Summary:
James Tedjamulia, a high school junior, won $10,000 for his AI-powered dyslexia solution, ReadBuddy AI, in the Invest Nest competition.
ReadBuddy AI uses artificial intelligence to help users pronounce difficult words and generate personalized reading content based on their level and age.
Inspired by his father, an AI expert, Tedjamulia is developing a minimum viable product with plans to launch by fall.
Despite being his first competition, Tedjamulia's ability to connect with judges helped him secure third place at the state level.
With the prize money, Tedjamulia aims to develop ReadBuddy AI further, though he's also considering careers in engineering or medicine.
James Tedjamulia, a junior at Madison High School in Rexburg, has turned his AI-powered idea into a winning startup, securing $10,000 across two rounds of the Invest Nest business pitch competition. His project, ReadBuddy AI, leverages artificial intelligence to assist individuals with dyslexia in improving their reading skills.
The Winning Idea
ReadBuddy AI is designed to listen as users read aloud, offering pronunciation help for difficult words. Beyond immediate assistance, the software aims to generate personalized content based on the user's reading level and age, making learning both effective and engaging.
"You have to create content they want to read," Tedjamulia explained. "If you're a fifth grader reading at a first-grade level, you don't want to pick up a book called 'Miss Mittens.' You want something goofy like 'Captain Underpants' — something for your age, not just your level."
From Idea to Reality
Inspired by conversations with his parents, particularly his father, an AI expert at Western Governors University, Tedjamulia is now on a mission to bring ReadBuddy AI to life. With plans to develop a minimum viable product by fall, he envisions a platform where students can read passages aloud, receive real-time assistance, and discover books tailored to their interests and abilities.
The Competition Journey
Tedjamulia's journey began with encouragement from a teacher and participation in school announcements. Competing against students from seven schools at the state level in Utah, his ability to connect with judges and investors set him apart, despite it being his first year in the competition.
What's Next?
With $10,000 in funding, Tedjamulia is focused on developing ReadBuddy AI, though he remains open to where this entrepreneurial path might lead. Whether pursuing engineering, the medical field, or growing his startup, his experience with Invest Nest has proven that great ideas can come from anywhere.
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