I keep waiting for that one passionate entrepreneur to come and shake things up. It’s like waiting for that first joke to crack you up when you attend a standup comedy gig. But none of the presentations stir me. The very thought of going up on stage and announcing that I won’t make even a single investment is embarrassing. And then, at the very end of the session, when all my hopes of finding an idea to invest in have taken a backseat, a girl with a fiercely positive vibe and a very obvious sense of passion for her idea arrives on stage. She has the kind of captivating presence that would make even the lizards crawling on the walls and the spiders hanging from the auditorium ceiling stop in their tracks and pay attention to her.

‘Good morning, everyone! My name is Asmitha Menon. I’m a data scientist, an AI enthusiast, an entrepreneur and a mother to three—my dog Muffin, my daughter Lena, and my husband Balaji. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce to you a revolutionary and groundbreaking app that I’ve developed: AILENA!

‘AILENA stands for Artificial Intelligence-based Love and Engagement Neo Algorithm. It has been designed to find and unite soulmates through meaningful experiences shared in the virtual world.’

Incredulous murmurs echo through the auditorium.

Undeterred, she continues, ‘AILENA’s primary function is to facilitate love and to connect soulmates through advanced algorithms and data analysis. This innovative app promises to find the perfect match for every one of its global users by delving into the particular intricacies of their lives and desires.’

The audience leans in with interest now, half of them smitten by her effervescence and the other half intrigued by her idea.

‘When you’re tired of endlessly swiping right and left on matchmaking apps, hoping to find someone who truly understands you … enter AILENA! She goes beyond hot, sexy bodies and shady conversations, and digs deep. Through advanced AI algorithms, she analyses compatibility scores based on metrics like family values, socio-cultural backgrounds, personal interests, professional backgrounds and other specific personality traits, ensuring that each match has the potential for a deeper, more meaningful connection. If you allow her access to your social media and other background apps, she’ll learn more about you than you probably know about yourself!’

Asmitha’s batchmates now cheer loudly for her.