Advait Paliwal is a graduating senior in the College of Engineering at Michigan State University. He is the founder and CEO of YouLearn, an AI-powered personalized learning platform.
My name is Advait Paliwal, and I’m a senior at the College of Engineering at Michigan State University. I’m the founder and CEO of YouLearn, an AI-powered personalized learning platform.
Growing up, my family moved frequently, introducing me to diverse cultures in India, Japan, and the United States. This global upbringing shaped my perspectives and helped me find my passion for using technology to make a positive impact.
I started YouLearn when I struggled to find help for a few questions in a class, and the help room was full. I had previously built a hackathon project that summarized YouTube videos, so I adapted it to allow chats as well. I used it daily and decided to turn it into a company.
At YouLearn, we’re building an AI tutor that understands each person’s unique learning needs to make high-quality, personalized education accessible to all. Our mission is to empower people worldwide to reach their full potential through engaging, effective, and affordable learning experiences.
As a student running a startup and working on multiple side projects, I find that my time for socializing is limited. However, I believe that this is a worthwhile trade-off. I am driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep passion for building. Every spare moment is an opportunity to dive into a new project, expand my knowledge, or explore an intriguing topic. It lays the foundation for the impact I hope to make. I don’t just want to be good; I want to be great.
I’ll graduate in the next few months, and I have one goal: moving to the Bay Area. That place is special for young, ambitious people in tech. The learning and growth opportunities there are exponentially greater compared to where I am now.
I’m incredibly grateful to Paul Jaques and the Burgess Institute for their support, without which I wouldn’t be where I am today. They gave me the opportunity to visit San Francisco last year, where I fell in love with the vibrant tech ecosystem and the abundance of opportunities to connect with other ambitious people. I found myself in the presence of brilliant and innovative minds, each driven by a passion for creating technology that makes a real difference. Through these experiences, I’ve found mentors and people who inspire me to push boundaries.
I’d like to advise other students at Michigan State to take full advantage of the resources available here, including fantastic research opportunities, the entrepreneurship program, and a supportive community. The launch program is unparalleled, offering funding without taking equity. It is an opportunity not to be missed, especially when you’re young and have the time and energy to build new things and make a positive impact on the world.