Peeyush Ranjan, a seasoned technology leader who formerly served as Chief Technology Officer at Flipkart and held senior roles at Google and Airbnb, has launched a new AI-first edtech startup called Fermi.ai. Headquartered in Singapore with operating subsidiaries in India and the United States, Fermi.ai aims to reimagine how high-school students learn critical STEM subjects — including mathematics, physics, and chemistry — by focusing on deep reasoning and conceptual mastery rather than shortcut answers.

The platform is designed around adaptive tutoring and a stylus-first interface that allows students to engage naturally with equations, diagrams, and scientific constructs while receiving real-time coaching from AI. Unlike traditional AI learning tools that often provide quick answers, Fermi.ai is built to preserve what the company calls “productive struggle,” guiding learners step-by-step through problems to foster lasting understanding.

For students, educators, and parents navigating increased reliance on digital learning tools, Fermi.ai represents a novel approach that blends advanced AI with pedagogical best practices. Leveraging insights from extensive pilot testing, the platform aims to shift the role of AI from answer provider to coach and mentor.

Background / Context

AI’s adoption in education has surged in recent years as schools and learning platforms experiment with personalized learning, automated feedback, and adaptive assessment tools. However, much of the early wave of AI education technology has been criticized for encouraging shallow learning and being overly focused on speeding through tasks rather than promoting deep comprehension. In this backdrop, industry observers have called for tools that emphasize reasoning, incremental learning, and analytics that help teachers intervene more effectively. Fermi.ai emerges at this crossroads, promising a fundamentally different use of AI in the classroom.

Ranjan’s own career trajectory — from global technology hubs at Google and Airbnb to leadership in India’s largest e-commerce platform — positions him to tackle the growing demand for meaningful AI-enhanced learning solutions at scale. His partnership with entrepreneur Mukesh Bansal, co-founder of Myntra and Cult.fit, brings both strategic insight and ecosystem support through Meraki Labs, the incubator backing Fermi.ai’s launch.

Key Developments / Details

Fermi.ai officially launched on January 23, 2026, and is currently accessible in a pilot phase at no cost to students and educators via a cloud-based interface. The platform’s initial rollout covers core STEM topics tailored for high-school curricula in both India and the U.S., including advanced components such as exam-aligned question sequencing, concept graphs, and diagnostic analytics that pinpoint gaps in reasoning.

A standout feature of Fermi.ai is its stylus-first “Smart Canvas”, a digital workspace that encourages students to write and draw as they would in pen-and-paper learning. Combined with adaptive AI tutoring, this enables a more natural interaction with math problems and scientific diagrams, improving engagement and conceptual clarity.

Additionally, early pilot data from a three-month test involving 79 students and over 15,000 concept tests showed measurable improvements in student performance, particularly for those starting with lower baseline scores. Fermi.ai’s diagnostic tools aim to help teachers intervene earlier and tailor instruction to individual learning challenges.

Technical Explanation

At its core, Fermi.ai blends large-scale AI models with pedagogical design to deliver adaptive learning. Rather than simply returning step solutions, the platform uses AI to analyze student input, identify points of conceptual breakdown, and generate hints and pathways that lead learners toward independent reasoning. The stylus-first smart canvas and handwriting recognition help preserve the tactile aspect of learning, which research shows can improve retention and understanding compared with purely multiple-choice or text-based interfaces. This approach contrasts with typical generative AI tools that prioritize speed and efficiency but can inadvertently reduce deeper engagement.

Implications

Fermi.ai’s arrival could have a significant impact on the edtech landscape, particularly in how AI is integrated into K-12 learning. For junior and senior students, the platform promises a more engaging and transparent approach to difficult subjects. Educators gain new tools to diagnose and address learning gaps, potentially transforming classroom instruction and individualized tutoring. For schools and education systems facing resource constraints, AI-mediated learning that promotes mastery — rather than quick correctness — could reshape expectations around digital tools in the classroom.

Challenges / Limitations

Despite its promise, Fermi.ai faces challenges inherent to AI in education. Ensuring the quality and accuracy of diagnostic feedback requires continuous refinement, especially as the platform expands to additional subjects and geographies. Additionally, while the pilot results are promising, broader adoption will depend on evidence of long-term impact across diverse learning environments. Potential privacy concerns around student data and integration with institutional learning management systems may also require careful handling and compliance with educational data protection laws.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Fermi.ai plans to expand its subject coverage and geographic reach beyond the initial India and U.S. pilots. The startup’s long-term roadmap includes features that further personalize learning pathways and tools specifically designed for classroom integration. As education systems increasingly embrace hybrid and digital learning models, Fermi.ai’s focus on deep understanding could influence future edtech product design.

If successful, Fermi.ai may also attract interest from investors and strategic partners interested in scaling AI-powered learning solutions across emerging and established markets.

Conclusion

Fermi.ai’s launch marks a significant moment in the intersection of AI and education. By emphasizing reasoned learning over shortcuts, the startup sets itself apart in a crowded edtech landscape and underscores a growing belief that AI can be used to enhance learning, not replace core thinking processes. As pilot results continue to roll in, the platform’s emphasis on adaptive tutoring and teacher-insight tools could make it a notable force in 21st-century education.

Our Take

Fermi.ai exemplifies a thoughtful application of AI that prioritizes human understanding over quick answers, blending technology with pedagogy to address real learning challenges. Its success will depend on striking the right balance between automation and meaningful engagement — a challenge that defines the next era of AI in education.

Sources

The Economic Times – Ex-Flipkart CTO Peeyush Ranjan launches edtech startup Fermi.ai - https://m.economictimes.com/tech/startups/ex-flipkart-cto-peeyush-ranjan-launches-edtech-startup-fermi-ai/articleshow/127249341.cms

PR Newswire – Ex-Google GM & VP Peeyush Ranjan launches AI-First edtech startup Fermi.ai - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ex-google-gm--vp-peeyush-ranjan-launches-ai-first-edtech-startup-fermiai-in-the-us-and-india-302668825.html

Outlook Business – Fermi.ai launches AI tutor for high-school STEM in India & U.S. - https://www.outlookbusiness.com/ampstories/artificial-intelligence/fermiai-launches-ai-tutor-for-high-school-stem-in-india-us-what-it-means-for-students

Global CXO Magazine – Peeyush Ranjan launches AI-First edtech startup Fermi.ai in US and India - https://globalcxomagazine.com/ex-google-gm-vp-peeyush-ranjan-launches-ai-first-edtech-startup-fermi-ai-in-the-us-and-india