How one math whiz transforming education with experiential learning

From child prodigy to education revolutionary, Nischal Narayanam's journey is reshaping the way we learn. Driven by a passion for education ignited in childhood, at just 15, he founded Nischal's Smart Learning Solutions, a company pioneering immersive learning experiences that are transforming classrooms across India and beyond, empowering students and educators alike. In an interview with Bizz Buzz, Nischal delves into his vision for education, his company's remarkable growth, and the future of learning through innovation

What prompted you to start Nischal’s Smart Learning Solutions at the age of 15?

I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey at the age of 15, showcasing my abilities and innovative mindset. The spark for nischals was ignited during a math class in 5th grade when I observed the challenges my peers faced in grasping 3D geometry and mensuration concepts. I realized that conventional teaching methods are not enough to impart practical knowledge of mathematics to students. Recognizing the absence of suitable tools in the market beyond a geometry box, I, with the support of my mother and teachers, began developing models and prototypes covering various mathematical concepts. Motivated by the belief that if there are labs for science, there should be labs for math as well to address the widespread math phobia among students. The journey continued with extensive research and development, leading to the establishment of Nischal’s Smart Learning Solutions Pvt Ltd.

Moreover, my foray into entrepreneurship was marked by my relentless passion for education and my desire to transform the learning landscape for students. With a firm belief in the power of experiential and experimental learning, I leverage my knowledge and experiences in mathematics to create solutions that could revolutionize education.

How would you describe joy of knowing through experimental experiential learning?

I solely live by the educational philosophy Joy of Knowing through Experimental Experiential Learning, which emphasizes the importance and need for practical learning by fostering a sense of curiosity and joy in students. Firmly grounded in the scientifically supported notion that children understand 50 per cent by hearing, 80 per cent by seeing and 100 per cent by doing, we work towards transforming conventional teaching and learning practices for K-12 students. The use of math and science labs, the integration of AR/VR-powered modules, interactive 3D simulations, and e-materials can make learning fun, interactive, and easier to grasp for students with real-life applications. Our labs boast over 5,000 tools, and over 2,500 experiments can be conducted from the comfort of the classroom. Students do not have to physically go to a lab; the lab comes to the classroom. The AR app features over 400 hours of video content and 2,500+ simulations enabling a virtual lab-like experience, creating a fascinating learning environment for students. We are not just offering a static e-learning platform; ours is a dynamic and an interactive one. ‘Joy of knowing through experimental experiential learning’ is all about revolutionizing traditional teaching methodologies and promoting learning through a hands-on approach, while discouraging rote-learning and the chalk-and-talk approach.

What are some of your major achievements?

My achievements are: Youngest Chartered Accountant in India at 19 and youngest double Post Graduate in Mathematics & Commerce at 18; Double Guinness World Record holder in memory at 11 & 13; First Indian to Win the World Memory Championship (Gold Medal) at 12; Earned Ganithavadhani title at 9 by performing ‘Ganitha Ashtavadhanam’ a rare feat in mathematics; Trained by 42 mentors in several global methodologies and authored books on math; Developed India’s first Math Lab at 11 and received the National Child Award; Featured in National Geographic’s My Brilliant Brain documentary and was accredited as one of the Seven Brilliant Brains of the World; Founded nischals at 15, transforming education with innovative products.

How would you empower the next generation of learners?

I firmly believe in adopting a holistic approach to empower the next generation of learners. Our primary focus lies in nurturing intellectual curiosity, fostering critical thinking skills, and promoting personal growth among students. To achieve this, we provide innovative educational products that transcend traditional pedagogy, opting instead for a more hands-on approach. By guiding students to ‘explore the why’s’ behind every concept, we believe genuine learning takes place. We are dedicated to equipping students with both knowledge and conceptual understanding. Our goal is to prepare them effectively for the challenges of a dynamic and ever-changing world.

How would you describe ‘breaking mind barriers’ and shift to immersive learning from traditional learning?

Shifting from traditional learning to immersive experiences can be challenging when teachers and students are deeply rooted in familiar methods. It’s like trying to break through preconceived notions. At nischals, we approach this change with understanding. We invest in our teachers through training programs and upskill them, gently guiding them towards a new way of teaching. As they witness the positive impact of our combined experiential and experimental learning approach integrated with AR and VR, on student performance, they start warming up to the idea. It’s not about pushing aside what’s familiar but showing how our method can make learning more engaging and effective. We want teachers and students to feel the shift as an enhancement rather than a complete overhaul. Ultimately, our goal is to create an environment where everyone can embrace hands-on and experiential learning.

What legacy would Nischal Narayanam like to leave for future entrepreneurs in this sector?

I aspire to leave a legacy that goes beyond business metrics, one that future entrepreneurs in the education sector can draw inspiration from. Beyond being recognized as an edu-preneur and educationist, I want to be remembered as an education reformist. Through our company, I aim to be a catalyst for revolutionary change in the Indian education system. For me, the intrinsic desire to create a positive impact on society through education must be at the core—a driving force that fuels every endeavour. The legacy I aim to establish encourages a commitment to staying abreast of educational advancements, ensuring that our efforts evolve in tandem with the ever-changing needs of learners. The future entrepreneurs should be driven by the profound societal changes they can effect through the power of education.

How would you describe bridging the gap between tradition and innovation in learning?

Closing the gap between tradition and innovation in learning means going beyond just defining what to teach. In traditional education, there’s a defined curriculum by the board, but the way of learning is often overlooked. Innovation, for us, is about integrating the best teaching methods with the latest technologies. It’s not just about the what of education, but also transforming the how. We want to make learning an engaging and dynamic experience, empowering both teachers and students. In essence, our focus is not only on determining what should be taught but also on revolutionizing how it is taught.

What is your idea of a role model for aspiring young entrepreneurs in education?

A genuine role model in education seamlessly combines business acumen with a deep connection to the human side of learning. In my opinion, they are beyond the numbers; they are visionaries, passionately dedicated to making a positive impact in education. A true mentor comprehends the challenges faced by both students and teachers, striving to craft meaningful solutions. What distinguishes a role model is their foresight—they address issues at the grassroots level, committing to lasting change in the educational landscape. They also go beyond personal success by actively contributing to societal well-being through educational initiatives and philanthropy, sparking inspiration for others to excel and contribute meaningfully to education and society.

How has your company grown and what is the financial status of the company?

Our comprehensive product suite has evolved beyond portable microscale labs, now including augmented reality-powered textbooks and personalized student kits for math and sciences aligned to the curriculum. We also offer abacus and vedic math programs along with additional math publications for learning beyond the curriculum. Our expansive presence spans 5,000 schools across 14 states and 5 countries, with a significant footprint in government schools. Nischals has experienced remarkable growth, establishing Math and Science labs in over 5,000 schools globally, comprising 4,000 government schools and 1,000 private schools. Our impact extends to more than 30,000 students in over 400 private schools through our excellence program textbooks annually. We’ve established 4 learning centers called Nischals Academy and 2 schools under the brand names Nischals Public School and Nischals International School. Notably, we achieved a substantial 3x growth in revenue during the fiscal year 2023-24. Additionally, our CSR arm, Nischal Foundation, annually undertakes initiatives amounting to Rs 1 crore dedicated to promoting literacy and supporting children from underprivileged backgrounds.

What is your road map for the company in the near future?

Our company has an ambitious roadmap for the near future, focusing on innovative product offerings and strategic expansion. In 2024, we are set to launch world-class Virtual Reality (VR)-powered textbooks for grades 1-5 in Math and Environmental Studies and premium quality AR-powered textbooks for grades 11-12 in Math and Science. These new innovations are perfectly aligned with Indian and International curriculum. We are also introducing labs for Social Sciences and English.

Furthermore, breaking new ground, we will establish the advanced innovation labs for design thinking. We’re also in the process of establishing Nischal’s International School in Hyderabad, Telangana – India’s first LEED Platinum-rated campus. Opening its doors in January 2025, our futuristic school offers top-tier facilities, diverse extracurricular activities, and premier sports amenities. Simultaneously, we aim to achieve nationwide coverage by extending our reach to an additional 14 states in the coming years and to broaden our global presence with 50 branches of Nischals Academies.