Delhi-based edtech startup Rocket Learning has introduced ‘Appu,’ an AI-driven tutor designed to enhance early learning for children aged 3 to 6. With personalised and interactive learning experiences, Appu aims to transform early childhood education in India.
Developed with support from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, the AI-powered tutor is currently in pilot mode and is set to scale across Anganwadi centres and government-run preschools. The startup envisions reaching 50 million families by 2030, beginning with Hindi and gradually expanding to 20 regional languages, including Marathi and Punjabi.
Rocket Learning, founded in 2020, is led by Azeez Gupta, Vishal Sunil, Namya Mahajan, Siddhant Sachdeva, and Utsav Kheria. The company leverages technology to bridge the gap in early education, ensuring foundational learning for children. Gupta, a Harvard Business School alumnus, co-founded the startup with a vision of making education accessible for all, while Sunil, the company’s CTO and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, drives its technological innovations.
The development of Appu was accelerated with a $1.5 million grant from Google.org, awarded under the AI for Global Goals Impact Challenge in 2023. Over a span of six months, Google.org Fellows collaborated with Rocket Learning’s team to build the AI tutor, integrating large language models (LLMs) to create engaging and interactive lessons covering pre-literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.
India faces a significant challenge in early education, with over 40 million children lacking access to quality preschool education, according to the National Sample Survey 75th Round (2022). Many students struggle with basic literacy and numeracy by the second grade, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions like AI-driven tutors.
Annie Lewin, Senior Director at Google.org, underscored the transformative potential of the initiative:
“We are excited to see how this AI-powered innovation will shape the future of learning as Rocket Learning expands to additional languages.”
Beyond education, Rocket Learning’s initiatives, including Appu, are projected to contribute $4 billion in lifetime economic value to India.
Also Read: Madhya Pradesh boosts semiconductor education with forward-looking policy
Additionally, earlier this year, Google.org launched the Generative AI Accelerator program with a $30 million fund to support nonprofits leveraging AI for social good. The program provided technical training, Google Cloud credits, and expert guidance, empowering organizations to develop scalable solutions with real-world impact.
With AI shaping the next wave of education, Rocket Learning’s Appu marks a major step toward inclusive, tech-driven learning for India’s youngest learners.
