance. Together, we are spreading awareness, providing support, and inspiring change, one step at a time."

Musical notes

Her music reflects her journey - a blend of personal experiences, cultural influences, and creative expression. "When it comes to song writing, I believe in letting the process flow organically. Sometimes, it starts with a lyric or a melody, other times, it is a story waiting to be told. I find solace in my voice memos, where I store countless ideas and fragments of songs, ready to be revisited and refined," says the singer who believes collaboration is key. "Working with talented musicians and producers allows me to explore new sounds and perspectives, enriching the creative process. Her latest single, Guilty Feet, celebrates self-love, empowerment, and unapologetic authenticity. "It's about embracing every aspect of who you are, flaws et al, and confidently owning your unique journey. The song invites listeners, especially girls, to shed their inhibitions, break free from societal expectations, and dance to the beat of their drum," she explains, adding, "With infectious rhythms, uplifting melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, it's a reminder to stand tall, shine bright, and never apologise for being yourself. Ultimately, it's a love letter to anyone who's ever felt unseen or misunderstood, urging them to embrace their truth and live boldly."

Being resilient

Overcoming challenges has been an integral part of her journey, shaping her into the artist and individual she is today. In the face of adversity, she has learned to cultivate resilience, perseverance, and a positive mindset. "Surrounding myself with a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors has been instrumental in navigating obstacles and staying grounded amidst the storm," she says. Additionally, channelling setbacks into opportunities for growth and self-discovery has empowered her to turn adversity into fuel for creativity and inspiration. "Through music, activism, or personal development, I approach challenges with an open heart and a determination to emerge stronger on the other side," she says.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5JZzocME6o

Reflecting on her journey

In these years, she has learned many valuable lessons that have shaped both her perspective and approach to life and music. One such profound lesson is the importance of authenticity - staying true to herself and her vision, even in the face of external pressures or expectations. "I have also learned the power of resilience, embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth and transformation rather than obstacles to be feared." Furthermore, collaboration and community have taught her the strength of unity and the beauty of shared creativity. "I've come to appreciate the journey itself, embracing the highs and lows as integral parts of the process and finding joy in pursuing my passions. Every twist and turn, every high and low – it's all part of the adventure. It's all about finding joy in the journey," she explains.

Mixing it up

She loves diving into creative projects and discovering new adventures in her free time. A nature lover, she enjoys hiking and taking peaceful strolls in the park. "I am always on the lookout for my next destination, eager to explore new cultures and experiences. When I'm not lost in artistic pursuits or globe-trotting, you'll likely find me cosying up with a good book, whipping up new recipes in the kitchen, or cherishing quality time with loved ones,” says Oswal.

[caption id="attachment_36113" align="aligncenter" width="493"] Ridi Oswal[/caption]

Looking ahead

A particularly exciting milestone in her musical journey has been signing a contract with Universal Music, SA – which she admits is truly a dream come true for any artist. With this incredible opportunity, a whole world of creativity is waiting to be explored, and she is ready to dive right in. "From fresh singles like Love Me Till You Lose Me which talks about love and loss in the most fashionable way exploring the nuances of love, obsession and separation, to exciting collaborations, and who knows, maybe even an album down the line there is so much music waiting to be made,” she says. But along with the tunes, she is equally fired up about making a difference through her music by lending her voice to important causes or giving back to the community. She is keen to use her platform for good. “I am itching to shake things up, explore new genres, and keep pushing the boundaries of my artistry. At the end of the day, it's all about spreading positivity, connecting with others, and making a meaningful impact in this ever-evolving world,” she signs off.

Follow Ridi Oswal on YouTube and Instagram

Reading Time: 5 mins

Girls That Invest: How Simran Kaur and Sonya Gupthan empower women through financial freedom

(September 19, 2024) In March 2020, two young women launched a podcast, sitting in their bedrooms and broadcasting from their laptops. They had a modest audience of around a thousand listeners at the time, all they wanted to do was make finance more approachable to first-time investors. Simran is a TEDx speaker and her podcast, Girls That Invest has over one million downloads to date. The two friends, Simran Kaur and Sonya Gupthan, were over the moon. "We're from New Zealand. It's a small island. Things like that don't really happen around here," Simran told Vogue. In 2022, they also published their book, Girls That Invest: Your Guide to Financial Independence through Shares and Stocks, which is available on Amazon. Why teach women to invest? To give them the independence so many of them sorely lack, they say. " The Global Indians both grew up in Auckland, and first met when Simran, then five years old, stole some stickers from Sonya, also five. That was the start of a lifelong friendship and, although they didn't know it yet, a thriving business. Both had comfortable lives, attending good public schools. Simran recalls, however, the family's Sunday rip to the temple, which was

hat was the start of a lifelong friendship and, although they didn't know it yet, a thriving business. Both had comfortable lives, attending good public schools. Simran recalls, however, the family's Sunday rip to the temple, which was in a less affluent part of town. "Very quickly, I learnt my temple friends didn't have the same privileges and experiences that my school friends did, and the reason was money. Money is such a huge part of our lives, it affects how we interact, it affects our ability to receive access to care," Simran said. Sonya, like her friend, had a good life and didn't really think of personal finance until she turned 18, which she admits is "a huge privilege in itself." On her 18th birthday, her brother gave her a copy of Rich Dad Poor Dad, which stoked her interest.

Girls That Invest

As Simran began learning about investing, the early experience was quite formidable. Full of complex jargon, the subject seemed unapproachable. Still, she was just about to begin her career and wanted to know how to manage her money. She did a certificate course in investing and was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't so difficult after all. Not long after, the two girls sat together in Simran's bedroom at her university, and had their first heart-to-heart about money. That's where this story begins, really. They chatted for hours, discussing what they earn, save and invest. "There was such fire in that conversation, we thought that we should share this information as a podcast to encourage friends and family to invest too."

The idea for a podcast had already been on Simran's mind. "Right after the conversation, we made tea and Sim talked about her vision for Girls That Invest and starting a podcast - it didn't take much convincing for me to jump on board," said Sonya. With these modest intentions, the two friends decided to start a podcast. The pandemic provided them with an opportunity - as stocks spiralled, Simran knew it was a good time to invest. That's how Girls That Invest began, as a friendly banter between two childhood friends sitting in a bedroom and broadcasting from a laptop. "It was truly a grassroots mission, we learned everything about ourselves through editing, recording, software all through our saviour Google while trying to balance full-time jobs," Sonya recalls. Two years down the line, Girls That Invest has nearly 2,00,000 monthly downloads and a big social media fan base.

Changing a mindset

"Only the rich can invest'. 'That's too complicated'. 'I'll invest after I buy a house and a car'. 'It's boring'. The idea of investing is full of misconceptions, although there is a wealth of apps and businesses that help with it, the sheer volume of information is daunting too. Interestingly, Simran and Sonya observed, in their own words, that "most money-media is usually about men. For women, it's about how to save $10 on your grocery bill."

They made it their mission to remove jargon and deliver advice that be understood and followed. Sonya admits that it was a barrier she faced too. "One of the most important t hings to know is to figure out what type of learner you are. This allows you to understand how you can digest and retain information best," Sonya says.

Girls That Invest is also a book now, and was the number 1 business book on WH Smith. The entrepreneurs have also relaunched their masterclass. They gave their first TEDx talk in the US and are nearing the quarter-million follower count on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sim Kaur | Girls That Invest (@girlsthatinvest)

Aim for freedom

The aim of being savvy with money, the two entrepreneurs say, is freedom. "Money is not about cars or fancy things for me, it's the ability to live life the way I want to. It means choosing when I work, where I work, how I live my life, who I surround myself with, how much time I spend with my loved ones and what values I live by daily," says Simran.

Follow Girls That Invest on Instagram.

Reading Time: 5 mins

Eisha Yadav: On a mission to avert old-age loneliness and social isolation

(June 14, 2023) “Ignoring the well-being of the 103 million (elderly) population of India is no less a humanitarian crisis. Just as the children, the grandparents of the society deserve to have a better, rest of their life,” Eisha Yadav wrote, in her entry to the essay competition organised by US based India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) - a coalition of non-profit, philanthropic, and charitable organisations that mobilise people and funding in the United States to support meaningful causes in India. The youngster won the first prize and a cash award of $1000 to donate to a non-profit of her choice. “After doing a lot of research, it was clear that the team of HelpAge India were not only doing great work in the field of combating social isolation and loneliness of the elderly but also making sure that they don’t have to work in their old years, and have enough money to take care of their health.” says Eisha as she connects with Global Indian from California. The youngster donated the entire prize money to the organisation. That was in 2021. “We are still working together to this day,” she says with a smile. [caption id="attachment_31067" align="aligncenter" width="444"] Eisha Yadav[/caption] Personal

derly but also making sure that they don’t have to work in their old years, and have enough money to take care of their health.” says Eisha as she connects with Global Indian from California. The youngster donated the entire prize money to the organisation. That was in 2021. “We are still working together to this day,” she says with a smile.

[caption id="attachment_31067" align="aligncenter" width="444"] Eisha Yadav[/caption]

Personal experiences and finding a purpose

The ninth grader’s choice of non-profit (HelpAge India) to donate her prize money and later get actively associated with them as a volunteer from the US stems from her personal experiences.

At 90, and until he succumbed to COVID-19, Eisha’s fiercely independent maternal grandfather lived by himself in his hometown, Raipur in India. “Earlier, when my grandma was alive and needed medical attention, they lived in a different Indian city. I could not help but notice, in both cases, how lonely and bored they felt, and how unprepared and lacking the society was to support the lifestyles of the elderly” she mentions.

After her grandmother passed away her grandpa became lonelier. “It was sad and heart breaking to see him struggle with loneliness and isolation. “Though he was active, it was difficult to find things to engage himself. “Back in the US, Eisha and her mother tried to look up for opportunities for some interesting hobby classes to keep him engaged. “There were hardly any good options,” she says. Even though he found love from family members, it was hard for him to feel happy and experience a sense of wellbeing because he felt very lonely and isolated.

“I felt bad about how, in such a big society, the elderly population suffers from loneliness,” she says. “The city he knew, loved and cared for so much was not able to support his wants and needs,” she adds.

During this time, she came across the news of the essay competition of IPA. “I thought it was a cool opportunity to put across the thoughts that were worrying me so much to people who cared. Winning the competition opened a lot of opportunities for me to do something about an issue I really cared about due to my personal experiences,” Eisha remarks.

Finding support

“I have a lot of support from the organisation (HelpAge India) and I really try to do what I can to make a difference,” she says. As a high school student there are time constraints but Eisha tries to give as much time as possible to the cause. “For most causes to get successful awareness is foremost. Once you can raise awareness, you can take the cause forward easily,” she says.

She has been spreading awareness on different platforms including presentation in the local mall in California. “Since I stay in the Bay Area, there is a huge population of Indian people with whom I can engage for the cause,” she says. “I am working with American friends of HelpAge India. We are working on new initiatives and helping in fundraising and supporting the prior programmes of the organisation,” she explains.

Way ahead

Born and raised in California, Eisha has seen US cities with adult service and recreation centres offering organized activities designed specifically for the elderly. Her paternal grandfather, who is retired from the Indian Army and now stays in Bengaluru, also enjoys good facilities and community centres.

“But it is something lacking in the city in which her maternal grandparents lived. They had boring and lonely lives,” she says. “My plan is to work with local establishments in India, one city at a time, and launch programs that mimic the US and Army community centres for elderly.

“As long as I can remember I have had a knack of solving problems in whichever way I could. I always strive to make my community a better place.” The youngster is grateful that her writing talent led her to an association with the India philanthropy Alliance. “That really got me into philanthropy. The fact that my ideas were recognised and I as a kid can make a difference in issues that I care about has got me going,” the fourteen-year-old student of Menlo School, Atherton adds.

HelpAge India reports:

31 percent of the elderly have fear of getting hurt in the locality due to frailty and bad infrastructure.
59 percent of elderly report abuse as being prevalent in Indian society.
Disrespect, verbal abuse and neglect were reported as the most common forms of abuse. Son and daughter in law are reported as the major abusers, and those other than the immediate family are major perpetrators of abuse.
46 percent of the elders were not aware of any abuse redressal mechanism.
79 percent of the respondents felt that their family do not spend enough time with them.
57 percent feel financially insecure because their expenses are exceeding their savings or income.

Reading Time: 5 mins

Hardit Singh’s AI route to healthcare for all

(January 28, 2023) The fundus camera, an instrument used in opthalmology for to capture colour images of the inner surface of the eye, can set one back by anywhere between INR 1.5 lakh and INR 5.25 lakh. In low-income countries, the prohibitive cost of devices used in diagnostic and rehabilitative care makes access a challenge. According to the World Vision Report, prepared by WHO, over 2.2 billion people worldwide are visually impaired and nearly half that number live with treatable or preventable conditions because they cannot get the care they need. The second-leading cause of blindness is glaucoma, with an estimated 57.5 million people around the world affected by primary open-angle glaucoma. In 2020, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, this number rose to 76 million. Among those tackling the problem head-on is Ontario teen Hardit Singh whose innovation is a step towards better healthcare for all. Speculor: A Comprehensive Teleopthalmology Platform for People Centered Eyecare fetched seventeen-year-old Hardit the top prize at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in 2021. Using a portable imager and AI algorithms to screen for disease, Speculor, which has been field-tested in India, can detect glaucoma for the very-affordable sum of $300. The Global

the Canada-Wide Science Fair in 2021. Using a portable imager and AI algorithms to screen for disease, Speculor, which has been field-tested in India, can detect glaucoma for the very-affordable sum of $300. The Global Indian, who also won second place at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, intends for the device to be used by international NGOs working to bring equality in eyecare.

[caption id="attachment_26981" align="aligncenter" width="488"] Source: World Vision Report[/caption]

The vision

Born and raised in Waterloo, the idea took root around three years ago, when a friend from the Cameron Heights Collegiate in Kitchener, where Hardik studied, suffered from retinal detachment, where the retina begins to peel off the eye. "He went to three different opthalmologists and experts and was misdiagnosed all three times for different reasons. He went almost blind because of it," Hardit said in an interview for the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Luckily, doctors managed to detect it before the damage became irreversible. It made Hardit wonder - if such misdiagnoses can happen in a place like Waterloo, what could conditions possibly be in rural or low-income areas, where there is little proximity to healthcare facilities?

By this time, the then 13-year-old Hardit was already building classification algorithms and had a basic understanding of AI from previous projects. He hit the books, learning from YouTube, books and just "trying things out, playing around until it works. That works for hardware, you tinker until you understand what happens. It's the same with optics. I learned until I had enough to build what I wanted."

He began cold-emailing professors, eventually hearing back from the University of Waterloo's Department of Optometry. Hardit began working with a group of grad students, going to them with questions or when he was struggling. The hardware had to be built, the software coded and the two integrated. He worked in the lab, testing the device on a model eye in controlled conditions.

[caption id="attachment_26982" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Hardit Singh[/caption]

Challenges and stepping stones

Speculor worked smoothly in the lab and Hardit decided to roll out his prototype. When he tested it on the field, however, "everything failed," he admits. He had made one fundamental mistake - he hadn't geared the device for less than optimal conditions. "I had designed the prototype to work in perfect condtions but in poor lighting, when the patient is moving around, the device wsn't working at all. The AI had the same problem." The AI sensor was used to very high-quality images, taken by devices, Hardit says, that cost USD 25,000 and up. "My device can't produce such images and it was throwing the AI off."

"I was frustrated. I had put in so much effort and the device didn't work at all. But my mind was already working on how to fix it." With the hardware, his moment of revelation came through integrating cross-polarisation, a technique used in more expensive fundus cameras but rarely in more affordable devices. "It worked really well to ensure there was no glare on the fundus images," he said. He tried a number of solutions with the AI, but nothing worked, until he developed his own training method. The AI was trained to study low quality images, account for poor lighting and movement and detect anomalies under these parameters.

Hardit Singh sent the device for testing once more, this time to an opthalmologist in India. The feedback was far more promising. "The second time, the images turned out really good. It was amazing because I still wasn't expecting it to work, I only had acess to a model eye. This was a Hail mary move for me, sending a protype to India blindly without a test."

[caption id="attachment_26983" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Source: The Record[/caption]

Always a work-in-progress

Hardit's eventual goal is to commercialise the device, pricing it within reach of international NGOs and organisations, to improve healthcare in rural and underserved areas around the world. The cost is currently dominated by the lens, which is about $250. He is also working to improve the design, after a judge from the CWSF remarked that it was "too boxy."

Hardit Singh also wants to expand the scope of his device, which is now mainly used in glaucoma detetion. "I can reapply the same model over different diseases by changing the paramters," he says. He also wants to make it easy to understand, to aid doctors as they make a diagnosis.

Hardit has also published a paper on AI in the Journal of the Optical Society of India. His other interests include computer science, AI, optics, medicine and sports.

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