Prajwal Naveen Halalae

From a young age, Prajwal Naveen Halalae was captivated by technology, inspired by sci-fi movies and a natural curiosity about how things worked. This led to early explorations in programming and robotics by Grade 7, which were further nurtured by the Atal Tinkering Labs initiative at his school. This program provided tools and resources, allowing Prajwal to see technology as a means to solve real-world problems, not just for entertainment. His life mission became to "Solve social problems using affordable technology," which he pursued through his startup, CloudAttack Edutech. CloudAttack addresses the global skill gap by providing free advanced technological education through an engaging mobile game platform, ultimately helping transform learners into skilled professionals ready for the job market. 

Another significant innovation was NetraAI, inspired by a visit to an NGO for the blind. NetraAI uses AI to convert text to speech with appropriate emotional tones, enhancing the reading experience for visually impaired children. Prajwal’s role as school captain deepened his understanding of non-technical challenges faced by peers, including loneliness, bullying, and anxiety. His experiences with loneliness, frequent relocations, and forming strong friendships influenced his leadership. As school captain, he addressed bullying diplomatically and initiated a student wellbeing program which provided open discussions on common teenage issues and established a confidential online platform for students to seek help, significantly increasing the use of the school counsellor’s office and helping break the stigma around seeking help. 

Prajwal's academic achievements include a 95.4% in 10th-grade exams, an Award of Academic Excellence in Information Technology, and recognition as a "Gifted Kid" in the USA. He received a Silver Medal for NetraAI at the Pramerica Life Insurance Emerging Visionaries 2024, and was selected for the Junior Academy Spring 2024 program by the New York Academy of Sciences. He was also the youngest winner of Microsoft's AI Odyssey Challenge, awarded for top innovations at national competitions, and invited as a keynote speaker to a variety of prestigious events. 

Throughout his journey, Prajwal has helped his peers by advocating for mental health and creating supportive environments. Initiatives like his student wellbeing program and CloudAttack reflect a strong commitment to using technology for society’s benefit. Prajwal has also been involved in environmental conservation with projects like the Ultrasonic Technology Integrated Smart Water Tap, addressing water wastage. His public speaking engagements advocate for the importance of technology in solving social issues and inspire others to take action. 

Among his innovative projects are the Fix Me app for civic engagement and a COVID-19 AID app, recognized by MIT, for playing a crucial role during the pandemic by connecting users to essential health services. 

Prajal's journey has been marked by international collaborations, promoting global cooperation and cultural understanding, including participating in the Indo-Russian Bilateral Youth Research Conclave, working on AI projects with Russian peers. His involvement in Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) events and the Young Entrepreneurs’ BootCamp at BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, furthered his understanding of diverse team dynamics and cultural sensitivity. 

Prajwal's initiatives go beyond local impact, promoting global citizenship through CloudAttack and other projects. His efforts aim to create a world where knowledge transcends borders, fostering a deeper understanding among the global community. A commitment to global citizenship drives his endeavours to leverage technology for global advancement and unity.