Shark Tank India Witnesses Remarkable Pitch from 13-Year-Old AI Founder
Shark Tank India Season 5 delivered one of its most memorable moments when 13-year-old Jaiwardhan Tyagi stepped onto the stage. The young entrepreneur presented his AI-enabled assistive medtech platform, Neurapexai, to a panel of seasoned investors. His confidence and vision immediately captured the attention of all five Sharks.
Neurapexai: An AI Platform for Medical Analysis
Jaiwardhan's startup, Neurapexai, functions as an advanced medical analysis tool. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence to examine MRI scans, lab reports, medical images, and patient histories. It then generates clear, actionable reports for healthcare professionals. Currently, the tool remains free for users as it develops further.
The young founder entered the tank seeking Rs 60 lakh in exchange for 5% equity in his company. This valuation placed Neurapexai at an impressive Rs 12 crore. Jaiwardhan revealed he started building the platform just one year ago.
A Journey from Chess Grandmaster Dreams to AI Development
During his pitch, Jaiwardhan shared his unique background. He initially developed a passion for chess and once dreamed of becoming a grandmaster. However, his interests shifted when he discovered block coding. This fascination led him deeper into coding and web development.
Remarkably, he attempted to create an all-in-one social media website at just ten years old. He even tried building a rocket, though technical issues prevented its flight. Jaiwardhan cites historical figures Napoleon and Steve Jobs as his primary inspirations.
He credits his father, a mathematics professor, for helping develop his logical thinking through mathematics. The idea for Neurapexai emerged when a friend suggested he work on a project worthy of his résumé.
Sacrificing JEE Coaching for Entrepreneurship
When Sharks questioned his commitment between education and business, Jaiwardhan gave a decisive answer. "This is not a school project," he stated firmly. "I left my JEE coaching for this."
He elaborated further, saying, "I value education a lot, but this opportunity doesn't care if I am 13 or 21." His dedication clearly resonated with the investors, though some expressed concerns about competing with established AI tools like ChatGPT.
Jaiwardhan countered these concerns by explaining his monetization strategy. He believes healthcare providers will pay for patient leads generated through his platform's diagnoses.
Sharks React with Awe and Investment
All Sharks expressed admiration for the young founder's pitch. Snapdeal founder Kunal Bahl called it "the most inspiring pitch of Shark Tank India Season 5." However, most felt the product remained too early-stage for investment.
Kunal Bahl opted out first, praising the innovative approach but noting the product and monetization model needed more development. Vineeta Singh similarly declined investment at this stage. Ritesh Agarwal offered mentorship instead of capital, promising to spend a day or two guiding Jaiwardhan.
Aman Gupta took a different approach. He decided to invest without any negotiation. "I don't know how good this AI model is," Gupta admitted. "But I know that you will make something big in future. I would like to support you and give you what you asked."
In a lighthearted moment, Gupta turned to Jaiwardhan's father and joked, "Kya khake paida kia hai? Mujhe do aur karni hai aise" (What did you eat before having him? I want to have kids like him). This humorous comment highlighted the extraordinary impression the young entrepreneur made on the experienced investor.
The episode showcased how age proves no barrier to innovation and determination in India's startup ecosystem.
