KRUU Impact Report • 2025
Code^Shift & Startup Garage
Student Program Summary • 2025
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Schools Participated
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Student Participants
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Projects Submitted
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Countries Represented
Program Overview
Changing How Students Engage with the World
Kruu's Code^Shift and Startup Garage programs bring together school students from across India and South Asia, challenging them to tackle real-world problems through research, media analysis, and entrepreneurship. This report summarises participation, project themes, and impact across both programs.
About the Program
What is Code^Shift?
Code^Shift is a research-oriented program where student teams investigate the intersection of media, technology, and society. Teams produce research posters and video presentations exploring how modern media shapes culture, identity, and behaviour.
CODE^SHIFT is a research hub focused on data equity and inclusive storytelling, founded at Texas A&M University in 2021, now at the Newhouse School, Syracuse University.
Fellowship Lead
Led by Dr. Srividya "Srivi" Ramasubramanian
Dr. Srividya "Srivi" Ramasubramanian
Newhouse Professor & Endowed Chair · S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University · Founding Director, CODE^SHIFT
Dr. Srivi is the founding director of CODE^SHIFT, a 'collaboratory' focused on data equity, inclusive storytelling, and social transformation. She has authored a textbook on quantitative methods for social justice, delivered over 125 presentations, and published extensively across journals and public media.
She serves as editor in chief of Communication Monographs and is a recipient of the Presidential Impact Fellowship. At CODE^SHIFT she shapes the curriculum, mentorship model, and ethics-first approach to student research.
Participating Schools & Teams
Code^Shift School Teams
| School | Team Members | Research Poster |
|---|---|---|
Gateway College, Negombo Sri Lanka | Nethika Rangajeewa, Susheyain Loraj Perera, P. Uvin Chanuth | Effects of International Social Media on Youth Culture Examined how Instagram and YouTube reshape Sri Lankan youth's self-expression and cultural identity. With 93.7% digital literacy, social media is an inseparable part of youth life — encouraging creativity and global awareness while challenging traditional values. |
DLF Public School India | Udbhav Bandhani, Prajjwal, Aadyaa Singh, Vihaan Koul | How did transformations in media systems shape public discourse during communal conflicts? Compared the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition (elite-controlled print, 75% elite voices) with the 2019–20 CAA Protests (polarized digital, 40% citizen voices). Digital platforms transformed conflict reporting into an emotionally charged arena deepening polarization. |
K.S.N Senior Secondary School India | Tanmayi Saladi, Rishabh Karthik, K P Tharun Sathreesh, Sriragni S | Femininity in Fantasy Worlds: From the Lost Boys to the Madrigals Compared Disney's Peter Pan (1953) and Encanto (2021) to trace female character evolution from passive domestic archetypes (Wendy) to proactive independent leaders (Mirabel). Challenges traditional matriarchal stereotypes in modern cinema. |
Darshan Academy India | Jubilee Sonta, Isha Bains, Sakshi Sinha, Sanchi Singh, Ruchi Rani | How Feminist Indian Films 'Pink' and 'Thappad' Challenge Traditional Gender Roles and Empower Women Examined how Pink and Thappad challenge patriarchal norms through themes of consent, dignity, and female agency. Key scenes — the slap, the courtroom 'No means No' dialogue — show women reclaiming power by refusing silence. |
Santhanam Vidhyalaya India | S. Boomikha, P.S. Vijitha, S.R. Prathiksha, V.L. Vasutharani, G. Maghalakshmi | How Do Teenagers Vary in their Levels of Online Safety Awareness and Media Literacy? Mixed-method study with 100 teenagers aged 13–17. Found 95% use social media 'almost constantly' yet only 3 out of 10 actually use built-in safety tools. Teens are creative, content-savvy, but often unaware of hidden online dangers. |
P.S Senior Secondary School Mylapore, Chennai – 600004 | V. Akhshay, Aradhana Suresh, Avinash Krishna, Ananya M | A Study on the Impact of AI Generated Misinformation on Social Media Platforms Studied AI misinformation's effect on trust and perception of youth aged 15–25. Analysed responses from a sample of 50 individuals. Most users struggle to differentiate authentic content from AI fabrications — AI is a primary driver of misinformation spread. |
Notable: The Gateway College (Sri Lanka) team brought an international lens, examining how social media integrates into Sri Lankan youth daily life with a digital literacy rate of 93.7%.
Student Research Outcomes
Research Poster Highlights
Each team produced a public-facing research poster and video presentation. Here's what they found:
Gateway College, Negombo — Sri Lanka
Effects of International Social Media on Youth Culture
Examined how Instagram and YouTube reshape Sri Lankan youth's self-expression and cultural identity. With 93.7% digital literacy, social media is an inseparable part of youth life — encouraging creativity and global awareness while challenging traditional values.
Key Finding
View Full Research →
Social media is a central part of Sri Lankan youth identity — influencing lifestyle, values, and long-term thinking patterns.
DLF Public School — India
How did transformations in media systems shape public discourse during communal conflicts?
Compared the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition (elite-controlled print, 75% elite voices) with the 2019–20 CAA Protests (polarized digital, 40% citizen voices). Digital platforms transformed conflict reporting into an emotionally charged arena deepening polarization.
Key Finding
View Full Research →
Algorithmic amplification created echo chambers — deepening polarization through real-time emotional escalation.
K.S.N Senior Secondary School — India
Femininity in Fantasy Worlds: From the Lost Boys to the Madrigals
Compared Disney's Peter Pan (1953) and Encanto (2021) to trace female character evolution from passive domestic archetypes (Wendy) to proactive independent leaders (Mirabel). Challenges traditional matriarchal stereotypes in modern cinema.
Key Finding
View Full Research →
Disney female characters evolved from passive caregivers to brave, proactive protagonists — reflecting changing cultural expectations.
Darshan Academy — India
How Feminist Indian Films 'Pink' and 'Thappad' Challenge Traditional Gender Roles and Empower Women
Examined how Pink and Thappad challenge patriarchal norms through themes of consent, dignity, and female agency. Key scenes — the slap, the courtroom 'No means No' dialogue — show women reclaiming power by refusing silence.
Key Finding
View Full Research →
These films are pivotal cultural tools: empowering women and sparking modern conversations about gender equality and consent.
Santhanam Vidhyalaya — India
How Do Teenagers Vary in their Levels of Online Safety Awareness and Media Literacy?
Mixed-method study with 100 teenagers aged 13–17. Found 95% use social media 'almost constantly' yet only 3 out of 10 actually use built-in safety tools. Teens are creative, content-savvy, but often unaware of hidden online dangers.
Key Finding
View Full Research →
Only 3 out of 10 teens use safety tools — guidance and media literacy > restrictions for safer digital use.
P.S Senior Secondary School — Mylapore, Chennai – 600004
A Study on the Impact of AI Generated Misinformation on Social Media Platforms
Studied AI misinformation's effect on trust and perception of youth aged 15–25. Analysed responses from a sample of 50 individuals. Most users struggle to differentiate authentic content from AI fabrications — AI is a primary driver of misinformation spread.
Key Finding
View Full Research →
AI is the main reason for misinformation spread — most humans forward AI content before verifying authenticity.
Key Themes
Code^Shift Key Themes
Student research clustered around three major thematic areas:
Digital Identity & Culture
How social media reshapes self-expression, cultural values, and youth identity — especially across South Asia. Explored by Gateway College and DLF Public School.
Gender & Media Representation
Evolution of female characters in film and how cinema drives conversations on consent, agency, and equality. Explored by K.S.N School and Darshan Academy.
AI, Truth & Media Literacy
Investigating AI misinformation, algorithmic bias in conflict coverage, and teens' ability to spot synthetic content. Explored by Santhanam Vidhyalaya and P.S School.
About the Program
What is Startup Garage?
Startup Garage challenges students to develop viable business ideas, pitching real startup concepts covering market analysis, product design, revenue models, and growth strategy. Teams present end-to-end business proposals as if they were founding entrepreneurs.
Program Lead
Led by Professor Sean Branagan
Professor Sean Branagan
Director, Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship · S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
Professor Sean Branagan is a serial entrepreneur, educator, and startup mentor who returned to Newhouse to build programs connecting students with faculty, industry partners, and real-world venture opportunities.
Under his leadership, Startup Garage offers practical masterclasses, hands-on incubation, mentoring, and pathways to seed support for top student ventures.
Startup Submissions
Student Ventures & Business Concepts
| School | Team & Grade | Startup | Concept & Business Model |
|---|---|---|---|
Good Shepherd International School Ooty, Tamil Nadu (Residential School) 🏗️ Urban Infrastructure | Yogi Kakadiya, Satvik Agrawal, Siddhant Vasoya, Iraj Brahmankar Grade 9 | NexaPods | Soundproof modular pods for airports & railway stations — private, Wi-Fi-enabled, climate-controlled work/rest spaces for urban commuters. High-density sound insulation, charging points, climate control, integrated tablets for flight/train tracking. Revenue: hourly rentals ₹200–₹1,500 + memberships + advertising. Setup cost ₹2.1–₹3.1 lakh per pod. Challenge: high initial setup costs & regulatory hurdles. |
Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula Haryana (CBSE School in Tricity) ♿ Accessibility Tech | Jasganeev Kaur, Avni, Nikita Gupta, Mishthi Grade 11 | VoxYounify | AI-powered real-time sign language ↔ speech translation platform bridging communication gaps for millions with speech/hearing impairments. Core: two-way real-time sign language / speech / text translation with high accuracy and low latency. Revenue: Freemium + B2B (healthcare/education) + API licensing. Strategic roadmap: AI refinement → beta launch → full market entry with disability advocacy groups. |
VidyaGyan School, Sitapur Uttar Pradesh (nurtures merit-based rural students) 🔧 Gig Economy | Pallavi Verma, Arpita Yadav, Anshima Maurya, Shivangi Chauhan Grade 9 | TradeMate | Mobile marketplace connecting skilled tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters) with local homeowners for reliable, transparent home services. Features: robust rating & review system, real-time technician location tracking, secure payment gateway. For tradespeople: digital storefront, consistent work, schedule management, digital reputation. Revenue: commission per transaction + lead-generation fees. |
Darshan Academy School, Delhi CBSE, Holistic Approach 📈 FinTech & Media | Kanishk Kapoor, Ishita, Pari Budhiraja, Arshit Gupta, Japneet Kaur Grade 12 | FutureLens Media | Digital-first business intelligence & media platform delivering expert-driven predictive market analysis, investigative journalism, and trend insights. Key features: Expert Analysis (deep-dive articles & investigative journalism), Predictive Tools (industry trend predictions, early market signals), Engagement (expert-learner communication), Sector Reports. Target: Investors, Founders, Business Students. USP: storytelling + analytics = proactive insights. |
VidyaGyan School (UP) — serving merit-based students from rural backgrounds — brings an important equity dimension, showing Startup Garage reaches students beyond urban elites.
Venture Highlights
Student Startups at a Glance
Each team built a complete startup pitch — from concept to revenue model. Explore their work:
🏗️ Urban Infrastructure
NexaPods
Soundproof modular pods for airports & railway stations — private, Wi-Fi-enabled, climate-controlled work/rest spaces for urban commuters.
Business Model
High-density sound insulation, charging points, climate control, integrated tablets for flight/train tracking. Revenue: …
♿ Accessibility Tech
VoxYounify
AI-powered real-time sign language ↔ speech translation platform bridging communication gaps for millions with speech/hearing impairments.
Business Model
Core: two-way real-time sign language / speech / text translation with high accuracy and low latency. Revenue: Freemium …
🔧 Gig Economy
TradeMate
Mobile marketplace connecting skilled tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters) with local homeowners for reliable, transparent home services.
Business Model
Features: robust rating & review system, real-time technician location tracking, secure payment gateway. For tradespeopl…
📈 FinTech & Media
FutureLens Media
Digital-first business intelligence & media platform delivering expert-driven predictive market analysis, investigative journalism, and trend insights.
Business Model
Key features: Expert Analysis (deep-dive articles & investigative journalism), Predictive Tools (industry trend predicti…
Innovation Areas
Startup Themes & Innovation Areas
Urban Infrastructure
NexaPods addresses the need for quiet, private spaces in India's high-traffic transit hubs.
Accessibility Tech
VoxYounify targets millions with speech and hearing impairments — a large, underserved market.
Gig Economy
TradeMate modernises the informal trades sector with trust, transparency, and digital tools.
FinTech & Media
FutureLens Media combines data journalism with predictive analytics for the next generation.
Combined Program Impact
Overall Impact & Highlights
Across both programs, students demonstrated an impressive breadth of skills — from academic research methodology and media analysis to market sizing, product design, and financial modelling.
Cross-border participation
Gateway College from Sri Lanka joined Indian schools, making Code^Shift a truly regional program.
Social impact focus
All four Startup Garage teams addressed real societal gaps — urban commuter stress, disability inclusion, informal labour, and financial literacy.
Grade diversity
Participants ranged from Grade 9 to Grade 12, demonstrating that entrepreneurial and research thinking can be nurtured across all secondary school years.
Rigorous methods
Code^Shift teams used quantitative surveys, content analysis, comparative film studies, and mixed-method approaches — evidence of genuine research rigour.
Appreciation
With Gratitude to Our Mentors
This program was made possible through the expert mentorship of the CODE^SHIFT team. Special thanks to the following individuals for their commitment to fostering the next generation of talent:
🎓
Dominic Boakye
CODE^SHIFT Mentor
🎓
Shannon Burth
CODE^SHIFT Mentor
🎓
Manaswini Pillai
CODE^SHIFT Mentor
🎓
Irene Ghosh
CODE^SHIFT Mentor
🎓
Hannah Frazier
CODE^SHIFT Mentor
🎓
Lydia Asare
CODE^SHIFT Mentor