Fermi.ai: Revolutionizing Indian Education with Thought-Provoking AI
In an era dominated by instant-answer chatbots, a new educational technology platform is taking a radically different approach. Fermi.ai, founded by former Google and Flipkart executive Peeyush Ranjan and Cure.fit co-founder Mukesh Bansal, is positioning itself as an "anti-ChatGPT" solution specifically designed for classroom environments.
The Problem with Instant Answers in Education
Ranjan presents a compelling argument about the current state of AI in education. "Every kid is now turning in 100% completed homework with no errors...because the minute they run into any kind of struggle, there is ChatGPT to give the answer," he observes. This phenomenon creates a dangerous illusion of learning where students appear to perform well but actually develop weaker understanding and problem-solving skills.
The fundamental issue, according to Fermi's founders, lies in the chatbot interface that dominates contemporary AI tools. When students can simply paste questions and receive immediate solutions, they miss the crucial cognitive struggle that builds genuine comprehension and analytical abilities.
Fermi's Unique Approach to Learning
Unlike conventional test-prep platforms like PhysicsWallah, Unacademy, and Allen, Fermi distinguishes itself through several key features:
- No Instant Answers: The platform deliberately withholds direct solutions, instead guiding students through the thinking process
- Teacher Diagnostic Tools: Educators can pinpoint exactly where a student's reasoning breaks down and identify weak areas
- Practice-First Methodology: Emphasis on self-learning and practice-led study rather than video-first instruction
- Stylus-First Design: Built around handwriting and a "smart canvas" that mimics paper-based problem-solving
Focus on JEE Preparation with Measurable Results
Currently, Fermi's primary focus is the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the gateway to India's premier engineering institutions. The platform features a comprehensive question bank specifically designed for JEE practice.
The company has published compelling data from a pilot program conducted between August and December 2025:
- 79 students completed 7,220 practice attempts on the platform
- 57 students who completed at least 10 attempts saw average scores rise from 4.91 to 7.52 (improvement of 2.60 points)
- 40 students with at least 100 attempts improved from 4.97 to 7.79 (gain of 2.82 points)
- The platform generated 15,047 concept-level scores from the practice sessions
In a Bengaluru pilot, students beginning at approximately 2 on a 10-point scale improved by about 4.7 points by the program's conclusion.
Strategic Expansion and Future Plans
Fermi is currently expanding its reach through multiple pilot programs:
- Initial pilot completed in Bengaluru with promising results
- Current pilot underway in Silicon Valley
- New pilot launching in North India
- Discussions ongoing for Dubai implementation
The company is developing bilingual and local-language support, beginning with English. While the go-to-market strategy and pricing models are still being finalized, schools are currently offered free trials during pilot phases lasting two to three months.
Funding and Development Roadmap
Fermi is currently funded internally by Meraki Labs, Mukesh Bansal's venture studio, which typically invests between $250,000 and $5 million in portfolio companies. The startup plans to consider external fundraising in approximately six months, after completing additional pilots and finalizing its market strategy.
The technical team is primarily based in Bengaluru, with expansion beginning in Silicon Valley. Beyond Fermi, Meraki Labs' portfolio includes Nurix AI, Gigforce, and NuShala.
As AI continues to transform education globally, Fermi represents a significant shift toward tools that prioritize deep understanding over superficial performance. By challenging the instant-answer paradigm, this innovative platform aims to cultivate genuine problem-solving skills among India's next generation of engineers and innovators.
