At just 14, Siddarth Nandyala is turning heads in the tech and medical world with his AI-powered health app that can detect heart disease in seconds. The Indian-American teen, who founded Circadian AI, was recently applauded by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan for his innovative contributions.
Originally from Hyderabad and now living in the U.S., Siddarth said his love for tech began at age seven with his first STEM kit. “It sparked a curiosity in me that’s never gone away,” he shared in an interview with indianexpress.com.
With values shaped by Indian discipline and American innovation, Siddarth has already founded two startups—STEM IT and Circadian AI. His work has been recognised by leaders like Joe Biden and Barack Obama through congratulatory letters.
STEM IT, his first venture, was launched to address the gap between theoretical learning and real-world tech application. It offers hands-on tools that help students better understand and explore technology.
His second project, Circadian AI, is a mobile tool designed to detect cardiovascular issues simply by analysing heart sounds recorded via smartphone. Tested in real-world hospital settings in Andhra Pradesh, the app screened over 2,300 patients, successfully flagging dozens of hidden cases.
While Circadian AI isn’t intended for public use, Siddarth clarified, it is built for clinical settings and is undergoing further development. The app took seven months to create—covering everything from data collection to hospital trials.
Siddarth stressed the importance of ethics in AI, especially in healthcare. “Models must be trained responsibly, and the results should be understandable by doctors and patients alike,” he said.
Looking ahead, he envisions AI diagnostics becoming more accessible and personalised, especially in underserved communities. He’s already working on expanding his app’s capabilities to detect pulmonary diseases as well.
As for the future of STEM learning, Siddarth imagines mixed reality combined with AI tutors—a hands-on, immersive experience that could revolutionise how students learn science and engineering.
Inspired by APJ Abdul Kalam, Siddarth finds balance in life through golf and chess, both of which sharpen his mind for strategic thinking and innovation. For him, innovation means action: “You already have the tools—you just have to start.”
