Starting an AI startup can feel like a distant dream—but for two UMBC data science graduates, that dream became reality.
In this conversation, we meet Sai Manvitha Nadella, M.P.S. ’25, and Sampath Kumar, M.P.S. ’25, co-founders of AIEdumate and graduates of UMBC’s DAta Science Program. AIEdumate is an AI-powered learning platform born from their capstone project. Their story highlights how hands-on learning, entrepreneurial resources, and a shared vision for personalized education came together at UMBC.
Or listen here to the audio podcast.
Below is a lightly edited transcript of our conversation.
The Journey to AIEdumate
Dennise Cardona: Can you each tell me when you graduated and your current role in the AIEdumate startup?
Sai Manvitha Nadella: I recently graduated from the UMBC Master of Professional Studies in Data Science program in May 2025. I serve as the founder and CEO of AIEdumate. My journey started with a deep interest in how technology—especially AI—can bridge learning gaps and personalize education for everyone. Today, I lead a startup that brings that vision to life using generative AI and data science to support learners of all backgrounds.
Sampath Kumar:
I also graduated from the M.P.S. in Data Science program at UMBC, and I’m the COO of AIEdumate. I focus on scaling operations, making sure our platform runs smoothly, and translating the needs of educators and students into product features. Sai and I worked closely during our time at UMBC, and our partnership grew naturally from that shared experience.
AIEdumate: An AI Startup
Dennise: What exactly is AIEdumate?
Sai: AIEdumate is an AI-powered learning management system that creates personalized learning experiences based on a student’s learning style, pace, and progress. Think of it as a 24/7 AI tutor that understands how you think and learn best—designed for students, teachers, homeschooling parents, and even adult learners.
Role of ISD Professionals
Dennise: How do instructional designers interact with a system like this?
Sai: Instructional designers are still essential. We don’t rely solely on AI because that can be risky in education—you need verified, human-reviewed content. AIEdumate starts with an uploaded curriculum or course materials from instructors, and then the AI adapts and transforms that content to suit each learner’s needs. The human element ensures it remains accurate and aligned with educational goals.
Ah-Ha Moment for AI-Powered LMS
Dennise: Where did the idea for AIEdumate come from?
Sai: It started during my capstone project in Data Science 606. I noticed a gap between traditional and personalized learning. I thought, what if a course could change based on how you’re feeling or how you learn? That was the “aha” moment. I pitched the idea, got support from my professor, and then applied to the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. I was accepted into the PNC Scholars Program and UMBC’s Launchpad Accelerator, which helped us move from concept to startup.
Support of UMBC Data Science Graduate Program
Dennise: How did the UMBC Data Science program support your growth?
Sampath: The program gave us a great mix of technical knowledge and real-world application. Courses like machine learning and big data analytics weren’t just theoretical—they challenged us to solve problems. The capstone felt like an incubator with room to test ideas and get direct faculty feedback.
Sai: I agree. As an international student, I appreciated how the curriculum gradually introduced complex concepts. I started with intro courses and eventually explored electives like Financial Data Science and NLP. I even did an independent study in quantum research. The structure helped me discover what I was good at and what I loved.
Journey to Co-Founders:
Dennise: What was it like building a company together as co-founders?
Sai: It’s been amazing. We understand each other’s strengths—Sampath handles the operational side, and I focus on vision. Our UMBC experience taught us to work collaboratively through team-based projects, which laid the foundation for our startup.
Sampath: Exactly. We trust each other and share a common vision for what good education should look like. That shared academic foundation has been a huge asset.
Role of UMBC’s Entrepreneurial Programs
Dennise: What role did UMBC’s entrepreneurial programs play?
Sai: The Alex Brown Center, Launchpad Accelerator, and Academic Success Center were all key. They helped me learn business fundamentals, refine our model, and connect with mentors. Kevin Fulmer’s feedback, in particular, helped us transform our prototype into a customer-ready product.
Influence of Summer Enrichment Academy:
Dennise: Sai, you also participated in the Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA). How did that influence your startup mindset?
Sai: It was a turning point. I taught robotics and AI to middle and high school students. Seeing how differently each student learns—some pick up coding quickly, others need more time—reinforced our vision for personalized education. That real-world experience shaped how we designed AIEdumate.
M.P.S. In Data Science:
Dennise: Sampath, what made the M.P.S. in Data Science stand out for you?
Sampath: The balance. We learned core technical skills—Python, SQL, machine learning—and had the flexibility to apply them to areas we cared about, like education. That freedom kept me engaged and motivated.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dennise: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Sai: Start small. Don’t wait for perfection. I began with a Google Doc describing my ideal learning experience. Then I built a simple prototype and asked for feedback. Each step built momentum. And don’t do it alone—talk to people, use your school’s resources, and keep asking questions.
Sampath: Solve real problems that people care about. That’s where the excitement is. The tools we’ve learned—data pipelines, LLMs—are more accessible than ever. Students today can build and test faster, so take advantage of that.
The Next Step in AI Startup AIEdumate
Dennise: What’s next for your AI startup AIEdumate?
Sai: We’re expanding into the homeschooling and K–12 markets and working on tools for teachers to generate lesson plans. We welcome UMBC students to get involved through internships, capstones, or research. We’re also working with UMBC faculty to explore AI fairness and adaptive learning. Giving back to the community that supported us is important to us.
Biggest Entrepreneurial Lesson
Dennise: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Sai: Progress beats perfection. If you wait for everything to be perfect, you’ll never launch. UMBC’s M.P.S. program gave me the courage to start early and iterate often.
Sampath: Build and grow with empathy. Listen to your users and your team. The M.P.S. program isn’t just a degree—it’s a launch pad if you’re ready to take initiative.
Interested in UMBC’s M.P.S. in Data Science?
Learn more: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/data-science
Explore AIEdumate: https://www.aiedumate.com