Fourteen-year-old Indian-origin whiz kid Siddharth Nandyala, who hails from Dallas, Texas, is creating global ripples with his AI-based healthcare application, Circadian AI. The app, which has been designed to identify cardiovascular anomalies within seven seconds based on heart sound recordings, has been appreciated by former US Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Siddharth, who hails from Hyderabad, created Circadian AI as a reaction to the shocking international increase in cardiovascular diseases, which are responsible for almost 31% of total deaths globally. A holder of certifications by Oracle and ARM, he is the world’s youngest AI-certified professional.
“Early diagnosis is the difference between life and death,” Siddharth explained in a recent interview, “That’s what really drove me to create Circadian AI. I wanted to build something that could genuinely save lives.”
How It Works
Circadian AI is intended for clinical use in hospitals, not personal or at-home diagnostics. It requires just a seven-second heart sound recording after which it can identify over 40 types of cardiovascular diseases with an impressive 96% accuracy rate.
“Imagine if your heart could talk to you,” Siddharth said, “This AI tool is like giving your heart a voice. It offers a detailed analysis and flags potential heart issues instantly.”
The app has undergone real-world testing in hospitals both in the US and India. In Andhra Pradesh, clinical trials were conducted at GGH Guntur and GGH Vijayawada. At Guntur, Circadian AI screened 505 patients in one study and flagged 10 for follow-up; in a second study, it identified 16 potential cases from 863 patients. In Vijayawada, it screened 992 patients and flagged 19 with possible cardiac conditions. All flagged patients were referred for ECG and 2D echo scans, and diagnoses were confirmed by cardiologists.
From Concept to Clinics
The development of Circadian AI took seven months, involving data gathering, AI model training, and hospital validation. Siddharth credits his interest in real-world impact for inspiring his innovation.
“We’re in the era of artificial intelligence,” he said, “So why not apply it where it can help the most people—like healthcare? That’s where AI can truly make a difference.”
Recognition and Achievements
Siddharth’s innovative work has garnered significant recognition. In February 2024, he was named Innovator of the Year by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. In November 2023, he received a Certificate of Recognition from the US House of Representatives. His work has even caught the attention of top leaders worldwide, including letters of appreciation from Obama and Biden.
Beyond the Lab
Apart from Circadian AI, Siddharth is also the founder of STEM IT, a startup aimed at helping students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world tech applications. The platform encourages hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Outside the world of tech, Siddharth enjoys golfing and playing chess—activities he says improve his focus and decision-making skills, which are crucial in AI development.
A huge admirer of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Siddharth encourages other young minds to dream big: “Innovation is the heartbeat of progress. Take the journey from imagination to transformation. Be your own boss. Turn your dreams into something real.”
