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Transforming STEM Education with Nino: The Future of AI in Schools and Universities
Austin, TX - iStart Valley, a leading accelerator for innovation and entrepreneurship, is set to make history at SXSW EDU 2025 with the launch of Nino, the world’s most affordable AI-powered humanoid robot designed to revolutionize STEM education for high schools and universities.
In collaboration with Sirena Technologies, iStart Valley is bringing cutting-edge AI and robotics to classrooms, empowering students with future-ready skills that will prepare them for careers in artificial intelligence, automation, and engineering.
Bridging the AI Skills Gap with Nino
Nino is not just a robot - it’s a companion for education, designed to make STEM learning more engaging, interactive, and hands-on. Unlike traditional robotics kits, Nino enables students to explore real-world AI applications, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
✅ For High Schools – Preparing students to lead the AI revolution with:
• Future-Ready Curriculum aligned with AI, robotics, and machine learning concepts.
• Advanced Capabilities like sensor fusion, IoT integration, and neuromorphic-inspired learning to challenge young minds.
• Innovation & Leadership opportunities, allowing students to build advanced projects like autonomous navigation systems and robotic collaborations.
• Showcase Technology Leadership, positioning schools as pioneers in AI-driven education.
✅ For Universities – Redefining robotics education with:
• State-of-the-Art Research in embodied cognition, swarm robotics, and AI ethics.
• Multidisciplinary Integration across engineering, computer science, and ethics.
• Industry-Leading Innovation, helping universities push the boundaries of humanoid capabilities in areas such as healthcare, smart cities, and automation.
• A Global Competitive Edge, making institutions stand out in robotics and AI research.
Why Nino is a Game Changer
Unlike expensive, complex robotics platforms, Nino is designed to be affordable and accessible, ensuring that every school and university can integrate AI-powered humanoid learning into their curriculum. It provides an immersive, hands-on learning experience, allowing students to program, interact, and innovate with AI—bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.
Join the AI Revolution at SXSW EDU 2025
iStart Valley invites educators, administrators, and researchers to witness the future of AI-driven education firsthand at SXSW EDU 2025. Attendees will get an exclusive first look at Nino, participate in live demonstrations, and explore how this affordable humanoid robot can transform learning and research at their institutions.
The Future of STEM Education Starts Here. Join Us at SXSW EDU 2025!
For more information or to schedule a live demo, visit https://calendly.com/istartvalley-info/30min
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From High School Intern to Quantum Innovator & Entrepreneur
Austin, TX – February 27, 2025 – Siddharth Chander, a former iStart Valley High School Intern, is making waves in the world of quantum computing. Now a Computer Science and Physics student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Chander is pioneering breakthroughs in quantum research, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.
Pushing the Boundaries of Quantum Computing
As the founder of QuantumFab, Chander is developing silicon-based quantum processors to revolutionize industries like finance and pharmaceuticals through Quantum Computing-as-a-Service (QCaaS). His startup has already garnered attention from Silicon Valley investors and quantum experts, positioning itself as a key player in scalable quantum technologies.
Beyond startups, Chander’s cutting-edge research is shaping the quantum landscape. His publications explore quantum advantage, teleportation, optimization algorithms, and time series forecasting, earning recognition in academic and industry circles.
Experience & Leadership in Quantum Innovation
Chander’s technical expertise extends to research roles at leading institutions:
• Indiana University Research Intern – Advanced quantum advantage techniques.
• Quantum Open Source Foundation Intern – Applied QAOA for real-world optimization.
• Oxford University Researcher – Developed scalable quantum teleportation protocols.
• Quantum Ambassador (QubitxQubit) – Educated students nationwide on quantum fundamentals.
At UIUC, he’s driving the future of quantum computing as:
• Founder & President of the UIUC Quantum Computing Club (Launching Soon)
• Member of UIUC’s ACM Chapter & Founders Entrepreneurship Society
Shaping the Future of Quantum Technology
With relentless passion, Chander continues to push the boundaries of quantum computing—merging research, startups, and education to inspire the next generation of innovators. As QuantumFab gains momentum, the industry eagerly watches this rising star reshape the future of quantum technology.
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New York, NY – Two visionary alumni of iStart Valley’s prestigious High School Internship, David Gutin and Anton Liang, have transformed their entrepreneurial experience into an impactful initiative—ServicePro, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect NYC teens with meaningful community service opportunities.
With New York City facing increasing challenges in maintaining its cleanliness and livability, ServicePro steps up as a much-needed solution. This innovative platform bridges high school students and nonprofit organizations, enabling teens to engage in volunteer work that revitalizes their neighborhoods while fulfilling school service-hour requirements.
From iStart Valley Interns to Changemakers
iStart Valley, a leading accelerator for entrepreneurial talent, offers a highly immersive five-month internship that shapes high schoolers into future industry leaders. Through hands-on projects and cutting-edge mentorship, interns gain an unshakable entrepreneurial mindset.
David and Anton, both graduates of this program, leveraged the skills they honed at iStart Valley to launch ServicePro. Their dedication and persistence transformed a simple idea into a fully independent platform that now serves over 15,000 students across 75+ NYC schools. By integrating technology and strategic outreach, they have made it easier than ever for teens to engage with nonprofit organizations, contribute to their communities, and foster a culture of civic responsibility.
Making an Impact in NYC
ServicePro allows teens to enter their interests and locations to find the best community service opportunities near them. The platform has:
• 100+ community service opportunities listed on the website.
• 75+ NYC schools engaged, reaching over 15,000 students.
• Partnered with most of the specialized high schools in NYC, including Brooklyn Tech, the largest school in the country.
• Grown into a seven-member team committed to expansion and impact.
• Attracted 2,500 site visitors this month alone.
Authentic Testimonial from a Student Volunteer
“ServicePro has been a game-changer for me. It connected me to opportunities that aligned with my interests, allowing me to give back to my community while building valuable skills. I’ve made a real difference, and I recommended it to my friends!” – Student Volunteer
Scaling Beyond NYC
With an expanding reach, ServicePro is now collaborating with global student-run nonprofit organizations through Instagram and social media promotions. Their vision is to empower even more students to take ownership of their communities and develop leadership skills through service.
A Future Built on Service and Leadership
David and Anton’s journey—from iStart Valley interns to social entrepreneurs—exemplifies how experiential learning fosters real-world impact. Their relentless drive and passion for civic engagement continue to inspire NYC teens to step up, serve, and shape a better tomorrow.
To learn more about ServicePro and find opportunities to give back, visit ServiceProNYC.com. iStart Valley is accepting the applications from eligible high school students for summer internship and is available at https://www.istartvalley.org/programs/high-school-internship
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iStart Valley is excited to share the remarkable achievements of its high school internship alumni who have secured their places at the prestigious Ivy League universities and top institutions nationwide. This high-demand program is designed to sculpt the interns into visionary leaders with an unshakable entrepreneurial mindset.
Our interns' journey to the Ivy Leagues is nothing new; it's a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. The success stories began in 2018 when Veena Kollipara was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania, followed by Sejal Gupta, who was accepted into Yale University, Columbia University, and Cornell University, besides other top 15 schools.
This tradition of excellence continued, and in 2023, our interns were accepted into illustrious institutions such as Harvard University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Dartmouth University, and other top schools like MIT, Duke University, and Northwestern University, with 40% of our intern’s gaining admission to these elite institutions.
Highlighting our program's impact, Shriya Bhatt's journey from pitching her innovative Artificial Intelligence based platform, "Speak Up," at our Final Pitch Contest to winning the Global Startup Contest underscores the transformative experience iStart Valley offers. Shriya says “IStart Valley was an excellent experience. It expanded my bandwidth as to what a high school student is capable of doing and it opened my eyes to new career opportunities.”
Our internship provides a comprehensive five-month immersion into entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, connecting participants with business leaders and industry experts to expand their horizons and professional networks.
MJ Charmani, Founder and Chair of iStart Valley says “Today Top universities select students based on the portfolio of projects that demonstrate their passion with exposure to real-world. iStart Valley’s internship helps interns to gain the hands-on experience to build next generation startups turning their own creative ideas.”
Another success story this year is Adrija Kundu, who was accepted into both Columbia University and Princeton University, also part of the iStart Valley’s Leadership Accelerator that nurtures next generation Innovators and leaders. Adrija co-led the Youth Innovation Council working with another intern Parimala Rajesh who was accepted into MIT. Adrija says “"iStart Valley's internship was one of the first programs I completed as a highschooler, and I am glad I made the right decision.”
We invite ambitious high school students to apply for our Spring and Summer internships. Applications for the Summer internship is open until April 27th, 2024. Discover how iStart Valley can shape your future by visiting our website @ https://www.istartvalley.org/programs/high-school-internship for more details on our high school internship program. Join us on this journey to unlock your potential and explore unparalleled career opportunities.