EdVANS, A Bengaluru-based edtech startup, was founded in April 2024. This startup is envisioned to democratize real-world knowledge and skills regardless of background and location. Its vision to make India a leader of AI innovation led to onboarding 2k schools across India within a few years. Let’s unfold the story of this innovative edtech startup.
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Innovators Behind EdVANS: A Backend Story.
It was April 2024 when EdVANS came into existence with an innovative approach. Behind this innovation, innovators are hidden. Innovator Jitesh Bajaj, founder and CEO of EdVANS, is a seasoned innovator, having experience in digital transformation and AI initiatives for Fortune 100 companies like Google, IBM, Amazon, Tesco, and Bank of America.
Akshatha Kulkarni, Co-founder and COO at Edvans, is passionate about nurturing young minds. She is extremely committed to preparing students for the future with attractive curricula at EdVANS. She holds a Master’s in Science, a Bachelor’s in Science, a Bachelor’s in Education, and a PGDM in Instructional Design, and is currently pursuing a PhD.
According to the founders, during research, they found a gap in the edtech space. When there is conversation all around on the critical topic, such as Artificial Intelligence and Automation, the School is still struggling to deliver students contextual and practical learning. Hence startup begins.
EdVANS: A Movement, Not Just a Startup.
Since its existence, Edvans is set to deliver modern skills like AI, Entrepreneurship, and Critical thinking, crucial for the 21st century. It stands out having a simple mission – to build a strong AI foundation for every student of India. Its founder shared that Edvans is not an APP but a shift of mindset.
“EdVANS isn’t an app, it’s a mindset shift. We’re working with educators, students, and even parents to create learning environments that are real, relatable, and future-ready, “Jitesh Bajaj said.
Innovation X: A 21st Century Skills Program.
Innovation X is the World’s first ever and unique program launched by Edvans to empower students with all essential 21st-century skills. This program includes 10 top 21st-century skills essential to survive:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Collaboration and communication
- Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Information literacy and media literacy
- Digital literacy and computational thinking
- Environmental & Sustainability
- Leadership and adaptability
- Social-emotional learning
- Creativity and innovation
The company’s CEO says, Innovation X is to help students break limiting beliefs and think like leaders, founders, creators, and change makers.
Think AI: Preparing Next Generation Students.
Under Innovation X, Think AI is a flagship program aimed at bringing AI literacy to students from grade 4 through Undergrad. It uses gamefied learning, storytelling, hands-on projects, and real-world use cases to show how AI works and its importance.
Co-founder Akshata says, “We’re at the tipping point. AI will soon be as integral to life as the internet. And if our children don’t understand it, they risk being left behind.” So, this program is set to reach around 1 million students across 2,000+ schools in India in its pilot phase.
The Young Indian Founders: A Shark Tank For Students.
The Young Indian Founders, a program more like a mini Shark Tank. Edvans started this unique program with a crucial aim to empower school students by nurturing them to turn their business dreams into reality. This program is based on investing in the future.
This program is very unique as it is set to support student ventures, offering mentorship and potential seed funding.
EdVANS’s Vision.
EdVANS’s vision, to build a strong AI foundation for every student, keeping it out of the competition in EdTech. According to the website, we envision a world where education isn’t just about keeping pace, it’s about empowering the next generation to lead the change. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, reshaping industries and redefining the way we live and work. In this dynamic landscape, traditional skills are no longer enough. Our children need to be equipped with the 21st-century skills that will enable them to thrive in this ever-evolving world.
Their vision follows certain criteria to fulfill:
- Cultivating Adaptability
- Empowering Collaboration
- Inspiring Lifelong Learning
- Championing Innovation
- Embedding Modern Skills
One of the key visions is to prepare students not just for future jobs, but to create them, shaping an inclusive and sustainable future.
EdVANS: Impacts and Achievement.
Programmes launched by the startup are making a positive impact, as thousands of students are already exploring the programmes. In support, parents, teachers, and even industry experts have been vocal in support. Not only society but also corporations are showing their interest.
Watching EdVANS’s innovative steps in the contribution to India, several organizations are currently in talks to partner with EdVANS to provide internship and mentorship opportunities to students.
Conclusion
The launch of EdVANS and its extraordinary achievements over the years are great for India’s development in the AI landscape. Before this, no organizations existed in support of school students in AI learning and other essential skills. But with this startup’s programmes, having a vast portfolio of 21st-century skills will contribute to school students and prepare India for the next generation.
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