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IFIA Magazine March 2025

Young Innovator

Interview with

Praneeth Doddi,

Om Kota, & Hitaksh Tanna

By Aarin Bothra, Innovation World

Praneeth Doddi, Om Kota, and Hitaksh Tanna,
juniors at Metea Valley High School in Illinois, USA,
are the brilliant minds behind OpenAid, an all-
in-one inclusivity app designed to support new
immigrants as they navigate the complexities
of American society. OpenAid provides guidance
on key areas such as under-standing the
legal system, accessing healthcare, finding
employment, and learning English, making it an
indispensable tool for those adapting to a new
life in the United States.
The Innovation Behind OpenAid
With its simple user interface (UI) and easy-
to-understand language, OpenAid eliminates
barriers for new users. The app does not
require account creation or sign-ins, removing
complications often associated with having an
email account. Users can seamlessly navigate
through topics and gain access to detailed infor-
mation paired with links to additional resources.
The team’s goal is to make OpenAid a go-to
resource for new immigrants, refugees, and
anyone seeking straightforward guidance on the
nuances of American society. Every year, millions
of immigrants arrive in the United States, yet
no single resource offers a comprehensive and
accessible solution to their challeng-es. Instead,
newcomers often rely on multiple YouTube videos,
language help facilities, and scattered online
resources. OpenAid aims to fill this gap, acting as

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