B.S (Data Science and Applications)
A motivated entrepreneur, Kunal Chaturvedi, hailing from Nagpur, Maharashtra, is actively shaping the domain of medical technologies, while also being a student of the newly introduced Post-Graduation Diploma level extension of the IITM BS Degree in Data Science and Applications. As the founder of MedPrax Biotechnologies Private Limited, he aims to tackle critical healthcare challenges with cutting-edge software and hardware. Kunal’s dual commitment to entrepreneurship and academic growth sets him apart as a trailblazer in his field.
He vividly remembers, “I looked through possibly every bit of information I could get my hands on,” recalling his thorough research into the IITM BS Degree program when its announcement first caught his eye. For him, the program’s academic rigor, flexible structure, and IIT Madras’s global reputation were highly compelling. Having previously tackled real-world healthcare challenges with technology, Kunal viewed the degree as an ideal way to refine his technical skills while continuing his entrepreneurial path. He states, “It was a natural choice to align my experience with academic depth.”
Over time, the advanced curriculum profoundly reshaped his understanding of technology and business. He began by mastering the fundamentals of Mathematics and Statistics before progressing to application-oriented subjects such as Deep Learning, LLMs, and Social Network Analysis. This learning journey continued as he honed his new passion for web development, acquiring skills in programming scalable applications.
Additionally, the BS Degree significantly enhanced his crucial interpersonal skills, including time management, leadership, and stakeholder coordination—abilities he now leverages to propel projects forward at MedPrax. The degree opened up a valuable stint for him as a TA under the supervision of Professor Ponnurangam Kumaraguru for the course ‘Privacy and Security in Online Social Media,’ at IIIT Hyderabad. For Kunal, the program isn’t just about theoretical learning; it’s equally focused on practical application and simultaneous personal growth. “It demands discipline,” he asserts, “but gives you room to explore your ambitions.”
He cites his role as House Secretary of Sundarban House as just one example of his active participation in the co-curricular ecosystem. Driven by a passion for community and data analysis, he also founded Business.io, the Business Analytics Society of the IITM BS Degree.
This multifaceted degree, particularly through Paradox, provided Kunal with a crucial platform to demonstrate his leadership abilities. At Paradox ’24, he successfully organized “50 Ka Funda,” a large scale investment-based trading event. This year, he’s not only bringing back this popular event but also taking on the significant role of Supercoordinator for the Technical Event Department. According to him, this entire environment has been instrumental in his growth.
When asked what made the BS Degree unique, Kunal highlighted its structure and adaptability. He enthusiastically states, “What I love the most is that the program lets you design your own learning path. It’s not just theory—you gain hands-on, real-world exposure, making it perfect for balancing academics with other aspirations.”
Kunal intends to pursue an M.Tech degree while simultaneously focusing on the consistent expansion of MedPrax Biotech, now bolstered by his robust academic foundation.
“Be conscious and consistent,” says Kunal, for the students, at the end of our conversation, “Plan your academic approach,”. He encourages students to engage deeply within the community through student-run bodies and take bold initiatives. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – learn by doing,” he adds. He practices what he preaches, leading to the creation of The Open Notes, a portal to help students that he had built, which now serves as a major academic assistance for the pupils of the IITM BS Degree.
From being an entrepreneur running a portal to creating a thriving society, Kunal Chaturvedi has set a benchmark for what BS degree students are capable of.
– Written by Satyaki Goswami
