Heritage Institute Of Technology Alumnus Wins Global $100K Prize For AI-Led Special Education Startup

Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, proudly announces that its distinguished alumnus Souvik Ghosh, from the Department of Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, has reached a remarkable global milestone that brings immense pride to the institution. His startup, Cognitii, co-founded with innovators Jhilika Trisal from Gurugram (an alumna of Shoolini University) and Falguni Shrivastava from Raipur (also an alumna of Shoolini University), has been honoured with the prestigious $100,000 Unlock Her Future Prize 2025, awarded by The Bicester Collection. This international award recognizes transformative female-led and impact-driven ventures, and Cognitii’s achievement stands out as a testament to the team’s dedication to reshaping the landscape of inclusive education.

Selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 2,900 applications spanning over 40 countries, Cognitii emerged as one of only six global winners. The startup has been recognised for developing a pioneering AI-driven platform designed to strengthen public special education systems. The platform brings together a suite of integrated tools, including early screening mechanisms, personalized learning systems, educator co-pilot assistants, and policy dashboards. These features collectively address longstanding gaps in India’s disability identification processes and inclusion frameworks, offering a much-needed technological foundation for early support and equitable access.

Prior to founding Cognitii, Souvik had already demonstrated a deep commitment to leveraging technology for social good. He developed multiple impactful AI applications, such as solutions aimed at enhancing women’s safety and tools for predicting heart disease risks. These earlier innovations reflect a consistent vision—to use advanced technology to solve real-world challenges and uplift vulnerable communities—an ethos that continues to guide Cognitii’s mission.

With pilot programs already underway in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, Cognitii is actively collaborating with state education and health systems to improve disability prevalence tracking, monitor inclusion outcomes, and ensure more efficient budget utilization. These pilots are laying the groundwork for scalable, data-driven reform. The $100,000 prize will significantly accelerate their efforts, supporting deeper partnerships with government bodies and advancing the development of what is envisioned to become India’s first national disability data layer.

“This recognition marks an extraordinary moment not only for Cognitii but also for millions of children who remain unseen in mainstream systems,” Souvik shared, emphasizing the broader human impact of the initiative and the need for stronger nationwide support structures for children with disabilities.

Heritage Institute of Technology wholeheartedly congratulates Souvik Ghosh on this historic and inspiring achievement. His journey reflects the institution’s core values of innovation, compassion, and excellence, serving as a powerful reminder of what dedicated individuals can achieve when purpose and technology intersect.

“This achievement by Souvik Ghosh reflects the true spirit of Heritage — where innovation meets purpose. At a time when India is advancing rapidly in AI and digital education, Cognitii’s global recognition demonstrates how technology can transform lives at the grassroots level. We are immensely proud of Souvik’s journey, his commitment to social impact, and his vision for inclusive education. This global win is not just a milestone for him, but an inspiration for every young engineer and innovator in our country,” said Shri Pradip Agarwal, CEO, Heritage Group of Institutions, Kolkata.