Pitched 2 ideas to PM Modi in 90 seconds on Chennai Metro: Who is AI startup founder Tejas Sudarshan & what did he propose?

Tejas Parthasarathi Sudarshan, founder of applied artificial intelligence startup Winsen Labs, got an opportunity to pitch two ideas on the use of AI in India to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Chennai Metro journey. With around 90 seconds to make his case, Sudarshan proposed using AI to help students solve real-world problems and creating a unified AI-powered platform to make government services easier to access. Sudarshan was among 17 founders shortlisted by SPI Chennai for an interaction with the Prime Minister and other dignitaries during a Metro journey between Chennai airport and Poonamallee station. In a video recounting the experience, he explained that he nearly missed his turn when the train arrived at the airport station. Modi then suggested hearing from the remaining participants, giving Sudarshan an opportunity to present his proposals.

Who is Tejas Parthasarathi Sudarshan?

Sudarshan is the founder of Winsen Labs, an applied AI startup focused on developing technology-based solutions to practical problems. According to his LinkedIn profile, he previously worked with KPMG India and founded Fanpit before launching Winsen Labs.

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He studied business and commerce at the University of Madras between 2018 and 2021. He also pursued the Chartered Accountancy qualification through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India between 2018 and 2022.

His recent interaction with Modi centred on two ideas aimed at applying artificial intelligence to education and public service delivery.

First AI idea: Help students solve real-world problems

Sudarshan's first proposal focused on bringing practical problem-solving into education by connecting students with government departments and their real-world challenges.

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Under the suggested approach, government departments could work with universities to give students projects based on actual problems. Students would get an opportunity to apply AI and other technologies to develop solutions, gaining practical experience beyond conventional classroom learning.

The idea aims to bridge the gap between academic education and the skills required to address real-life challenges. It would also give students opportunities to work on problems faced by public institutions while taking responsibility for their projects and outcomes.

Second AI idea: A single platform for government services

His second proposal focused on simplifying access to government services through a unified, AI-powered service desk.

The proposed platform would allow citizens to submit cases and upload documents in one place, rather than approaching multiple government offices and departments separately. An AI agent could track requests and direct them to the relevant department for further action.

The idea aims to make it easier for citizens to navigate government processes, reducing the effort involved in identifying the appropriate department and following up on applications.

However, the proposal was presented as an idea for consideration, rather than an announced government initiative.

What happened during Tejas Sudarshan's interaction with PM Modi?

Sudarshan was one of 17 startup founders shortlisted by SPI Chennai for the interaction during the Chennai Metro journey. The selected founders represented a range of sectors, with projects involving airport logistics, green propulsion systems for rockets and chip design, among other areas. In his account of the experience, Sudarshan said he nearly missed his opportunity to speak after the train arrived at the airport station. Modi then suggested that the remaining participants should also get a chance to present their ideas.

Sudarshan used the brief window to outline his two AI proposals. He said the dignitaries listened and asked questions during the interaction.

From a school election speech to pitching AI ideas to PM Modi

In a separate LinkedIn post, Sudarshan recalled addressing his school during the 2017 School Pupil Leader elections. One of his proposals at the time was to introduce Google Classroom to support technology-enabled learning.

Nearly nine years later, his presentation to the Prime Minister returned to a similar theme: using technology to improve how students learn and solve problems.


Inputs from TOI