Meet Vinaya Sharma, an Innovator and Builder With Her Sights Set on Changing the World

Vinaya Sharma is a 17-year-old who is passionate about innovation and has a knack for building, tinkering, and coding. With a particular interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, she has already made impressive strides in the field of natural language processing (NLP) by creating systems that streamline 911 dispatch. Now, she is focused on developing an electric grid simulation software that aims to build a sustainable grid for the future.

Vinaya’s passion for AI and blockchain has led her to work on various other projects, including computer vision, generative AI, and decentralized apps. She has received recognition for her exceptional work and has been awarded the Ingenious+ Regional Award Winner title, the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing Honorable Mention, and more. Vinaya is also part of a program called The Knowledge Society, where high school aged students learn how to apply emerging technologies to solve big problems in the world. To learn more, visit www.tks.world.

With her sights set on creating a positive impact on society, Vinaya is determined to use her skills in AI, web development, and engineering to change the world. Keep reading to learn more about her.

When I was in grade school, I wanted to be… a lawyer. Growing up and seeing so many racial, social, and economic inequities, I could not stand it. I hated seeing friends suffer from bullying and discrimination, and I thought this was the only way I could do something about it.

Growing up, I was really interested in… problem-solving. Give me a puzzle, riddle, Sudoku, or some Lego; that’s all I needed to pass the time. I’ve always loved racking my brain and training it to think in unique ways.

Before I was working on VoltVision.AI I was…exploring a lot. I’ve previously done full-stack development, worked with blockchain, and recently gone deeper into AI. Along the way, I built several projects tackling both social and environmental issues. 

I started VoltVision.AI because… climate change is one of the biggest issues of the 21st century, and without addressing the energy crisis, we will not be able to save ourselves. By applying technology to solve this real word problem, I find it’s the perfect balance of technical skills and drive. 

I’m passionate about what I do because… I love building and giving back. Seeing my applications come to life and make a meaningful impact is an addictive feeling.

The person I look up to most is… my mom. She’s a hard-working and resilient individual that will help anyone in need and will get things done no matter the obstacles.

My proudest accomplishment so far is… developing TreeTrackers.ca, an application to track and monitor tree growth. This application had a focus on implementation and made an impact as members of Parliament, schools, and non-profits began utilizing the platform to propel green efforts.

I’m really inspired by… the work of the United Nations and its commitment to international cooperation and peacekeeping.

My best advice for anyone that cares about a cause and would like to become involved is… to reach out, talk to those in the space, and get advice. People are so willing to help; you just have to ask, and once you know what you need to do, have a bias toward action. Make it happen!

If you looked me up online, you still wouldn’t know… the whole journey I had to reach where I am today. It started with me coding in my room and building small projects just out of curiosity. It’s important to be passionate about whatever it is you do, as recognition only comes with time. 

Influence means… the power to inspire change in others and make a positive impact. 

When it comes to making an impact, I used to think… I could only do it once I’m experienced and have a degree. 

Now I think…. we have all the tools and resources to do it right now, wherever you are. You have to start small, iterate, and pivot, but it’s all possible. 

The future excites me because… we have no idea what’s going to be coming. But with the way tech is advancing, we will be able to solve so many of the world’s most pressing problems. 

My next step is… to keep exploring. I love climate and I love tech, but there’s so much more from mental health to poverty to healthcare that needs innovation. Now that I have the skills, I will be continuously building to leave my mark. 

At this year’s Top 25 Women of Influence Awards Luncheon, we had the pleasure of having Vinaya as one of our guest speakers. In her inspiring talk, she discussed how she is utilizing her skills and talents to make a meaningful impact. To learn more about her story, you can watch her talk by clicking here.

To keep up with Vinaya and her work, connect with her on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Medium.