The ‘whiz kid’ from Wayanad smitten by Artificial Intelligence

KOCHI: Standing behind a tall table at the Cyberdome pavilion at Cocon-XI, Jaiden John Bose convincingly explained the functioning of a software in development, which could detect riders without helmet using cameras. Jaiden, has already earned the title ‘wonder boy’ at the Cyber Conference in Kochi as visitors are taken aback when he identifies himself as a 14-year-old from Wayanad.
It was at the age of eight that Jaiden became curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and for the past six months, he has devoted most of his time to in-depth research in the field.
“I was taking computer courses in web development when I turned eight and I wanted to do something different. I googled for futuristic ideas and soon stumbled upon AI,” said Jaiden.
Jaiden, along with his partner Navneet K T has been developing a software, Motor Cycle Safety Analyser (MCSA), and are hopeful of handing it over free to the Kerala police with in a period of few months.
Jaiden, who had joined Cyberdome earlier this year, while responding to an ad seeking volunteers, met his partner Navneet, an undergraduate student, in a WhatsApp group of cyberdome volunteers.
“We were talking about Machine Learning in the group and texted each other privately. Later, we met up during a cyber conference in Kozhikode. We then come up with the MCSA project,” says Jaiden.
Jaiden went to CBSE school till 8th and is now homeschooled. “I was attending regular classes till 8th and now I study under the National Institute of Open Schooling. It gives me more time to focus on my projects and other research,” he said.
He says that his parents are fully supporting him. “I am getting full support from Cyberdome as well,” said Jaiden.
Jaiden said he is also working on a research project on AI-enabled cancer detection, which he wants to submit to to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The software would help early detection of cancer in rural areas where treatment is not easily accessible.
Navneet KT, Jaiden’s partner said they coordinate over phone. “I knew he was talented but I didn’t know he was this small,” said Navneet with a chuckle.
Jaiden says that people are surprised that he is soyoung. “I have been attending conferences but it is the first time at Cocon. I am quite excited about being here,” he said.