Siya has spent her career tackling one of the world's most important challenges: making education accessible for everyone. Watch the full conversation here.
The Initial Spark: Technology in Rural India
Growing up, Siya split her time between Texas and summers in India, where she witnessed the transformative power of technology. As a teenager, she volunteered in rural villages outside New Delhi, teaching children how to use newly installed computers. Reflecting on that experience, Siya said, "It was amazing to watch their imaginations expand when they got access to the internet. Suddenly, they were dreaming of futures as astronauts, artists, and scientists."
These early experiences shaped her passion for education and economic mobility, but the road to creating long-term solutions was not straightforward. "I went to college thinking, 'I'll study computer engineering and help bring technology to the masses.' But I quickly realized that the way we teach these skills isn't accessible to everyone," she explained.
The Traditional Curriculum: Challenges in Education
One of Siya's first realizations came during her time at UT Austin, where she studied computer engineering. The traditional curriculum, as she described it, felt "rigid and alienating". "The class average was a 30," she shared. "I started to wonder: if I'm struggling, what hope do others have, especially those without the resources or privileges I've had?"
This challenge sparked her first project: writing a book about America's skills gap and how engineering education could be reimagined. At 18, she published the book and began speaking at conferences, advocating for more inclusive and practical approaches to learning. "It was my first attempt at trying to share a solution," she said. "I wanted to inspire people to stay the course and show them why education matters."
OpenAI: Building Solutions for Universities
Siya's passion for education access has been the focus of her career. From product strategy roles at Udacity and HarvardX to co-founding Pathway Ventures, she's consistently worked to bridge the gap between education and opportunity.
At OpenAI, Siya leads the launch of ChatGPT EDU, a product designed to help universities and schools integrate AI into their classrooms. "My job is to help make institutions AI-native," she explained. "We're not just introducing a tool; we're building new ways for students and teachers to engage with knowledge."
One example of this is her collaboration with educators to develop custom GPTs tailored to specific curriculums. Professors like Jeff Bussgang at Harvard Business School and Karthik Hosanagar at Wharton are already using these tools to redesign their courses. "It's incredible to see professors not just adopting AI but completely rethinking how they teach," Siya said. "This isn't about replacing what we've done before—it's about enhancing it."
Beyond OpenAI: Investing in the Future of Work
Her work doesn't stop at OpenAI. Through Pathway Ventures, Siya invests in founders who are tackling challenges in the future of work. "We look for rebellious, creative people who don't fit the mold," she said. "It's not about where you went to school or who you know—it's about your commitment to solving real problems."
This philosophy is deeply personal for Siya, who has had to carve her own path unconventionally. Early in her career, she didn't land jobs through traditional applications. Instead, she cold-emailed executives, pitched herself tirelessly, and turned rejections into opportunities. "At Apple, it took 36 emails to get my foot in the door," she recalled. "But I kept finding ways to show them why I was the right person for the job."
Lessons for the Next Generation of Innovators:
Throughout her career, Siya has emphasized the importance of persistence and adaptability. "Resilience is key," she said. "There have been moments when I felt like I lost my way, like when I didn't get into business school. But those setbacks taught me to find new paths and keep moving forward."
For young professionals looking to make an impact, Siya advises focusing on building projects and communities, even when conventional opportunities aren't available. "When you don't have experience, create it," she said. "Start something small, learn from it, and show people what you can do."
Siya Raj Purohit's journey is a shining example of how passion, persistence, and innovation can drive meaningful change. "Education is the ultimate unlock for potential," she told the audience. "We're living in a time where technology can amplify that like never before. But it's up to all of us to make sure it's used wisely and equitably."
Whether she's developing AI tools for classrooms or investing in the next wave of mission-driven startups, Siya's work continues to open doors for learners and creators worldwide.