How Nidhi's AI Startup Is Normalising Conversations On Neurodivergence

Nidhi, the entrepreneur behind NEMA AI is passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence for a good cause. As the founder and CEO of the neuroscientific startup, her goal is to use technology to detect neurodivergence and utilise the results to provide ethical solutions to support and educate individuals. In a world where neurodivergence often goes undetected or misunderstood, Nidhi's journey is driven by a deep-seated commitment to opening healthy conversations around neurodivergence. The Delhi-based entrepreneur has impacted the lives of over 150 neurodivergent students and their parents. Her ultimate goal is to foster awareness of learning disabilities like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among others. 

Nidhi recently appeared on Shark Tank India, the coveted television show for entrepreneurs to seek investments and guidance for their startups. Her unique venture and infectious zeal impressed the Sharks (investors), and she took home an investment of ₹40 lakh for 8% equity, with ₹40 lakh debt at 10% interest for three years, from Vineeta Singh of Sugar Cosmetics and Namita Thapar of Emcure Pharmaceuticals.

Vision For The AI Industry

At the latest Digital Women Awards by SheThePeople, Nidhi spoke about her entrepreneurial journey and the purpose behind her venture. In a panel called 'Women Driving Impact With AI', she explained how NEMA AI incorporates technology and neuroscience to assess and guide children with neurodivergence.

"We're working on understanding the brain patterns of students and then providing them with efficient ways of learning," she shared, throwing light on the importance of delving deep into the science behind neurodivergence. Nidhi shared that her vision is to cater to the niche educational needs of each neurodivergent student. 

Speaking at the 'Equality Lounge' by SheThePeople and Female Quotient at the Digital Women Awards, Nidhi shared the growing impact of artificial intelligence on human experiences. "AI is actually like a buddy that has been automating a lot of the manual work that we have been doing. People just have to learn some basic skills of how to use AI and implement them in their work," she explained.

Nidhi also spoke about how her venture is making the most of AI to assist teachers of neurodivergent children. She shared, "Our platform starts recommending teachers about how they can approach teaching all the students. So the AI is taking care of the content and decreasing the amount of manual work for the teachers, which in turn is making them more efficient."

Experience As A Woman In STEM

Nidhi also opened up about her experience as a woman in STEM and an entrepreneur, detailing the triumphs and challenges she experienced in her career. "Recently I was showcasing my platform at some places and people automatically assumed that the company was founded by a man. They would ask me 'Where is the founder?'"

She continued, "I got this question from all genders. Not just from men. I think it's still believed that female AI founders are always going to be second to male. So we have to work around that," she said. Nidhi also explained how this regressive belief and the gender gap in the AI industry and other scientific fields must be tackled. 

Need To Encourage STEM For Women

Nidhi shared the importance of pushing more girls and women into STEM careers, sharing her views on how this can be achieved. "We need to create more awareness from a very young age, from schools, so that female students are much more motivated to take science or AI as a subject rather than feeling like it is too complex or only for males," she said.

She also shared the role of family and upbringing in instilling confidence in women pursuing STEM. "Parents have to be much more supportive and encourage their girl children [into science fields]. They have to tell them that it's not something they are supposed to be scared of at least trying. That can increase the number of women who are going into STEM in the future."