Success Editor Team
Akshay Saxena, the co-founder of Avanti Fellows, is a shining example of how social entrepreneurship can bring meaningful change to the lives of underprivileged students in India. With a vision rooted in equity, inclusivity, and access to quality education, Saxena has been at the forefront of creating opportunities for thousands of students from low-income backgrounds to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.
From Vision to Impact
Akshay Saxena’s journey into social entrepreneurship began with a desire to address the deep-rooted inequalities in India’s education system. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and an alumnus of the prestigious Scholars at Risk program, Saxena turned down lucrative job offers to work in the social sector. His motivation was clear — to ensure that no child is denied the right to quality education because of financial constraints or lack of access.
In 2010, he co-founded Avanti Fellows, a non-profit organization focused on improving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for students from underprivileged backgrounds. The organization began with a simple idea: make high-quality test preparation and academic support accessible to students from low-income communities, especially those aiming to crack competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and other college entrance tests.
Disrupting Traditional Learning Models
What makes Saxena’s work truly impactful is the innovative, cost-effective learning model developed by Avanti Fellows. By combining peer-to-peer learning with technology and data analytics, the organization provides students with structured learning environments that are both scalable and sustainable. The approach challenges the conventional coaching industry — often expensive and inaccessible — by delivering similar or better outcomes at a fraction of the cost.
Avanti’s unique model has been recognized and adopted by several state governments in India, and it now operates in partnership with more than 300 schools and learning centers across the country. Under Saxena’s leadership, the organization has supported over 50,000 students, many of whom have gone on to secure admissions in India’s top engineering and medical colleges.
Awards and Recognition
Akshay Saxena’s work has been widely recognized both in India and globally. He is an Echoing Green Fellow, a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree in the Social Entrepreneurs category, and has received support from leading organizations like the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Tata Trusts, and the Central Square Foundation.
His story stands as proof that innovative, mission-driven ventures can bridge the gap between privilege and opportunity. Through Avanti Fellows, Saxena has created a ripple effect — enabling students not just to succeed academically, but also to break the cycle of poverty and uplift their families and communities.
A Message to Future Changemakers
Akshay Saxena’s journey is an inspiration to young changemakers and aspiring social entrepreneurs. His message is clear: “Impact and scale can go hand-in-hand when your mission is rooted in solving real-world problems.” By staying committed to purpose, leveraging technology, and building strong partnerships, Saxena is helping reshape the future of education in India — one student at a time.
Keywords: Akshay Saxena, Avanti Fellows, social entrepreneur in India, education access India, STEM education, low-income student support, educational inequality, JEE NEET preparation, education startup India, innovative learning models
