Nandana Menon wins South west EDU Expo’s Student Impact Challenge

Spark, founded by Indian American high school senior, promises to revolutionize support for autistic children

By Arun Kumar

Spark, an app based tool which promises to revolutionize support for autistic children, founded by Nandana Menon, an Indian American high school senior, has won the South by South west (SXSW) EDU Expo’s prestigious Student Impact Challenge.

The annual competition, presented this year by the Allstate Foundation, recognizes high school students making a significant impact in their communities, offering them a platform to refine their ideas, showcase their talents, and gain valuable experience.

READ: Indian American student Merlin D’souza wants to help other newcomers (March 25th, 2025) 

Menon was among five global finalists selected to present their projects before a panel of industry experts at the SXSW EDU Expo in Austin, Texas, earlier this month.

Spark, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, promises to revolutionize support for autistic children by offering personalized therapy supplements, a wealth of resources, and interactive tools designed to empower caregivers. With its user-friendly design and cutting-edge features, this app is set to become an invaluable asset for enhancing therapy and fostering a supportive community.

In addition Swype Al and Household Appliances Innovation Powered by Solar were recognized as the first and second runner-ups respectively.

This year, the Student Impact Challenge expanded to focus on how students can solve pressing social, economic, and environmental problems facing the world today.

“I’m so excited and honored to receive this incredible award,” said Menon. “Winning the Student Impact Challenge will lead me to so many more opportunities to help children all along the way. This is really going to set up Spark for more success.”

Menon spearheaded the groundbreaking pro bono app project in collaboration with CGI Pittsburghm, LAUNCH, Fortyx80, and the University of Pittsburgh’s Autism Center for Excellence.

Leading a diverse team of 10 experts, including coders, entrepreneurs, and app designers, she meticulously orchestrated summer sessions and weekly meetings to develop this innovative tool.

The SXSW EDU Conference & Festival brought together the learner, the practitioner, the entrepreneur, and the visionary to share their groundbreaking stories, tackle complex issues, and build reimagined paths forward.