Garima Gupta: Building a Healthier Nation at 16
Healthcare
India
16 Years
Hi, I’m Garima Gupta, founder of Arogya X. It's tough to find that one God gifted talent which everyone says that you are blessed with, and the same was for me too. I started my journey at the age of 11 during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was a phase of self-exploration, participating in various competitions helped me discover where my true interests lie. My mother advised me to explore what goes on behind the screens, and that’s where I began learning about computers. And the rest was just answering to my curiosity and developing my skills.
I launched my first venture because I wanted to give back to my community and nation. There’s no greater satisfaction than knowing people are using something you built.
Today, I’m a 16-year-old innovator, author, and student, passionate about technology, writing, and solving real-world problems. I’ve authored two books—one on space science fiction, “The Infinite Cosmos”, and another on quantum AI and cybersecurity, “Your firewall can’t handle this”.
My interests span AI, ethical hacking, education, design thinking, and social innovation. I’ve delivered sessions on national platforms including Atal Innovation Mission and Intel, and my work has earned recognition through awards and media features.
I want to build socially impactful, tech-driven solutions that empower every citizen, especially in rural India.
I want to ensure that a student in the remotest village can learn using AI, that families can access healthcare guidance without the need for costly consultations, and that no one is left behind in the digital era.
I didn’t follow a formal roadmap. I identified key gaps in youth health, digital education, and accessibility for people with disabilities. These challenges inspired me to create my first health-tech startup, Arogya Bharat!!
"Sometimes, solving real problems is the best business model."
What inspired you to start your own business?
Just by observing my surroundings, I realized that most people, especially from middle-class and underprivileged backgrounds, don’t pay enough attention to their diet or the kind of physical activity they should be doing at their age. During the lockdown, I had plenty of time after my online classes to explore and research these issues in depth.
My mentors played a huge role in guiding me throughout the journey, answering my endless questions and helping me find the right path.
I genuinely wanted to help people, and thankfully, I had the superpower of technology that I had acquired on my own. Honestly, it sometimes gave me that Ironman kind of feeling, using tech to solve real problems and make lives better.
How did you get your customers?
Honestly, my first pitch was right at home- to my parents! They didn’t have a choice. I told them, "You’re the first beta testers, whether you like it or not!" 😄 Disclaimer: they loved it and appreciated me.
My mentors also played a key role in helping me reach out to the right people and guiding me on how to talk about my product. But the truth is, this is something everyone needs, whether they’re health-conscious or not. I mean, who doesn’t need a little nudge to eat better or move more, right?
Word started spreading, and slowly, people got curious. Some came for the tech, some stayed for the transformation.
How are you funding your startup?
Made for people, not-for-profit.
What is your average monthly revenue?
No monthly revenue charts, just a growing community of healthier people.
How are you doing today and what plans for the future?
Every day brings something new, whether it's feedback from users, an idea to improve the platform, or a challenge to solve.
As for the future, I plan to scale my solutions to reach more people, especially in rural and underserved areas. I want to integrate more AI into my platforms, collaborate with like-minded innovators, and continue working on projects that blend tech with purpose.
Trust in yourself, have faith in your journey, and be patient.
What advice would you give to budding founders?
Start small, but start now. Don’t wait for the “perfect” idea, team, or timing; just begin with what you have and let the journey shape you.
“You don’t need a fancy office or funding to build something amazing. Sometimes, all it takes is a laptop, Wi-Fi, and a stubborn dream.”
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about entrepreneurship?
The most unexpected thing I’ve learned is that entrepreneurship isn’t all about ideas and innovation. It's about resilience. It’s a journey full of highs and lows, but it teaches you how to stay grounded during success and hopeful during setbacks.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
One of my proudest moments was when my work started reaching beyond just users, it reached hearts. From students in remote villages using my AI platform to families accessing health advice they couldn’t afford earlier, I realized I wasn’t just building tech, I was building trust. And recognitions that came along the way.
What role has your family or support system played in your entrepreneurial journey?
They weren’t just my support system, they were my launchpad.
My mother was my first mentor, my father, my quiet strength, and every “you can do this” from them turned doubt into determination. They didn’t just guide me, they gave me the freedom to explore, fail, and rise again. Never said no to anything and allowed me to experiment.
My parents are my best friends :)
Always thankful to my parents, teachers, my institution, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, providing me with the best opportunities, and of course, my peers, who unknowingly supported me always.