Introduction
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, one entrepreneur dared to blend empathy with innovation. Darshana Jain, co-founder of Skitii, is on a mission to transform how students, educators, and families understand and manage emotions. With a passion rooted in personal experiences and a vision powered by advanced AI, she is leading an emotional revolution in education.
Background: The Seed of Change
Darshana’s journey began in Mumbai, India, where she grew up in a family that valued education and emotional resilience. Her early years were filled with challenges that shaped her understanding of perseverance and empathy. After earning a degree in Hospital Management and gaining extensive sales experience in the healthcare sector, Darshana’s career path seemed set. However, the emotional struggles she observed in her children during their school years planted the seeds for a transformative idea.
When she noticed a growing reliance on gadgets to soothe emotions, she realized there was a significant gap in how families and schools addressed emotional well-being. Conversations with other parents confirmed her observations, and Darshana felt a compelling urge to find a solution.
Business Journey: Building Skitii
Darshana and her husband, Dr. Chirag Jain, co-founded Skitii with the goal of empowering students through emotional intelligence. The journey wasn’t easy. Transitioning from healthcare to AI required courage, adaptability, and a relentless focus on learning.
Over five years, the duo conducted in-depth research with over 10,000 students, leveraging tools like dry EEGs and psychometric analysis to decode emotional patterns. They uncovered an alarming gap in emotional intelligence awareness, particularly in educational settings. From this research emerged Skitii—an Emotion AI platform that uses computer vision to analyze emotions and focus levels through cameras, providing real-time, actionable insights.
Initial skepticism from educators and parents was met with pilot programs and data-driven results, showcasing significant improvements in classroom engagement and emotional well-being. These successes led to long-term partnerships and rapid growth.
Impact on the Country: Transforming Education
Skitii’s innovations have not only improved emotional intelligence in schools but also enhanced safety by identifying incidents like bullying through AI-powered surveillance. By addressing emotional struggles early, the company has helped thousands of students thrive both academically and personally.
The impact extends beyond individual schools. Skitii’s solutions are fostering a culture of emotional awareness in India, contributing to better mental health outcomes and preparing students for a balanced, fulfilling future. The company’s SaaS model ensures scalability, making their services accessible to schools across the country.
Challenges and Triumphs
Darshana acknowledges that the path has been challenging. From convincing schools to adopt a tech-driven emotional solution to ensuring the scalability of their AI across diverse environments, each hurdle has been a learning opportunity. Her bold decision to transition from healthcare to the tech world exemplifies her resilience and commitment to creating a meaningful impact.
Future Vision: A Global Mission
Looking ahead, Darshana envisions Skitii as a global leader in emotional intelligence solutions. The company plans to expand its reach to international markets, integrate its technology into more industries, and continue innovating to meet the diverse needs of schools, workplaces, and families.
In the next decade, Darshana dreams of a world where emotional intelligence is as integral to education as literacy and numeracy. Her vision includes gamified learning, AI-driven focus monitoring, and tools that seamlessly blend into daily life, creating emotionally supportive environments worldwide.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Embrace Challenges: Darshana’s journey shows that every obstacle is an opportunity to innovate.
- Stay Rooted in Purpose: Solving real-world problems with passion leads to meaningful success.
- Build Strong Partnerships: Collaboration and trust are key to scaling a vision.
- Be Resilient: Navigating skepticism requires patience and a clear focus on your mission.
