In a proud moment for India, four secondary-grade students from Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam, Chikkaballapur (Karnataka)—Pranav Sai, Pranav D R, Tej Krishna, and Saket Ram—have been selected to be among the Top 40+ Junicorns from India and the USA. They will represent their school and nation at the prestigious Global Junicorn and AI Summit 2025, scheduled to take place at Texas State University, San Marcos, on 29–30 May 2025.
The Summit brings together rising startups, AI pioneers, global mentors, investors, and ecosystem leaders who are revolutionizing industries with cutting-edge innovation.
Innovation 1: “Wave Warn” — A Hyperlocal Heatwave Alert System
Driven by the escalating threat of climate change, Pranav Sai and Pranav D R envisioned a solution to warn communities about impending heatwaves. The result was Wave Warn, an innovative system that leverages Sentinel Hub satellite imagery and the OpenWeatherMap API to forecast heatwaves lasting from 3 to 10 days.
What sets Wave Warn apart is its hyperlocal precision—delivering granular forecasts for specific neighborhoods or regions. Powered by machine learning, the system produces intuitive visual charts accessible via multiple platforms, including a mobile app, WhatsApp AI chatbot, SMS alerts, community outreach, and a dedicated website. This innovation germinated in their school’s Atal Tinkering Lab, a cradle for young minds to dream, design, and deliver solutions.
Innovation 2: “Sense Vibe” — Empowering the Visually and Hearing Impaired
Equally inspiring is the work of Tej Krishna and Saket Ram, who created Sense Vibe, a wearable device that enhances mobility for individuals who are blind or deaf. With nearly 160 million such individuals globally, the duo wanted to give them a tool to navigate the world with greater confidence.
Sense Vibe is a lightweight, wearable sensor comprising an Arduino Nano, vibration motor, ultrasonic sensor, and a tone battery. When an obstacle is detected, the sensor triggers haptic feedback through vibrations, alerting the user in real-time. Designed to be worn on the belt, spectacles, or walking stick, Sense Vibe offers freedom of movement and an added layer of safety for users.
These young innovators embody the spirit of compassionate creativity and selfless service—core tenets of the values-based education imparted at Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam. They will showcase their innovations at the summit, joining hands with over 40 other top junicorns in front of global thought leaders, AI experts, and industry stalwarts.
A heartfelt thanks goes to the International Startup Foundation for organizing the Global Junicorn and AI Summit 2025, a platform that celebrates youthful brilliance and bold ideas shaping a better, inclusive future for all.
