Manchikanti Jogith, Kolasani Venkat, Venkatesh Rachamadugu, and Devarasetty Rama Krishna of 3rd Year Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences (SEAS) have taken their innovation, VidyaVani, to the national stage. The AI-powered IVR system for inclusive education has been selected as a finalist at the prestigious OpenAI Academy x NxtWave Buildathon and will represent Andhra Pradesh at the National Finale in Delhi.

What began as a simple idea to make learning accessible to every child has now earned national recognition. Team SRM University–AP’s VidyaVani, an AI-powered IVR system designed for inclusive education, has been selected as a finalist at the prestigious OpenAI Academy x NxtWave Buildathon and will represent Andhra Pradesh at the National Finale in Delhi.

From Idea to National Recognition

The NxtWave × OpenAI Hackathon followed a rigorous three-stage process—idea selection through a presentation, prototype development, and final evaluation. VidyaVani successfully progressed through each round, gaining appreciation from mentors and experts. The prototype was showcased to NxtWave mentors at Vijayawada College, where the team advanced to the final round, securing a finalist position at the state-level buildathon.

About VidyaVani

VidyaVani is an AI-powered IVR learning system designed to make education accessible to students in rural and underprivileged communities. The platform works without internet connectivity or smartphones and is compatible with basic keypad phones. Through simple voice interactions, learners can access AI-generated educational content, enabling equitable learning opportunities for those with limited digital access.

Preparation and Mentorship

The team’s journey was driven by thorough idea validation, continuous prototyping, collaborative teamwork, and valuable feedback from NxtWave mentors. This structured support helped refine the solution and strengthen its real-world impact.

Looking Ahead

Reaching the national stage has further motivated the team to continue building meaningful AI-driven solutions for social impact and to actively engage in innovation platforms in the future. Representing SRM University–AP and the state of Andhra Pradesh at the national round marks a proud milestone in their journey.

VidyaVani stands as a testament to how technology, when guided by purpose, can bridge learning gaps and create inclusive educational opportunities for every child.