Ayesha Hazra

Bangladeshi tech pioneer creating AI-driven educational platforms to bridge gender gaps in STEM education

Ayesha Hazra is transforming education in Bangladesh through her company Shikkha AI, which develops artificial intelligence tutors specifically designed for rural classrooms. Since 2020, her AI-powered learning platforms have provided STEM education to over 500,000 girls in areas lacking qualified science teachers. The system uses gamified lessons and local language interfaces to make complex concepts like coding and physics accessible.

What sets Hazra apart is her focus on culturally sensitive tech. Her team works with anthropologists to ensure content aligns with local values while challenging gender stereotypes. The 'Digital Lab in a Box' initiative provides low-cost kits containing Raspberry Pi computers and lab equipment, enabling schools without electricity to conduct virtual experiments. This model has been adopted in rural areas of Pakistan and Indonesia through UNESCO partnerships.

In 2024, Hazra launched She Codes BD, a national coding competition that attracted 25,000 female participants. Her work was recognized with the UN Women Leadership Award for advancing women's digital inclusion. By combining cutting-edge AI with deep cultural understanding, Hazra is proving that technology can become a powerful tool for social equity in education.