A team of six BTech Computer Science & Engineering students from KL University has been developing an AI-based startup called Hydrilla AI. It aims to make 3D asset creation easier and accessible for game developers, artists, and animation studios. The venture has been under development for the last six months, with the team working on the product, connecting with industry professionals, and refining its approach based on user feedback.
The six founders are Tharak Nagaveti (CEO), Dharani Kumar (CTO), Tejesh Varma (CGO), Aditya Sontena (COO), Rishik Kalyan (Creative Director), and Hem Charan (Product Engineer). Together, they bring technical, creative, and product development skills to the venture, with a shared aim of addressing challenges in 3D content creation through AI.
As part of its product development journey, Hydrilla AI has connected with more than 150 industry professionals, including early users and studios. These conversations have helped the team understand the requirements of creative professionals, gather feedback, and make improvements to the platform. The founders have also been exploring new technical approaches and testing their ideas against practical industry needs.
The team has also engaged with several startup support programmes and technology platforms, including OpenAI for Startups, Google Cloud for Startups, Founders, Inc. Canopy, PostHog, Customer.io, ElevenLabs, Fish Audio, Linear, Sarvam AI, Nebula and Framer. The founders also participated in Founders, Inc. Canopy, a five-week online programme for early-stage founders and builders.
The journey of Hydrilla AI reflects how student-led initiatives can take shape when technical learning meets creative thinking and the willingness to address real-world challenges. At KL University, students are encouraged to take their ideas beyond the classroom, explore entrepreneurship, and develop solutions with practical applications. Opportunities like these are an important part of the learning environment at the best universities in India, where innovation and hands-on learning go hand in hand.