Curiosity Fuels Innovation" – 14-Year-Old AI Wizzard Siddharth Nandyala on his pioneering Heart Disease Detection App

At only 14, NRI student Siddharth Nandyala from Dallas has made a tremendous leap in the field of medicine by creating an AI-based app, CircadiaV, to detect heart diseases within seven seconds. His achievement has already impressed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who praised his creativity. During an exclusive interview, Siddharth recounts how his innovation came about, what inspired him, and how parents can encourage creativity and innovation in children.

Q: Siddharth, how did you innovate CircadiaV?

I've always been intrigued by the potential of artificial intelligence and how it can be used in medicine. I wanted to do something that would impact people's lives, particularly in regions where heart diseases could be detected earlier and lives could be saved. Realizing the difficulties doctors have in diagnosing heart issues in a timely manner, I asked myself, why not develop an AI system? CircadiaV came into existence based on this idea.

Q: How does CircadiaV work?

CircadiaV applies sophisticated AI algorithms to scan patient data and detect possible cardiac conditions within seven seconds. The application was piloted at Guntur Government General Hospital (GGH), where it demonstrated potential in accelerating diagnosis. Through the quick and accurate analysis, CircadiaV has the potential to enable doctors and medical practitioners to make quicker decisions, which can save lives.

Q: Leaders and Chief Minister Naidu have hailed your achievement. How is it?

It's truly humbling! CM Naidu went to the extent of posting on CircadiaV being a medical miracle on X, which also honored my certifications from Oracle and ARM for AI. It's quite proud-inducing. What I most want people to learn from is that perhaps other kids should also give science and tech a shot.

Q: Most parents wish to foster creativity and innovation in their kids. What do you believe works?

Creativity develops when you're curious, supported, and provided with the proper tools. These are a few things that worked for me and can work for other children as well:

Reading Together: Books inspire creativity! I enjoyed reading about science, and it made me curious. Parents need to read with their children and question them regarding the text in order to build problem-solving skills.

Encouraging Interests: If children love something, encourage them! My teachers and parents supported my interest in AI, and that helped me greatly.

Asking "What If" Questions: I ask myself, "What if this could be improved?" or "What if I could fix this?" This type of thinking promotes innovation. Parents and teachers can contribute by asking these questions consistently.

Being a Role Model: Children learn from grownups. When parents demonstrate their own creative problem-solving and thinking, it encourages children to follow their examples.

Experimenting with Creative Play: Schedule some time for experiments. I began with tiny coding projects, and with time, that motivated me to develop AI models. With science, art, or coding, children must be allowed to experiment and play.

Q: What's next for you?

I want to continue pushing the limits of AI in healthcare. I think that AI has the potential to transform diagnostics into life-saving technology available to all. My next course of action is to continue developing CircadiaV and look for further AI-based medical solutions.

Q: Lastly, tips for young innovators like yourself?

Show interest. Take chances. Don't be scared of failing. Every significant invention starts with a query. You'll be astounded at what you can do if you stay committed and keep learning!

The accomplishment of Siddharth Nandyala shows that, with the right conditions and encouragement, kids can turn their ideas into creative innovations. Parents, educators, and young people with an interest in science and technology will find inspiration in his quest.