(January 3, 2025) Advait Paliwal, a recent graduate from Michigan State University, has innovated a groundbreaking wearable device called Iris. Describing his innovation, Advait said, “I built a device that helps you remember every detail of your life.” The 20-year-old, who will soon begin his master’s in computer science at Brown University, added, “I’ve always been fascinated by infinite memory, so I spent this summer working on that at Augmentation Lab in Cambridge. There, I built Iris—an AI wearable that captures your life as you see it.”
Iris operates by taking a picture every minute, captioning and organizing them into a timeline, and using AI to help users recall forgotten details. It also features a focus mode that detects distractions and nudges users to get back on track. “At the end of the program, I presented Iris to over 250 people at the MIT Media Lab. Many loved the idea and even wanted to get one for themselves,” Advait shared.
The potential applications for Iris are vast, especially in caregiving, where it could help monitor elderly patients or assist those with conditions like Alzheimer’s, Advait highlighted during its development at the Augmentation Lab in Cambridge.
Sparking debates
Although positive reviews from the MIT Media Lab have validated its promise, concerns around privacy require careful consideration as Iris evolves. When Advait shared his innovation on social media, some raised alarms about privacy implications. Critics questioned the risks of entrusting AI with detailed recordings of personal lives, fearing potential breaches of privacy and data misuse.
Advait Paliwal acknowledges these concerns, admitting that Iris comes with both “pros and cons.” He emphasized its potential benefits in healthcare while encouraging an open dialogue on balancing innovation with ethical considerations.
Advait’s innovation – Iris
As artificial intelligence continues to blur the lines between assistance and intrusion, the role of creators like Advait Paliwal becomes ever more critical.
Navigating the road to academic success
“I am so grateful to have represented the Michigan State University Class of 2024, with over 10,000 students, as the Commencement Speaker!” Advait shared proudly after his graduation ceremony.
Advait’s journey to developing Iris is one of perseverance and the courage to chase the improbable. During his graduation speech this year, he reflected on how his time at Michigan State University’s Burgess Institute ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. “It was the classes and the research here that made me fall in love with computer science,” he shared, emphasizing that the institute provided him with the tools to pursue his vision.
Coming out of his comfort zone
A shy student, when Advait first arrived at Michigan State University he found himself retreating into solitude, hesitant to engage with those around him. Dining hall visits became solitary affairs, spent scrolling through his phone or typing away on his laptop—a routine that felt safe, even normal. But one day, his phone battery died, leaving him without a digital escape. As he looked around, he noticed others similarly absorbed in their devices, sitting alone in silence. It was then he realized he had a choice.
Taking a deep breath, he grabbed his tray and approached a fellow student sitting by himself. “Can I sit with you?” he asked, a tingle of apprehension running through him. The other student, surprised, agreed. As they spoke, the conversation took an unexpected turn. The student, an introvert who typically avoided social interactions, opened up about his life and his dream of becoming a comedian. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, he later remarked, “I had taken the first step out of my comfort zone, and I had made a new friend.”
From that day forward, he made it a daily mission to sit with strangers and learn about their lives, interests, and aspirations. Through these interactions, he discovered a powerful truth: “By letting fear dictate our interactions, we miss out on the diversity of thought and experience that exists all around us.” This realization inspired him to push his boundaries further by intentionally seeking rejection in various aspects of life.
Pushing boundaries
He started small—asking his neighbour for a ride to class, only to be turned down. Yet he also encountered surprising wins, he shared with glee, such as receiving free guacamole (avocado-based dip) and queso (a side dish of melted cheese and chilli peppers) at Chipotle (an American multinational chain of fast-casual restaurants). “I asked out girls way out of my league,” he joked, “and yes, I’m still single.” Over time, his boldness led to bigger opportunities. He cold-messaged people to join his side projects, ultimately forming the team that co-founded his startup. Applications to universities and jobs, many of which he assumed were out of reach, brought both rejections and significant successes, including acceptance into Ivy League Brown University for a master’s program in computer science.
“Each and every attempt was scary. Each and every rejection hurt,” he admitted. But with every no, he became less afraid and more confident. His journey of overcoming fear and embracing rejection became a transformative experience. “With every rejection, I became a little less scared and a little more confident.”
On the path to carve a niche
As Advait Paliwal charts his path forward, his story serves as an inspiration to push boundaries.
The young innovator, who moved to the U.S. from India eight years ago, credits the country as the spark that inspired him to create something of his own. “In hindsight, being an immigrant was a blessing in disguise. Not having the same employment opportunities as everyone else meant I could spend my free time building and doing things I actually cared about,” he shared.
Advait, an innovator and budding entrepreneur, lives by the words of Steve Jobs: “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” For him, this is more than a quote—it’s a philosophy. Whether advancing the boundaries of AI or building human connections, Advait Paliwal is forging ahead with the bold spirit to leave a mark on the world. With Iris, his groundbreaking AI wearable, he is well on his way to transforming how we remember and connect with the moments of our lives.
