(December 20, 2024) After working for one-and-a-half years as a software developer at IBM, Jupudi Vamsi Kalyan moved to the US in 2023 to pursue a master’s degree in computer science at Troy University, Alabama. During his time there, he identified a significant gap in America’s mental health support system. Determined to address this, he came up with the idea of BrightLyf, an AI-powered mental health platform. BrightLyf recently won the Troy University pitch competition, earning $2,000 in prize money.
For someone who has been in the US for less than two years, taking on such a crucial challenge and gaining recognition for his efforts has been a significant source of motivation for Kalyan. It has strengthened his resolve to develop innovative, solution-focused products to help society.
Kalyan received Troy University’s pitch competition’s first prize
“BrightLyf is currently in active development, with plans to begin operations in January 2025. We’re working closely with Troy University’s Psychology Department to develop and validate our AI-powered mental health platform. Our initial pilot program is scheduled for Q1 2025, followed by a public beta launch in Q3 2025,” Kalyan shares with Global Indian.
A solution for young adults in the United States
“Young adults across the United States often face weeks-long wait times for mental health services. As an international student, I experienced this firsthand, which led me to realize how widespread these accessibility challenges are—affecting students, adults, and institutions nationwide,” the 25-year-old says. Through research, he discovered that university counselling centres are often overburdened with cases. “Some students wait up to three weeks for initial appointments, while others struggle to find support during off-hours when they need it most.”
This systemic issue inspired Kalyan to combine AI technology with clinical expertise to create BrightLyf—a comprehensive support system designed to provide immediate, accessible mental health support while helping institutions better understand and serve their communities.
Kalyan during Troy University’s pitch competition
Kalyan works closely with his co-founder, Jaydeep Patel, who brings extensive clinical mental health expertise to the table.
Their team is further strengthened by advisor John B., a seasoned CTO and healthcare executive at a leading healthcare technology company. Together, this combination of technical innovation, clinical knowledge, and healthcare industry experience forms a robust foundation to tackle the complex challenges of mental healthcare accessibility.
From India to the US
Kalyan hails from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage. His father, Jupudi Mahesh, serves as a Village Revenue Officer in the Andhra Pradesh government, supporting the local farming community. “Growing up, I watched him serve others while my mother, Jupudi Annapurna, provided unconditional support at home. This taught me the importance of using one’s skills to help people. My parents’ emphasis on education and service to society has deeply influenced my passion for solution-focused entrepreneurship,” he shares.
With aspirations for both personal and professional growth, Kalyan secured admission to Troy University after working for one-and-a-half years at his first job IBM in Bengaluru. He completed his B. Tech in Computer Science from Vel Tech University in 2021.
Jupudi Vamsi Kalyan
Coming closer to passion
Kalyan has always been driven by a desire to develop innovative solutions that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The recent win at Troy University not only reaffirmed his passion but also fuelled his ambition to bring his ideas to life. “While my experience at IBM provided valuable insights into enterprise technology, my passion lies in creating innovative solutions that directly impact people’s lives,” he says.
The $2,000 prize from the competition has provided the initial momentum for Kalyan and his co-founder to push BrightLyf forward. They are now actively working on incorporating the company and advancing product development. Their vision is to revolutionize how young Americans access mental health support, making it more immediate, accessible, and effective.
Kalyan received Troy University’s pitch competition’s first prize
Hopeful of entrepreneurial dream in America
While there are regulatory challenges for international entrepreneurs in the U.S., Kalyan believes innovation and determination can overcome these barriers. “The key is to build something truly valuable that addresses critical societal needs. There are various pathways available for international founders, and with proper guidance and a commitment to creating meaningful impact, these challenges become opportunities for growth,” he says with hope.
The overall life in the United States has been transformative for the youngster. He finds the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly the support from universities and local communities, ‘extraordinary’. “Troy University’s IDEA Bank and various mentors have provided invaluable guidance in developing BrightLyf.” The blend of academic excellence and entrepreneurial opportunity creates an ideal environment for innovation and Kalyan is making complete use of the opportunities and resources.
Jupudi Vamsi Kalyan
Making use of learnings in India and United States
Growing up in India, Kalyan witnessed firsthand how technology could bridge critical gaps in service delivery. Now, he sees an opportunity to transform mental health support on multiple levels—from personal care to family dynamics and community-wide wellness. Driven by a desire to address meaningful challenges and help millions access better mental health support, Kalyan remains motivated and focused on his vision of strengthening family bonds and community connections.
“My goal is to build BrightLyf into a comprehensive platform that not only transforms how young people access mental health services but also creates ripple effects of positive change within families and communities, fostering healthier, more connected societies,” says Kalyan, who aspires to make a lasting impact on mental healthcare by enhancing both individual support and broader community wellness.
- Follow Jupudi Vamsi Kalyan on LinkedIn
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