What triggered your interest in education innovation and entrepreneurship? How did your experiences at Stanford as a student influence your approach to entrepreneurship in education?
My interest in education innovation and entrepreneurship was driven by a strong desire to address the inefficiencies I observed in traditional educational systems. At Stanford, the environment was incredibly stimulating and encouraged a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
My experiences there, especially engaging with cutting-edge research and interacting with thought leaders, shaped my belief that technology could fundamentally transform how we teach and learn. Stanford’s collaborative and innovative spirit fueled my ambition to create solutions that could enhance learning experiences and pushed me to enter this field.
What inspired you to start Inspirit? What challenge were you trying to solve?
I was inspired to start Inspirit by the realization that traditional educational tools, like PowerPoint presentations and video lectures, were not engaging or effective enough for modern learners. I saw a huge opportunity to make learning more engaging and interactive through virtual reality (VR), so I set out to create immersive learning experiences through VR, giving students more agency and control over their education.

How did the learning sciences influence the founding and scaling of Inspirit?
We’re not just building VR tech, we’re deeply invested in meeting students where they learn best. By integrating insights and best practices grounded in the learning sciences, we ensured that our platform engaged students’ attention and enhanced their understanding and retention of complex concepts. That has been key to scaling our impact and adapting our offerings to meet diverse educational needs.
What were your career steps to becoming Co-Founder and CEO of Inspirit?
My career journey involved a mix of academic and practical experiences. After starting my PhD in Learning Sciences and Technology Design at Stanford in 2018, I was deeply involved in research related to education and technology. The insights gained from my studies and my passion for entrepreneurship led me to co-found Inspirit.
Raising our seed round in 2021 was a big milestone. From there, it was all about leveraging my background and experiences to reach more schools and learners.
What surprised you the most about the founder’s journey?
The most surprising aspect of the founder’s journey was the sheer complexity and emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. I knew it would be challenging, but the scale of the difficulties—from fundraising hurdles to scaling operations—was beyond what I expected. It’s a tough journey, no doubt, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The highs and lows teach you so much and make the whole process a profound learning experience.

How do you see the future of education evolving?
Looking ahead, I think education will shift towards more personalized and experiential learning. Technologies like VR and AR will play a massive role in creating immersive learning environments that let students dive deep into subjects. The focus will move from a one-size-fits-all approach to one where students have more control and agency over their learning. It’s about making education more interactive and tailored to individual needs.
What was your favorite class or experience at Stanford?
One of my favorite experiences at Stanford was participating in collaborative research projects and engaging with the vibrant entrepreneurial community. The hands-on approach and the opportunity to work with brilliant peers and mentors were invaluable. Specific classes that stood out were those focused on innovation and technology, where I could directly apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges.
What advice would you give to aspiring founders looking to start their ventures?
My advice to aspiring founders is to focus on solving a real problem you are passionate about. Entrepreneurship is demanding and often challenging, so having a deep commitment to your mission is crucial.
Cut through the noise of fundraising and external pressures, and stay laser-focused on your mission. While the journey can be painful and tough, it is also extremely rewarding and a powerful learning experience. If you have the drive and resilience, entrepreneurship can be a fulfilling path to making a significant impact.