About Senior Connect

Riya Kamat

Riya Kamat is a highly motivated tenth grade student at Singapore American School with a strong academic foundation and a deep interest in technology and computer science. She has explored the practical applications of AI and digital platforms through her various internships and actively promotes STEM education for young girls through her leadership in the Girls Who Code club. Passionate about making a social impact, Riya is involved in community service initiatives that combine her interests in technology and social change.

She is a black belt Taekwondo holder, who is also training to become a recreational pilot. Riya brings the values of discipline and curiosity and inclusiveness and innovation to everything she pursues—from powerlifting to philosophy.

Aryan

Aryan, an 11th grader at Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, with a keen interest in robotics and artificial intelligence, has always been fascinated by the potential of technology to solve real-world problems. A natural problem-solver, he relies on his hands-on approach to coding and engineering, frequently participating in hackathons and robotics competitions. Aryan’s ability to translate complex ideas into user-friendly applications makes him the technical backbone of the team.

With a blend of creative engineering and a passion for learning, he is dedicated to making technology accessible to everyone, especially those who might find it intimidating.

How It Started

During the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, Riya and Aryan first crossed paths in an online tech workshop where they were tasked with developing a solution for everyday digital challenges. Their initial project was an experimental digital assistant designed to guide users through common tech tasks—from setting up smartphones to troubleshooting connectivity issues. They experimented with features like interactive video guides and voice-activated help, determined to create a tool that demystified technology for those who needed it most. Initially, the project was simply an academic challenge—a way to keep busy during the isolation of the pandemic.
The real turning point came one evening when, during a long online session, they began sharing personal stories about their grandparents. Riya described how her grandmother, once the life of every family gathering, had become increasingly frustrated with her new smartphone—missing video calls and feeling overwhelmed by confusing menus. Aryan, in turn, recounted a touching conversation with his own grandfather, who had lamented the loss of connection with distant relatives due to the complexities of the various communication apps. As they compared notes, they realized that these struggles were far more common than they had imagined. The heartfelt conversation sparked a moment of clarity: their project could transcend its initial academic purpose and address a widespread need. This pivotal exchange led them to reimagine their digital assistant into Senior Connect—an initiative committed to equipping seniors with practical tech skills through personalized tutorials, live support, and community workshops. Their vision became clear: no grandparent should feel isolated or overwhelmed in a digital world that’s moving too fast.

Explore Digital Courses for Seniors.