Following KuKi's Journey of Innovation
A Recount of Their Experience at The OpenNyAI Maker Residency 2023
‘Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’
~Arthur C Clarke
Embracing technology’s potential to illuminate pathways to justice, we embarked on a five-day adventure at the OpenNyAI Maker Residency in Kochi with a problem statement drawn from our transformative internship escapade in Auroville.
In Auroville, we couldn’t help but notice the pressing need for a solid data architecture in ESG (environmental, social and governance) Reporting. The intricate maze of BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting) led us to confront the necessity of a cultural shift in filing such compliance—and so we set out to the Residency with our experience at the internship laying the groundwork, and the Residency providing a platform to amplify our efforts.
DAYS UNFOLD
Day One: New Horizons
With anticipation, we stepped into a world brimming with possibilities. At TinkerSpace, the first thing that struck us was the sheer variety of people.
The atmosphere was so alive that it was impossible not to be swept away. Imagine a carnival of brilliant minds— all in one place. There were entrepreneurs with caffeinated energy, innovators with notebooks brimming with ideas and mentors who oozed wisdom. We met numerous individuals whose enthusiasm was infectious, including Saurabh Karn, our mentor. A funny story here, a quirky fact there— and boom, we were in conversations that made us feel like we’d known each other forever. Saurabh said, “Aaj tumhara banake khatam karte hai (today we’ll finish building your idea).” And just like that, we were the happiest folks in the room.
The day closed with a sense of camaraderie that we hadn’t anticipated. New connections were forged, ideas exchanged, and this was just the beginning.
It was as if day one had unfurled a map, and we were eager to chart the unexplored territories of days two through five.
Day Two: Crafting the idea
As the sun dawned over Kochi, day two of the Residency began. It kicked off with a warm-up session by Arhan Bezbora— a “rondo” —he called it. A bunch of us stood in a circle, kicking a ball like we were starring in a quirky indie movie. The exercise left us pleasantly surprised at the subtle yet fierce competitive spirit in the hall. It was like a secret pact to kick off the day with giggles. The laughter, the cheers, and the surprisingly skillful moves of the Cohort were a sight to behold.
The highlight of the day was a riveting session conducted by Team Parallel, where they unfolded the art of problem-solving and the importance of giving shape to our ideas. Their insights resonated deeply as they emphasised that a clear idea is like the compass that guides our journey. We delved into understanding user personas and pain points—the beating heart of any innovative solution. This session was a compass recalibration, setting us on the right course for the coming days.
Later, we rolled up our sleeves and jumped right into the prototype zone, which, in spirit, felt like a Lego playroom for grown-ups! We tinkered, toiled, and started grasping the true value of data. It felt like finding that one missing puzzle piece that, when found, turns scattered thoughts into a clear picture. With every click, we were shaping a future where data wasn’t just numbers—but power.
Amidst all the learning, specific one-on-one conversations illuminated the day. A heart-to-heart with Varun revealed work anecdotes, college memories and life philosophies. It was a connection that resonated on a personal level, reminding us that amidst the intense work, human connections were the fabric holding the Residency together.
So, that’s day two—where insights bloomed like flowers, ideas took shape like sculptures, and we realised that even the tiniest move could create waves of change.
Day Three: Magic in the Mix
Day three was a flurry of inspiration and collaboration. We started with a unique warm-up activity that urged us to listen on three levels— L1, where we embraced moments of surprise; L2, where we feel heartwarming connections with others; and L3, where we get lost in creating something new. This exercise set the tone for the day ahead, igniting a spark of curiosity that carried us through every session.
We dove into a discussion about responsible AI practices led by Deepak Paramanand, Sachin Malhan, and Hanae Baruchel, who eloquently highlighted the importance of ethics in the world of AI, prompting us to ponder not just what we can create but how we should create it. Deepak’s words lingered, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulated the essence of an often-overlooked truth: the power of culture to shape and steer what we do.
In the latter half of the day, the Innovation Showcase brought our work to life for the eyes of students from diverse educational backgrounds. Sharing our solutions with students to hear their perspectives reminded us that innovation thrives when ideas are shared, and sharing ideas with others is the first step to creating agency.
The day ended with an unexpected twist— a poolside conversation that sparked a lively discussion about starting a country. Saurabh Karn, Mohit Mokal, Surya, and Rushil’s animated exchange showed me how diverse and imaginative our Cohort was! They turned a simple moment into a captivating exploration of what it means to create a society from scratch.
As we reflect on day three, it’s clear that the Residency is much more than just an event. It’s a journey of self-discovery, collaboration, and innovation. It sought to reshape how we see and contemplate our place in the world.
Day Four: Threads of Connection
It was day four, and the room’s energy felt the same as on the first day. This was the day we were going to bring our vision to life. We collaborated on our product’s UI and front end, channelling our creativity and honing some technical skills ourselves. We also fostered this sense of collaboration and sparked our creative thinking as we drew and solved riddles with Saurabh & Tanya.
During a light-hearted moment, the story behind the name of our product, KuKi, was unveiled. We shared that it was a playful fusion of “Ku” from Kushagra and “Ki” from Kiran. Our laughter resonated through the room as we realised we were inadvertently being recorded.
As the day wound down, we found ourselves lounging by the poolside with Tanya and Surya. The tranquil ambience, coupled with their engaging company, created the perfect environment to share stories, laughter, and meaningful discussions. Later, we gathered for a hearty dinner, savouring the delicious food and the shared sense of accomplishment. Day four encapsulated a balance of focused work, creativity, and bonding, leaving us anticipating tough goodbyes on the final day of the Residency.
Day Five: Embracing farewells
The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and a touch of melancholy, knowing that this incredible journey was ending. The day began at a slower pace, allowing us to cherish our embarked journey. With our prototype as the centrepiece, we gathered to refine our vision, building a future plan that promised to translate our ideas into tangible change. The afternoon carried a sense of gravitas as Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. & Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque of the Kerala High Court graced us with their visit. The room buzzed with excitement as participants presented their ideas. The interaction was a testament to the impact of the Residency—bridging the gap between innovative ideas and real-world applications.
Returning to our accommodation, we realised that the atmosphere had shifted to a more relaxed state. Laughter and anecdotes filled the air as we enjoyed dinner with our newfound Residency family, one final time!
Each individual contributed a unique perspective to our shared journey. As the goodbyes approached, the farewells became heartfelt, marked by longer hugs and sincere pledges to stay connected!
In the quiet moments that followed, as we gazed at the space that had nurtured our creative spirits, we couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The Residency had given us more than just tools and knowledge—it had gifted us with a community of innovators, a treasure trove of memories, and a newfound determination to continue crafting innovative solutions to the problems that keep us up at night. In the heart of Kochi, a tapestry of tech and justice was woven, and we were among its weavers.
We look forward to our next steps, ready to use technology’s magic to illuminate the path of justice.