Karnataka, India: In a move to make artificial intelligence more inclusive and socially impactful, AI startup JAN AI has partnered with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and leading ecosystem partners to equip women engineering students with the skills to solve real-world challenges using AI. Instead of focusing solely on automation, the initiative encourages participants to develop technology-driven solutions rooted in the needs of local communities.
The programme, ‘She Innovates,’ recently concluded its second six-day residential bootcamp, bringing together 55 women engineering students from seven districts across Karnataka. The initiative was organised by JAN AI in collaboration with the Visvesvaraya Research & Innovation Foundation (VRIF), VTU, UN Women, Wipro, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), TiE Bangalore, and TiE Hubli.
Breaking away from traditional AI training models, the bootcamp began not with coding but with community engagement. Students from Bengaluru, Belagavi, Chikkodi, Haveri, Vijayanagara, Mangaluru, and Uttar Kannada participated in village visits, empathy interviews, and market research to identify genuine local challenges before applying generative AI, design thinking, and rapid prototyping to create startup-ready solutions.
The programme is designed to inspire women engineers to see AI as a tool for solving grassroots problems and creating meaningful social and economic impact.
“Artificial intelligence is not about replacing human potential; it is about expanding it,” said Madan Padaki, Founder of JAN AI.
He added, “The most impactful AI solutions don’t begin with technology—they begin with understanding the real challenges people face. When young women are empowered to view community problems as opportunities for innovation, AI becomes more accessible, relevant, and capable of driving lasting change.”
The experience also reshaped participants’ understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Coming into the bootcamp, I thought innovation was about building technology. I leave with the understanding that it begins with understanding people,” said participant Swati Patil.
Throughout the programme, students validated their ideas with local communities before integrating AI into their solutions, reinforcing a human-centred approach to innovation.
Speaking at the valedictory session, Prof. Vidyashankar S., Chairman of VRIF and Vice-Chancellor of VTU, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in nurturing future innovators who can combine research, technology, and entrepreneurship to address pressing societal challenges.
With She Innovates, JAN AI continues its mission to make artificial intelligence more accessible, inclusive, and purpose-driven—encouraging the next generation of women innovators to build AI solutions that are developed in India and designed to solve India’s real-world challenges.
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