From Sketchbook to Startup

Most people see art and engineering as opposites. I see them as partners. From sketching characters to building TeachNova, I'm proving that creativity is the key to solving the biggest challenges.

300+ Educators Served
5+ Countries
10+ Team Members
Driti Virani, High School Senior and CEO of TeachNova, professional headshot

Driti Virani

CEO & Founder, TeachNova

Class of 2026 | Art → Code
Computer Science AI/ML Full-Stack Python CEO Leadership Startup EdTech Robotics Digital Art Mentorship

TeachNova

Revolutionizing education through AI-powered tools. As founder and CEO, I'm building a platform that empowers educators and creates inclusive learning experiences for all students.

5+ Countries
300+ Educators
10+ Team Members
Visit TeachNova →
TeachNova AI Education Platform interface showing personalized learning tools for K-12 educators
Research & Innovation

Independent Research

Independent research exploring AI in education and cybersecurity challenges in the quantum computing era.

🤖
AI in Education
2023-Present

AI as Co-Teacher: Human-Centered Design, Learning Outcomes, and Ethical Tradeoffs

Comprehensive synthesis of 38 empirical studies and 6 policy reports exploring how artificial intelligence can function as an educational co-teacher while preserving human connection. Conducted under mentorship of Dr. Natasha Mancuso, EdD (Foothill College, Stanford Global Studies Fellow). Reviews research from 2010–2025 including 10,000+ students, teacher training programs, and frameworks from UNESCO, OECD, and major education organizations.

📚 38 Empirical Studies
📋 6 Policy Reports
📊 70% Show Measurable Gains

Real-world Applications:

  • TeachNova platform reaching 5+ countries with hundreds of educators
  • Personalized instruction algorithms
  • Curriculum-aligned assessment generation
  • Multilingual educational content delivery
View Full Research → Complete • Expanding with Primary Data
🔒
Cybersecurity
Oct 2024 - Oct 2025

Post-Quantum Cryptography: Preparing for the Quantum Threat to Global Security

Comprehensive analysis of quantum computing's transformative effects on cryptography, national security, and digital infrastructure. Examining how Shor's algorithm breaks current encryption, the "harvest now, decrypt later" threat, and the urgent transition to NIST post-quantum standards under Apple Director mentorship.

📚 42 Academic Papers
📋 6 Policy Frameworks
🛡️ 7 Foundational Insights

Key Research Areas:

  • Shor's algorithm and the mathematical collapse of RSA/ECC
  • "Harvest now, decrypt later" attack vectors
  • NIST post-quantum standards (Kyber, Dilithium, SPHINCS+)
  • $85-180B global migration challenges and timelines
  • National security implications and NSA CNSA 2.0
View Full Research → Complete • October 2025
Technical Projects

Development Work

Full-stack platforms, data engineering systems, and hardware integration projects demonstrating end-to-end technical execution.

TeachNova full-stack AI education platform with cloud infrastructure
Full-Stack Platform
May 2023-Present

TeachNova - AI EdTech Platform

Architected and deployed full-stack AI-powered education platform serving 300+ educators across 5+ countries. Built complete platform from frontend, backend, database design to AI integration and cloud deployment.

🤖 GPT-4 & Gemini Integration
☁️ Cloud Infrastructure
🌍 International Scale (5+ Countries)
PHP MySQL React OpenAI API Google Cloud
View Platform →
Hey Blue community platform interface connecting law enforcement with local communities
Community Platform
Jun 2024-Present

Hey Blue! - Community Trust Platform

Building bridges between communities and law enforcement through cross-platform web and mobile applications. Contributing to frontend development with React and Swift for iOS.

📱 Cross-Platform Development
❤️ Social Impact Focus
React Swift Node.js JavaScript
View Project →
FTC robotics autonomous navigation system with computer vision sensors and aluminum frame
Robotics + Computer Vision
Sep 2022-Present

FTC Autonomous Navigation System

Senior programmer for competitive robotics team, developing autonomous navigation and computer vision systems. Implemented sensor fusion, path planning algorithms, and real-time object detection for championship-level competition.

👁️ Computer Vision Pipeline
🎯 Sensor Fusion Integration
🏆 2x Control Award Winner
Java Computer Vision OpenCV Sensor Integration Real-time Systems
Competition Code • Team Artemis/Athena
Classroom Library Management System with iOS barcode scanning integration
Full-Stack + Mobile
Beta Launch Q1 2025

Classroom Library Management System

Building full-stack library management platform for K-12 classrooms and school libraries. Architecting RESTful API backend with Node.js, implementing database schemas for checkout workflows, and developing real-time inventory sync. Integrating iOS barcode scanning through BookBuddy API for instant book cataloging and seamless mobile access.

📚 Real-Time Inventory Sync
📱 Mobile Barcode Scanning
🔄 Automated Checkout Workflows
Node.js Express MongoDB React REST API iOS Integration
Backend Complete • Beta Launch Q1 2025
Creative Expression

Digital Art & Illustrations

Art isn't a hobby—it's how I think. Every algorithm I write, every interface I design, starts with a sketch. These pieces represent my evolution from traditional pencil drawings to digital illustration, the same journey that shaped how I approach building technology.

The Witch - Original digital illustration featuring mystical character with special effects, showcasing fantasy art skills

The Witch

Digital Illustration • 2024

Mystical character design with special effects

Thermal Portrait - Digital portrait artwork using heat-vision inspired color palette and effects

Thermal Portrait

Digital Portrait • 2024

Heat-vision inspired portrait design

Anime Style Portrait - Digital character illustration demonstrating manga and anime art techniques

Anime Style Portrait

Digital Illustration • 2024

Character study in anime aesthetic

Sunset Landscape - Digital landscape illustration featuring atmospheric composition and lighting

Sunset Landscape

Digital Landscape • 2024

Atmospheric landscape composition

Studio Ghibli Inspired - Fantasy character drawing in the style of Studio Ghibli animation

Studio Ghibli Inspired

Digital Art • 2023

Fantasy character in Ghibli style

Figure Study - Traditional drawing demonstrating anatomical figure drawing skills and proportions

Figure Study

Traditional Drawing • 2023

Anatomical figure drawing

Portrait Study - Realistic pencil drawing showcasing traditional portrait rendering techniques

Portrait Study

Pencil Drawing • 2023

Realistic portrait rendering

Character Sketches - Collection of character development studies in pencil and ink

Character Sketches

Pencil & Ink • 2023

Character development studies

9 Artworks
2 Mediums
3+ Years Creating
Recognition

Awards & Achievements

Celebrating milestones in academic excellence, leadership, and innovative contributions to technology and education.

🎓

AP Scholar with Distinction

College Board

2024

National academic honor for exceptional performance on six Advanced Placement examinations across STEM and humanities disciplines.

🏆

Motivate Award

FIRST Tech Challenge

2025

FIRST Tech Challenge award recognizing team leadership and outreach impact. Led programming team while mentoring junior students across Bay Area schools and organizing community robotics workshops.

🎯

Control Award

FIRST Tech Challenge

2023, 2024

FIRST Tech Challenge award for autonomous robot control systems. Earned twice for sensor integration, computer vision implementation, and programming excellence in competitive robotics.

🥇

Gold Medal

Le Grand Concours - National French Contest

2025

National gold medal (Level 3, 10th grade) recognizing top-tier French language proficiency, grammar, and cultural competency among thousands of competitors nationwide.

🥉

Bronze Medal

Le Grand Concours - National French Contest

2024

National bronze medal (Level 2, 9th grade) demonstrating sustained growth in French proficiency that led to gold medal recognition the following year.

🌟

CEO & Founder Achievement

TeachNova

2023-Present

Founded and scaled TeachNova, an AI-powered education platform, while in high school. Built 10+ person team, secured funding, and achieved international reach across 5 countries serving 300+ educators.

📚

Certified SAT Teacher

Schoolhouse.world

2024

Certified SAT Reading & Writing instructor through Schoolhouse.world. Leading group bootcamps and personalized tutoring sessions to help students improve test scores and reading comprehension skills.

7 Major Awards
3 National Medals
4+ Years Recognition
Beyond the Code

Diverse Expertise

My multidisciplinary approach combines technical skills with creative vision and social impact.

💻

Software Development

Full-stack developer proficient in Python, JavaScript, Java, React, and Node.js. Experience with AI/ML integration using GPT-4 and Gemini APIs, Firebase, and modern web technologies.

🤖

Robotics & AI

FTC robotics programmer specializing in Java and computer vision for autonomous systems. Passionate about the intersection of AI and education.

💡

Research & Innovation

Academic researcher exploring AI in education and quantum computing's impact on future digital infrastructure.

🎨

Digital Art

From traditional sketching to digital illustration, I create visual stories that blend imagination with technical precision.

👨‍🏫

Education & Mentorship

Volunteer tutor through Schoolhouse.world and YAPA Kids, simplifying complex concepts for diverse learners.

🌍

Languages & Culture

Gold medalist in National French Contest. Understanding languages as design systems for cultural communication.

🔭

Astronomy & Data

Exploring the cosmos through the Astronomy Club, where physics, big data, and curiosity converge beautifully.

Driti Virani, High School Senior and CEO of TeachNova, professional portrait showcasing creative and technical leadership

The Artist Behind the Code

As a high school senior at Evergreen Valley High School, my journey began with a simple sketchbook and a boundless imagination. What started as bringing dreamy characters to life through colors and shapes evolved into a passion for creating meaningful digital experiences that impact thousands of lives.

Today, as the founder and CEO of TeachNova, I channel that same creative energy into building technology that empowers educators and transforms learning. My work spans the spectrum from digital art and UX research to full-stack development and academic research.

I believe in the power of interdisciplinary thinking—where art meets science, where creativity fuels innovation, and where technology serves humanity. Every project I undertake is driven by a desire to create positive impact and tell meaningful stories.

Let's Create Together → View Experience → Explore Passions →
Get In Touch

Let's Create Magic Together

I'm always excited to collaborate on projects that push boundaries and make a meaningful impact. Whether it's art, technology, education, or the beautiful intersections between them—let's build something extraordinary.

viranidriti@gmail.com LinkedIn Profile Visit TeachNova