The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation proudly announces that Advait Paliwal has been named 2023’s Mark F. Rieth Scholar in Entrepreneurship Studies. Paliwal is a junior majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Business. He is the co-founder and CEO of YouLearn.AI, an artificial intelligence tutor designed to help users understand and master concepts from published content.
Mark Rieth (Broad College of Business ’89), a Detroit native and successful entrepreneur, established this scholarship as one of the ways he wants to give back to the Spartan community.
“I am passionate about supporting entrepreneurship at Michigan State,” said Rieth. “I wanted to establish a scholarship that lifts up student entrepreneurs from the Detroit Metro area and recognizes student excellence in the innovation space.”
Best known for his role with Detroit-based Atwater Brewery—the company he first invested in and later purchased in its entirety—Reith leveraged his automotive background to grow Atwater into the fourth-largest craft brewery in Michigan before selling the company to Molson Coors. Rieth is proud to support students who are leveraging the entrepreneurial mindset to take risks and pursue new ventures.
The Mark F. Rieth Scholarship for Entrepreneurship Studies advances exemplary students within the Burgess Institute's venture creation programming. Paliwal is a sterling example: He demonstrates the requisite entrepreneurial qualities and is a determined, motivated innovator.
Advait Paliwal’s Journey
Born in India and raised in Tokyo, Mumbai, and settling in Troy, Michigan, Paliwal's upbringing has been a journey of discovery and world cultures, each contributing to his extraordinary outlook on life. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of cultural diversity, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the potential for change.
His distinctive blend of global perspectives drives Paliwal's passion for innovation. "Frequently moving allowed me to be a part of multiple cultures and meet diverse groups of people,” said Paliwal.
Paliwal’s upbringing heavily influenced his entrepreneurial spirit. "Being surrounded by numerous cultures enriched my perspectives by listening to the life stories of those around me," Paliwal reflected. "In Japan, I learned discipline; India introduced me to the hustle culture; and the US inspired me with its tech innovation."
Paliwal's connection to entrepreneurship traces back to his admiration for the hardworking individuals in India who wake up early, dedicating themselves to their work.
This early inspiration laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial mindset. "I have always been inspired by the relentless commitment of individuals who face adversity with unwavering dedication," he shared. "Paul Graham's essays and the legacy of Steve Jobs have profoundly shaped my perspective on entrepreneurship and the world."
While Paliwal does not define himself as an entrepreneur in the conventional sense, he believes that being an entrepreneur is about having a dream and the courage to bring that vision to life.
Paliwal interprets entrepreneurship as more than a title—to him, it is a mindset. "It's about holding oneself to higher standards, driving consistency and excellence in everything one does. Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset allows us to see opportunities where others might only see challenges."
"Being an entrepreneur is about having a vision and the determination to bring that idea to life," Paliwal said. He sees entrepreneurship as leaving a lasting mark on the world. "Other people have shaped the world. We, too, can leave our mark of existence on the universe."
"I first heard about the Burgess Institute during an event at the Minskoff Pavilion," Paliwal recalled. The Burgess Institute structures its events to encourage students to engage with peers and visiting alums, which is why Paliwal initially gained interest in the Institute. "In the higher education environment, I see every interaction as a potential learning (or teaching) opportunity.”
After talking to a few people during the event, Paliwal quickly discovered the resources at the Burgess Institute. "As I talked to more people, I realized the extensive resources Burgess offers and immediately signed up for the program."
Maintaining focus in a vibrant academic environment like MSU has been a test of discipline for Paliwal. "Among the 50,000 students at MSU, there's a select group of people at Burgess who possess a burning desire to make an impact," Paliwal said. "They are the people I can rely on for anything."
Joining the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation was a pivotal decision for Paliwal. "Looking back, joining the venture creation program has been one of the best decisions I've made; I would not be here without them," he reflected.
Receiving the Mark F. Rieth Scholarship was both unexpected and gratifying for Paliwal. "It means that my efforts have been acknowledged and that the Burgess community has noticed the difference I've been trying to make."
As Paliwal looks ahead, his plans include pursuing a master’s in computer science, specializing in AI. He also envisions continuing his work on YouLearn.AI to make personalized learning accessible to everyone.
Paliwal hopes to inspire other people to realize their full potential. "This scholarship is a stepping stone, helping me chase after my dream of empowering others to realize their potential through equitable educational opportunities."