In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, a 15-year-old prodigy from Kerala is making waves with his remarkable contributions to the field. Uday Shankar, hailed as the “Wizard of AI,” has an inspiring story that showcases his unwavering passion for science and technology, even when it meant stepping away from traditional education.
Uday’s journey into the tech world began when he made the bold decision to drop out of school in the eighth grade to fully dedicate himself to his love of AI and software development. Despite this unconventional path, Uday’s brilliance shone through as he quickly rose to prominence, earning the prestigious role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Urav Advanced Learning System Pvt Ltd, an AI start-up based in Kochi, Kerala.
As the CTO of Urav, Uday oversees the technical branch of the company, guiding its vision and development. Under his leadership, Urav has become a hub for innovation, offering certificate programs in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and game development. Uday’s expertise has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum, particularly in advanced Python coding and Unity 3D game development courses for young learners.
Uday’s path is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. With the support of his parents, Dr. Ravi Kumar and Srikumari, Uday has pursued his education through open schooling, allowing him to balance his academic aspirations with his role at Urav. He has earned certificates from prestigious institutions like IIT Kanpur and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, further solidifying his reputation as a young genius in the tech world.
But Uday’s accomplishments don’t stop there. He has authored four research papers, secured three patents, and developed an impressive portfolio of about fifteen games, nine computer programs, and seven apps. His innovative spirit was recognized with the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Ignited Mind Children Creativity and Innovation Award 2030, an honor that underscores his impact on the field of AI.
One of Uday’s most notable projects is the development of an app called “Hi Friends,” which was inspired by a personal experience. When Uday struggled to communicate with his grandmother in Palakkad, he saw an opportunity to create an AI-based solution. The app allows users to create avatars of loved ones and communicate with them in any language, opening up new possibilities for AI in multilingual communication. This breakthrough led to the creation of a multilingual kiosk that could be used in public transportation systems like trains and metros.
Uday’s innovation extends beyond AI communication tools. He founded his start-up, Urav, four years ago after teaching himself Python programming online. Among his other notable projects is “Clean Alka,” an AI chatbot that interacts with users to generate images, and “Bhashini,” a patented app that allows users to manage multiple languages seamlessly. In his commitment to social impact, Uday has also developed a free app designed to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating public spaces.
Uday Shankar’s story is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to innovation. His journey from a young tech enthusiast to a leading figure in AI is a testament to the boundless potential of youth when passion and talent are nurtured. As Uday continues to push the boundaries of technology, his work promises to inspire countless others to follow their dreams and make their mark on the world.