Hey Changemakers,
When was the last time you were hit with an idea so big it made you rethink what’s possible?
After hearing today’s story, you’ll realize how one bold vision can spark real change—even in places you’d never expect.
Meet Saanika Parkhi, an alumna of OCE 2021, who’s on a mission to transform healthcare in India’s arranged marriage market. Armed with degrees in Biotechnology Business, she’s blending science and cultural insight to make genetic testing accessible for family planning.
Her idea has already caught the attention of major player in the Indian matrimonial scene and made it to the regional final of the prestigious Hult Prize—and it’s just the beginning.
Wondering what it takes to get started on your own game-changing idea?
Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, how about taking action? How about learning how to turn your passion into a clear, scalable plan?
Join OCE’s FREE live 90-minute ideation session.
No experience? No problem.
We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of transforming your ideas into impact—whether you’re dreaming of your first venture or your next big move.
Ready to make it happen?
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This is your chance to gain skills that not only make a difference but also help you stand out in a competitive world. Don’t miss it!
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But FIRST
If you are new, welcome to OCE’s weekly newsletter curated for the ambitious youth…here are some articles you missed from previous weeks:
📈
Forget Goal-Setting, Here’s What Actually Works
​Read More →​
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🎨
Best tools for building your passion project
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​Read More​ →​
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Let’s dig into Saanika’s journey...
For Saanika, the world of biotech wasn’t just a degree or a career—it was a calling. After wrapping up her MSc in Biotechnology and Business from University College Dublin, she realized her mission wasn’t just to work in biotech—it was to transform how healthcare could be delivered.
But it wasn’t a straight line. There were twists, detours, and challenges to face.
In the early stages, Saanika found herself staring at the complexity of India’s healthcare landscape and saw an opportunity to make a difference.
The issue was clear: access to genetic testing in the context of arranged marriages was almost nonexistent.
People were making life-altering decisions about health and family planning without key genetic insights. Saanika saw an opportunity to provide solutions, not just services—affordable, accessible genetic screening tailored to the Indian community’s unique needs.
The problem?
This niche was totally uncharted, and it meant breaking through the noise of a deeply traditional market where genetics was not a hot topic. But Saanika wasn’t deterred. She started by conducting surveys, talking to people, and asking: "Do you think this is something that could change lives?"
The answers were clear: Yes.
So, what did she do next?
She reached out to a genetic testing lab as well as one of India’s major matrimonial platforms, Anuroop Wiwah Sanstha, whose network connects over 500,000 people. No formal partnership was set yet, but the interest was certainly there, and Saanika was ready to ride that wave.
But here's the kicker—the real challenge was in the logistics.
Sending saliva samples from customer to international lab is a logistical nightmare. Add to that concerns about data security and privacy issues, and you could say Saanika is in the thick of it. But she's not backing down. She knew this is a massive opportunity to change how India thinks about genetic health in the context of marriage.
The biggest challenge so far?
Saanika admits, "I'm just anxious about the prospect of stepping into the unknown. Moving to India to pursue the business further is a huge commitment, I struggle with the idea of potentially failing and starting from square one."
Luckily, she was able to tap into the OCE community, a network of experienced founders, particularly those with healthcare tech experience, who would help her gain clarity on her next steps.
And now?
She’s strategizing how to overcome these hurdles and preparing educational campaigns to raise awareness about genetic testing. And just like that, what started as an idea is on its way to becoming a major disruptor in healthcare—and it’s still in its very early stages.
What’s next for Saanika?
As she pushes forward, Saanika is diving deep into the potential of genetic testing and healthcare solutions for one of the world’s largest populations.
Saanika’s journey isn’t just about building a business—it’s about changing how we think about health, culture, and the future of healthcare. It’s about taking risks, making bold moves, and most importantly, not being afraid to fail.
And when you’ve got an idea that could change lives? You keep pushing forward.
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Like what you read? Share with friends!
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PS. This summer, we are going to tackle pressing global issues and drive innovation in regions (such as your own community) where it is needed the most. Want in?
We run a summer cohort for ambitious youth (high school and undergrads) to work directly with world-class founders while learning from Silicon Valley leaders.
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You can also explore purposeful opportunities through our Impact Internship Opportunities Database.
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Get Curious.
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Lena
​https://www.openclassroomexperience.com/​
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