Meet Akshat | AI Researcher and Founder of BeyondWords AI

We had the good fortune of connecting with Akshat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Akshat, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The thought process really began in my hometown in India. I saw bright, capable children falling behind in school, not because they lacked intelligence, but because they were dyslexic and had no support systems. There were no tools, no therapy, and in many cases, not even awareness of what dyslexia was.

What stayed with me was how these children started to internalize that struggle. They felt shame, and many began to believe they weren’t capable, which was simply untrue. The issue wasn’t them, but rather the absence of resources and understanding.

That’s what led me to create BeyondWords AI, which first began as a simple app. The idea was straightforward: a child could take a picture of text, have it read aloud, and then see it reformatted in a more dyslexia-friendly format — with clearer fonts, spacing, and simpler language. That small concept turned into something much bigger, and today it’s helping hundreds of dyslexic students around the world feel more confident while learning.

But BeyondWords isn’t just about technology. We’re also working on the charitable side of the mission — fundraising to support underprivileged students, donating resources, and striving to make the app completely free in developing regions. The goal has always been bigger than an app: it’s about building equity, breaking down barriers, and ensuring every child has the chance to thrive, no matter where they are or what resources they have access to.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At the core of everything I do is a deep love for AI and research. I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can solve problems in creative ways, but what matters most to me is using that passion to help people. That’s why I focus on AI for Good: making sure research isn’t just about innovation for its own sake, but about impact, equity, and accessibility.

It hasn’t always been easy. Being young, it’s easy to be overlooked, especially in academic spaces where people don’t expect someone my age to contribute meaningfully. At times, I wasn’t taken seriously right away. But I pushed through by continuing to learn, build, and publish — showing that age doesn’t have to limit what you can achieve. Getting my research accepted and presented has been proof that persistence and purpose speak louder than doubt.

What I want people to know about my work and story is simple: AI can be a force for good, and I’m committed to making sure the projects I pursue live up to that responsibility. My journey is really about combining curiosity with impact, and making sure technology helps people, not leaves them behind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d definitely split the week between New Jersey and New York City. We’d start with Jersey City and Hoboken for the skyline views, food, and local spots, then spend a couple of days across the river exploring NYC — walking through Central Park, checking out Times Square, grabbing food in Chinatown, and visiting the museums. The energy of the city is unmatched, and it’s something you have to experience.

Closer to home, I’d make sure we spent time at Princeton University — the campus is beautiful, full of history, and has a really unique atmosphere that blends academics with charm. Between the ivy-covered buildings, the art museum, and the surrounding town, it’s one of my favorite places to show people. That combination of big-city excitement and small-town academic culture, along with a day at the Jersey Shore or hiking up north, would give them a true taste of what makes this area so special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Dr. Jason Puchalla from the Princeton Department of Physics. He has been an incredible guide and mentor in my journey. From hosting me in his lab one summer to supporting me as I pursued AI research, he opened doors to fields I never imagined I’d have the chance to explore.

What stood out to me was not just the technical exposure, but the way he encouraged me to see AI through the lens of impact, to think about how research can actually serve people. That perspective has shaped much of what I do today, especially my focus on “AI for Good.” Many of my earlier projects grew from that mindset, and his mentorship gave me the confidence to continue building initiatives like BeyondWords AI.

I’m deeply grateful for his guidance and for showing me that research isn’t just about discovery, but is also about responsibility and purpose.

Website: https://beyondwordsai.org