India Tribune Newsdesk
Chicago: At just 14 years old, Siddharth Nandyala is redefining what it means to be a prodigy. Based in Dallas, Texas, this Indian-American teenager has developed an AI-powered app, Circadian AI, that can detect heart diseases in just seven seconds using the sound of a heartbeat. Tested on over 15,000 patients in the U.S. and 700 more in India, the app boasts a stunning accuracy rate of over 96%—a breakthrough that has earned him praise from global leaders, including former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Originally from Anantapur, India, and now living in Frisco, Siddharth is officially the world’s youngest AI-certified professional, with credentials from Oracle and ARM. His app, however, is more than just a technological marvel—it’s a mission to bring critical healthcare diagnostics to underserved communities. “Imagine if your heart could talk to you,” he said in an interview. “That’s what Circadian AI does. It gives insights into your heart health with a simple 7-second recording.”
Circadian AI uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze heart sounds and detect over 40 types of cardiovascular diseases. Though currently designed for use in clinical settings, its potential to change early diagnosis worldwide is enormous. Trials conducted at hospitals in Andhra Pradesh—including GGH Guntur and GGH Vijayawada—further validated the tool’s effectiveness. For instance, in one study at GGH Guntur, the app identified 10 cases of cardiovascular disease out of 505 patients. In a follow-up study with 863 patients, 16 cases were flagged. The app also screened 992 individuals in Vijayawada and flagged 19 cases. In all instances, final diagnoses by cardiologists confirmed the AI’s accuracy.
Siddharth’s inspiration for the app came from a startling statistic: cardiovascular diseases are responsible for nearly 31% of all deaths globally. “Early diagnosis is the difference between life and death,” he said. “That’s what got me into developing Circadian AI. I wanted to create something that could truly save lives.” His mindset is rooted in a strong sense of purpose. “We’re in the age of artificial intelligence, the era of technology, so why not bring that into the space where it can help the most people?”
His achievements have made him a rising star in both tech and medical communities. He was named Innovator of the Year 2023 by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, received a Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives, and even met with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who publicly supported Siddharth’s healthcare mission, calling him an “inspiration to us all.”
But Siddharth’s journey doesn’t end with Circadian AI. He is also the founder of STEM IT, an educational venture aimed at teaching children around the world real-world applications of science and technology through hands-on learning kits in coding, robotics, and AI. His motivation? Traditional education didn’t show him how technology worked outside of textbooks. Through STEM IT, he’s helping other students bridge that gap.
Outside the lab, Siddharth is a regular teen in some ways. He’s a passionate golfer and chess player, activities he says help keep his mind sharp for coding and innovation. He’s also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science at the University of Texas at Dallas, having already graduated from Lawler Middle School.
Whether it’s developing low-cost prosthetic arms to make life-changing technology accessible or speaking about the transformative power of AI in healthcare, Siddharth Nandyala is proving that age is no barrier to innovation. He draws inspiration from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and often shares this message with fellow young dreamers: “Innovation is the heartbeat of progress, taking the journey from imagination to transformation. Be your own boss. Turn your dreams into something real.”
