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Indian-origin Penn students receive University President’s Innovation Prize
The idea for Jochi came from Dhir's personal journey of navigating his academic path while grappling with learning differences.
Yash Dhir (left) and Rahul Nambiar have been awarded the 2024 President’s Innovation Prize for their web-based educational management tool, Jochi / Image- https://penntoday.upenn.edu/
Two fourth-year Indian-origin students at the University of Pennsylvania have been awarded the university President’s Innovation Prize for their innovative web-based educational technology platform, Jochi.
Developed by Yash Dhir and Rahul Nambiar, Jochi is tailored specifically to support middle and high school students with learning differences such as ADHD, offering them a structured approach to managing school assignments and extracurricular activities outside the classroom.
The idea for Jochi came from Dhir's personal journey of navigating his academic path while grappling with learning differences. The challenges he faced inspired him to conceptualize a solution that would provide students with the same level of support outside the classroom as they receive within it.
Penn interim president, J. Larry Jameson, commended the duo's innovative spirit, emphasizing their ability to identify a critical need and devise a practical solution. "Inventors at their core, Yash Dhir and Rahul Nambiar identified a gap and a solution to support students with learning differences," stated Jameson.
The significance of Jochi extends beyond its technological innovation. By seamlessly integrating the platform into school systems, educators can gain invaluable insights into students' progress and can provide tailored support accordingly, the makers said.
“"We're in an education market, so having Penn's name behind this, validating our product, and validating us as student founders, is so important," remarked Dhir. As part of the Prize, they will receive a $100,000 grant and a $50,000 living stipend each.
They have also secured the $50,000 Draper Bridge Fund Award from Penn’s Venture Lab and received $30,000 through the Startup Challenge. Furthermore, they emerged as semifinalists in the esteemed international 2024 Milken Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition.
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