We were lucky to catch up with Panav Mhatre recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Panav, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I created this app because I was passionate about educating young people and the world in general about not just the human impact in the United States but around the world. Most people don’t think about the impact that climate change has on local people and people living around the world. I experienced this firsthand when I went to India last summer and saw the devastating impact climate change had on my family’s farm. As someone who loves nature and what the impact of climate change has had on my family by making it difficult to produce more and damaging their crops, I felt compelled to make an app that makes a change. For e.g wildfires, days with very high temperatures, and unpredicted rain after monsoon season which destroys the crops that are about to get harvested.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Panav Mhatre, a high school student at Lebanon Trail High School in Frisco, Texas. I have a deep passion for the outdoors, travel, and watching Formula 1, which has recently piqued my interest due to the sport’s innovative and sustainable initiatives.

My journey into the tech world began with the 2024 Swift Student Challenge, a competition hosted by Apple that encourages young people to create apps using Swift. This experience introduced me to the power of coding and inspired me to use technology to address real-world issues. One of my notable projects includes an educational app about cancer, aimed at raising awareness and providing valuable information to younger audiences. Another significant project was a fitness app that received recognition from my local House Representative for its positive impact.

The motivation for my work often stems from personal experiences. For example, a recent trip to India exposed me to the devastating effects of climate change on my family’s farm. This inspired me to create an app to educate users about global environmental issues, aiming to broaden people’s understanding and promote responsible environmental practices.

What sets my work apart is my commitment to making technology both accessible and educational. My apps use engaging elements like assets and sounds to create an immersive learning experience. I focus on global issues to encourage a more informed and responsible approach to sustainability.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue developing educational apps, with a particular interest in integrating AI and machine learning to enhance their capabilities. My goal is to make these apps accessible across different cultures and languages, potentially using them in educational settings like schools to teach about climate change and other critical issues.

As part of my recognition for winning the 2024 Swift Student Challenge, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Apple campus. This experience was incredibly inspiring, as I saw firsthand where cutting-edge technology is developed. I had the chance to meet with Apple engineers and fellow challenge winners, exchange ideas, and gain insights into the tech industry. This visit not only celebrated my achievements but also fueled my passion for coding and innovation, motivating me to continue working on projects that can make a positive difference.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that truly illustrates my resilience comes from my experience while developing the app to educate people about cancer. This project was particularly challenging because I wanted to ensure the information provided was accurate, accessible, and engaging. I faced numerous obstacles, from understanding complex medical terms to designing a user-friendly interface.

One significant hurdle occurred during the research phase. I needed to verify medical information and present it in a way that was both accurate and understandable for users of all ages. This was no easy task, especially since I’m not a medical professional. I spent countless hours reading medical journals, consulting with professionals, and double-checking facts to ensure everything was correct. There were moments when the sheer volume of information felt overwhelming, and I questioned whether I could complete the project to the standard I wanted.

However, I was determined to push through these challenges. I broke down the research into manageable parts and sought help from mentors and experts whenever I hit a roadblock. This persistence paid off, as I was able to compile accurate, reliable information and incorporate it into the app in an engaging and accessible format.

The experience taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of seeking help when needed. It was a reminder that setbacks are part of the learning process and that resilience is about finding ways to overcome challenges rather than giving up. Completing this project and receiving recognition for it reinforced my belief in the power of education and technology to make a positive impact. This experience not only strengthened my skills but also my resolve to continue creating projects that educate and inspire others, no matter the obstacles I may face.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my journey came when I decided to shift the focus of my app development from general tech projects to creating educational tools with a social impact. Initially, I was primarily interested in building apps that showcased my programming skills and creativity. I worked on various projects, from simple games to utility apps, which were enjoyable and helped me develop my technical abilities.

However, a significant turning point occurred during a trip to India. I visited my family’s farm and saw firsthand the devastating effects of climate change. The extreme weather conditions, including unpredictable rainfall and high temperatures, were damaging crops and making it difficult for my family to maintain their livelihood. This experience deeply affected me and made me realize the urgent need to address environmental issues.

Upon returning, I felt compelled to use my skills for a greater purpose. I decided to pivot from creating general apps to focusing on educational projects that could raise awareness about critical issues like climate change. This led to the development of an app designed to educate users about global environmental challenges and the impact of climate change on local communities.

This pivot wasn’t easy. It required a shift in mindset, as I had to delve into new areas of research and learn how to communicate complex environmental issues in a way that was accessible and engaging. Additionally, I had to learn new programming techniques to incorporate educational content effectively.

The decision to pivot was one of the best I made. It aligned my technical skills with my passion for making a difference in the world. This new focus not only gave my work a deeper purpose but also opened up new opportunities, such as participating in the Swift Student Challenge and visiting the Apple campus. It taught me that sometimes, pivoting in your career or projects is necessary to align with your values and make a meaningful impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://panav.vercel.app
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/panav-m-70982b243/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpotRoboticsPodcast/videos
• Other: https://techthinkers.vercel.app/resources