Studying at Southampton
Yash chose to study at Southampton because it is known for its high-quality education, particularly in fields like engineering, maritime studies and computer science. He said its strong research output, excellent industry connections and vibrant city life all contribute to his decision.
He said: “The state-of-the-art facilities and research centres left a strong impression on me. The welcoming atmosphere on campus was definitely a highlight, along with the rich cultural life in Southampton, from its history as a maritime city to its diverse food and art scene.”
Yash says his time and education at Southampton were transformative and the on-campus experience was invaluable in providing a platform to interact with fellow students from diverse cultures and backgrounds and added a layer of humility and empathy that continues to shape his approach to the world.
He said: “The emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills during the programme was pivotal. These skills have greatly contributed to my success as an entrepreneur, enabling me to approach challenges with a strategic mindset and innovative solutions.”
“All of this broadened my perspectives and deepened my understanding of the world. Witnessing the varied struggles and battles that each person faces served as a humbling experience, reinforcing the importance of empathy and resilience in my personal and professional life."
He added that the programme's focus on collaboration and research fuelled his passion for continuous learning, while the dedication to remaining abreast of the most recent advancements in his field played a pivotal role in his responsibilities.
He said: “The international exposure gained through the programme has proven beneficial in my professional endeavours, fostering adaptability and cultural competence. My education not only provided me with academic excellence, but also imparted crucial life skills, a global perspective, and a commitment to ongoing learning.”
The international exposure gained through the programme has proven beneficial in my professional endeavours, fostering adaptability and cultural competence. My education not only provided me with academic excellence, but also imparted crucial life skills, a global perspective, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
Settling into a new life in the UK
Yash admits that being an international student brings its own set of challenges including academic pressure, cultural change, homesickness, financial concerns and balancing social and academic life.
He says he overcame these by joining student societies, attending student mixers that were organised by the Students’ Union or the halls of residence, and building a strong support network of friends and mentors.
An entrepreneurial career
Since completing his BEng at Southampton in 2014, Yash continued to do an MSc in Business Administration at the University of Illinois, USA, before completing an internship at General Motors.
He then started his first venture in solar energy renewables in Singapore with company Red Sienna Energy Pte Ltd and was responsible for engineering, procurement and construction contracts in India and the Philippines. He sold the company in 2019 for US$700,000 and began looking for his next entrepreneurial journey.
He joined the founding team of a school project and contributed to establishing a kindergarten to grade 12 school on a greenfield site in Delhi.
He said: “I learnt the intricacies of building an educational ecosystem from scratch. Across India, the UK and the USA, my journey through diverse educational systems provided me with a global perspective that sharpened my understanding of learners' evolving needs and exposed the limitations of traditional models.”
All of this experience gave him the idea for AcadAlly, an AI-driven startup that uses technology to provide personalised learning experiences.
He said: “Our flagship product Learning Engine for Assessment and Progress (LEAP) is an AI-powered engine that has revolutionised adaptive learning by harnessing data analytics to understand and address each student's unique learning needs. It analyses each student's learning patterns, identifies learning gaps and curates a personalised solution.”
Yash says his biggest achievement was being featured in BusinessWorld’s Disrupt 30 Under 30 2023 that recognises top entrepreneurs in India under the age of 20. He also received the Fortune Leadership Award, was recognised as one of Business Connect’s 20 Most Promising Startups, and has been acknowledged by the Economic Times for the impact of his work on enhancing student performance.
Advice for future students
Yash’s recommendations for future students considering a similar career path are:
- Start with a strong vision: clearly define the problem you are solving and stay focused on your mission.
- Embrace continuous learning: stay updated on industry trends, seek mentorship, and learn from both successes and failures.
- Build a strong team: It is important to surround yourself with people who share your passion and complement your skills.
- Adaptability is key: Startups often face challenges, so being flexible and ready to pivot when needed is crucial.
- Network actively: Build relationships with other entrepreneurs, investors and industry professionals, as they can provide support and open doors to opportunities.
- Stay resilient: The start-up journey is full of highs and lows, but persistence and resilience are vital to overcoming obstacles.
