Aryan hails from Kota, Rajasthan — a city known as the hub of competitive exams. Yet, unlike most students aiming for IIT or medical entrances, his path was different. “Growing up in Kota, you’re constantly surrounded by an intense focus on competitive exams. While I respect that path, my curiosity was always pulling me in a different direction,” he says.
Belonging to a farmer’s family, Aryan saw a gap between the theoretical knowledge taught in classrooms and the real-life struggles of farmers outside. “We were solving complex theoretical problems on paper, but right outside our city, farmers were facing very real, practical problems that technology wasn’t solving. This contrast inspired me to think differently,” he recalls.
That’s when his journey began. Instead of preparing only for IIT exams, Aryan turned his garage into a lab. “I was more interested in the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind the concepts in our physics and computer science books… my projects became my way of applying what I learned in a practical sense,” he explains.
This curiosity eventually helped him build AgRobot, a smart farming tool powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Aryan’s innovation not only earned him recognition but also took him to a stage he never imagined — standing beside the Prime Minister to receive an award.
The big idea
The idea first struck Aryan when he was in Class 10. “The spark came during a visit to a relative’s farm. I saw the immense physical labour, the high costs of hiring help, and the losses due to imprecise farming methods. It struck me that the principles of robotics I was experimenting with could be directly applied here,” he recalls.
The COVID-19 lockdown gave him the time to dig deeper. “I was very young, so I knew there could be a solution, but I was not aware of the technology available in the world,” he says. What began as curiosity soon became a serious pursuit.
“The belief that ‘I can build this’ didn’t come in one flash. It was a gradual process. I started with a very basic question: ‘Can I build a small vehicle that can navigate a field on its own?’ Once I achieved that, the next question was, ‘Can I attach a tool to it?’ It was this step-by-step problem-solving approach that built my confidence and turned a big, complex idea into a series of achievable goals,” he explains.
His academic path further fuelled this passion. Pursuing a B.Tech helped him sharpen his knowledge of machines and artificial intelligence, while the academic environment provided opportunities to collaborate and seek guidance. After nearly three years of research and trial, Aryan successfully developed the first prototype of AgRobot in 2023.
“In simple terms, AgRobot is like a farmer’s multi-talented assistant. It’s a single, smart, affordable robotic platform designed to perform various agricultural tasks — from seeding and weeding to spraying pesticides and monitoring crop health. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for the farm, built to help small and medium-sized farmers in India who can’t afford large, specialised machinery,” he says.
From idea to creation
When asked about the experiences that shaped his journey, Aryan reflects, “The most crucial experience was shifting from being a passive consumer of information to an active creator. Participating in science fairs and robotics competitions was key. These events forced me to go beyond theory and actually build a working prototype with limited resources and tight deadlines.”
He adds, “More importantly, they taught me how to handle failure. When a robot fails to work just minutes before a competition, you learn more about problem-solving than from any textbook. This cycle of ideating, building, failing, debugging, and finally succeeding is what trained me to transform abstract ideas into physical realities.”
Hurdles and hustles
Building AgRobot came with challenges that went far beyond technical problems. “The toughest challenge wasn’t technical; it was resource management and credibility. As a student, balancing academics with a project of this scale was incredibly difficult. There were days I would study for exams until midnight and then work on the robot’s code until 3 AM,” Aryan recalls.
Access to the right components and funding posed another obstacle. Many doubted that a student could build a complex agricultural robot. But Aryan met these doubts with persistence. “I started small, documented every step of my progress with videos and photos, and built a functional prototype. This tangible proof of concept was what eventually helped me gain credibility and secure initial support, like the grant from the Department of Science and Technology (PRISM). It taught me that a working model, no matter how basic, is more powerful than a thousand words,” he says.
Classroom lessons
Student life, with its ups and downs, offered Aryan important lessons in patience and persistence. “I spent weeks working on an autonomous navigation module. I was convinced my code was perfect, but the robot would just go in circles. Finally, out of sheer exhaustion, I decided to re-check the hardware from scratch. I found a tiny, almost invisible loose wire in one of the motor controllers,” he recalls.
“That moment taught me that effort isn’t just about pushing forward relentlessly; it’s also about having the patience to step back, be humble, and re-examine your most basic assumptions. Failure is not the opposite of success — it’s part of the process that guides you to the right solution,” he adds.
Social on social media
Aryan believes that students today can use social media more meaningfully. “Social media is an incredibly powerful tool if used correctly. Students should use it not just as a gallery for their final achievements, but as a living journal of their journey,” he says.
He shares a few tips for young innovators:
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Show the process, not just the result: Post about failed experiments, messy workspaces, and codes that didn’t work.
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Build a community: Connect with experts, ask for advice, and engage in discussions.
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Collaborate: Sharing ideas can attract people with complementary skills.
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Create a portfolio: Use your social media as a dynamic showcase for your skills, passion, and dedication.
“Don’t just stay in the lab — practice public speaking, write about your work, and actively build relationships,” Aryan advises. “Your network and ability to communicate are just as critical as the product you’re building.”
A proud moment
In 2024, Aryan Singh was conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in the field of Science and Technology — one of the highest national recognitions for young achievers. He received the award from the President of India in the presence of the Prime Minister, a moment he describes as both humbling and inspiring.
Photo: Special arrangement
Over the years, Aryan has met several leaders and dignitaries, and his work has been showcased on international platforms in countries such as Russia, Canada, and Malaysia.
Aryan’s journey is a powerful reminder that curiosity, determination, and a willingness to apply knowledge can create real-world impact. When knowledge meets creativity, it transforms ideas into solutions for the future.
A 19-Year-old visionary
At just 19, Aryan Singh is fully immersed in the world of technology and agriculture as the founder of VeltrioneX Smart Creations. “I’m currently leading the development of our primary innovation, the AgRobot, which aims to solve critical farming challenges through robotics and AI,” he says.
“A typical day for me is a blend of hands-on technical work on the robot’s design and software, strategic planning with my co-founder, and managing our project timelines. We recently secured a government grant that has intensified our R&D phase, and we’re also preparing for our participation in the upcoming India Mobile Congress. It’s an incredibly exciting and demanding phase, but I’m driven by the vision of revolutionising the agricultural sector.”
A note to students
Looking back, Aryan reflects on what he wishes he had known earlier. “I wish I had understood the importance of communication and networking. While technical skills are the foundation, your idea can only go so far if you can’t articulate its vision and value to others,” he says.
He emphasises, “Building something great is a team sport. You need to explain your idea to attract co-founders, pitch it for funding, and listen to feedback from users.”
Aryan’s journey — from a curious student in Kota to a nationally and internationally recognised innovator — is a story of imagination, persistence, and problem-solving. For students everywhere, it serves as a powerful reminder: big ideas can start small, and with curiosity and dedication, anyone can make a meaningful impact on the world.
