Debugged S5 E11: Building the Future of AR and AI with Arjun Karanam

Hello! Welcome back to Debugged, the Congressional App Challenge’s alumni-led podcast that connects the country’s youth with technology by debugging the intricate world of computer science.

In this episode, hosts Suhaani Sodhi and Teddy Lampert are joined by Arjun Karanam, a researcher, writer, and entrepreneur deeply focused on human-computer interaction. Arjun’s impressive resume includes contributions to applied machine learning at Apple, building intelligent AR interfaces for NASA, and leading research at the New York Times.

Arjun’s path began in the ninth grade when he entered the Congressional App Challenge. Inspired by a fascination with history and the infinite goldmine of stories it provides, he created an app to visualize the history of US elections. He reflects on how this early experience gave him the confidence to see a project through from start to finish, a cornerstone moment that showed him he didn’t have to pick a lane between storytelling and technical engineering.

A major theme of the conversation is the intersection of technology and the liberal arts. Arjun argues that technology is not inherently neutral; rather, it is influenced by the values and design decisions of its creators. He encourages students to look beyond just the code and consider the social impact and human-centric stories their tools convey.

Whether you’re interested in AI startups, AR/VR, or how technology shapes policy, this episode is a must-listen for any aspiring builder!

Listen to this week’s episode to hear more about Arjun’s journey and his vision for the future of tech. Stay tuned for our next episode in two weeks!