In the bustling lanes of Mangaluru, Karnataka, a unique idea took shape in 2021. CherriLearn, an EdTech startup founded by Shrinidhi R S, is rewriting the narrative of education accessibility in India’s tier-3 and tier-4 cities. Coming from a lower-middle-class family from a small town, Shrinidhi R S, 22, is now the CEO and founder of CherriLearn, an impact-driven ed-tech company that delivers quality grassroots-level education in ‘tier 3’ and ‘tier 4’ villages in English along with their regional language through interactive learning aids at a highly affordable price. Rooted in the vision of “Democratizing Quality Education,” CherriLearn stands as a testament to how technology and innovation can bridge the gap between “Bharat” and “India.”
The Need for Change
India’s education system has witnessed a tectonic shift in recent years, spurred by government-led initiatives like Swayam, Diksha, and e-Pathshala, along with the National Education Policy’s focus on integrating technology into classrooms. However, the benefits of this revolution often bypass rural and underserved areas. Recognizing this disparity, CherriLearn embarked on a mission to make quality education not just a privilege but a right for all. With an ambitious goal of educating 10 million students by 2025, the startup aims to provide outcome-driven, engaging, and affordable education for children studying in vernacular languages.
Innovation with a Purpose
CherriLearn’s secret lies in its commitment to hyper-localization and gamification. Catering primarily to 1st to 5th-grade students, the platform delivers lessons in both English and vernacular languages, ensuring inclusivity. The platform’s gamified syllabus transforms traditional learning into a fun, interactive experience, boosting engagement and comprehension among young learners.
With affordability at its core, CherriLearn operates on a subscription model priced at just ₹1 per day, making it accessible to families even in the most economically challenged areas. This model resonates deeply with parents striving to provide their children with better opportunities without financial strain.
Bridging Bharat and India
CherriLearn’s journey from Mangaluru to over 2000 towns and villages across eight states is a story of relentless dedication and impact. The organization’s outreach efforts have been pivotal in empowering students in underrepresented regions, where education is often a luxury. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, CherriLearn has become synonymous with hope, delivering learning opportunities to over 100,000 students to date.
The statistics speak volumes about its success:
● 80,000+ app downloads
● Coverage of 30,000+ topics
● Presence in 8,200+ cities
● An impressive 4.5 app rating
Recognition and Impact
CherriLearn’s groundbreaking work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, the startup received several prestigious awards recognizing its transformative role in the education sector:
- The Hindu Businessline Change Maker 2023, presented by the Union Power Minister of India
- Elevate Karnataka Award from the Karnataka State Government
- Deccan Herald Changemaker Award
However, the real accolades come from the parents and children who now see a brighter future thanks to CherriLearn’s efforts. One such story is that of Meena, a farmer’s daughter from a small village in Tamil Nadu. Through CherriLearn, Meena gained access to quality resources that helped her improve her reading and arithmetic skills. Today, she dreams of becoming a teacher, inspired by the education she has received.
The Road Ahead
As CherriLearn continues its journey, the mission remains clear: to make quality education a universal reality. The company is expanding its footprint, constantly innovating its content and delivery methods to stay relevant in an ever-evolving educational landscape. Guided by core values of Innovation, Empathy, Integrity, Focus, and Agility, CherriLearn is not just a company—it is a movement.
The growing smartphone penetration in rural India, projected to reach one billion by 2025, provides fertile ground for CherriLearn to scale its impact. By leveraging this trend, the startup is well-positioned to lead a new era of digital education, one where every child, regardless of their geography or economic background, has the tools to succeed.
CherriLearn exemplifies how purposeful entrepreneurship can create ripples of change across communities. By combining technology, affordability, and a relentless drive to impact lives, the startup is setting a benchmark for EdTech in India. As it marches toward its ambitious goals, CherriLearn remains a beacon of hope, proving that quality education, when democratized, can transform not just individuals but entire generations.
