Who we are

ScholarAI began with a mission to address a key challenge in AI: the accuracy limitations of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. While powerful, these models often produce “hallucinations”—seemingly accurate but incorrect information. This reliability gap was a problem for those who rely on credible sources for research and professional work.

Our journey began when Damon, one of our co-founders, encountered this issue while working on his PhD research. ChatGPT would generate citations that looked legitimate but referenced non-existent papers. Recognizing the need for dependable AI in academic settings, Damon, Lakshya, and Shashi combined their expertise in machine learning, engineering, and research to create ScholarAI.

Our goal: to build AI systems that accurately interact with scientific literature, providing professionals with trustworthy insights. We launched with a ChatGPT plugin that accesses a vast database of academic papers, making it easier for researchers to find precise answers. The success of this plugin confirmed the need for reliable AI tools in research.

Today, we’re a dedicated team driven by transparency, user needs, and a commitment to building in public. ScholarAI’s mission is to create trustworthy AI solutions that empower professionals and drive meaningful contributions. As AI evolves, we stay agile, ready to support those at the forefront of knowledge and discovery.

Meet Our Team

Shashi Mudunuri

CEO & Co-Founder

Lakshya Bakshi

CTO & Co-Founder

Damon Burrow

CFO & Co-Founder

Kavin Sivakumar

Founding AI Engineer

Scott Lai

Founding Software Engineer

Naji Korman

Founding Software Engineer

Hannah Rodriguez

Marketing Strategist