Priya Ranganathan

Indian EdTech pioneer expanding STEM education access for rural girls through AI-driven platforms

Breaking Educational Barriers

Priya Ranganathan's startup SmartShala has provided STEM education to 1.2 million rural Indian girls since 2020. As founder and CTO, her AI-powered learning platform delivers personalized courses via low-cost tablets donated through corporate partnerships. The initiative addresses India's 2:1 male-female STEM education gap, with 83% of participants pursuing technical careers.

Innovative Learning Solutions

SmartShala's CodeSakhi program teaches coding through regional language modules, developed with MIT's Code For All initiative. The platform's predictive analytics identify at-risk students, enabling early intervention. Over 150 villages now have dedicated 'STEM Hubs' equipped with SmartShala's solar-powered labs.

Social Impact & Partnerships

Ranganathan's collaboration with NITI Aayog expanded the program to 18 states by 2024. The MentorConnect program connects students with 5,000+ STEM professionals globally. Her work was highlighted in TIME's 100 Most Influential People 2023 edition.

Technological Breakthroughs

Developing the EdSage AI system, Ranganathan created India's first gender-aware adaptive learning algorithm. This reduces content dropout rates by 41% through culturally relevant examples and female role model integration. The platform's offline functionality supports 85% of users who lack consistent internet access.

Global Expansion

Adapting the model for African markets, SmartShala's Global Scholars Program now operates in Kenya and Nigeria. Ranganathan's vision of a 50% female STEM workforce in India by 2030 has gained support from UNESCO and the Gates Foundation. Her innovations demonstrate how technology can dismantle systemic educational inequities.