Meet the team

Co‑founders and advisors who guide the LUMA Initiative—student‑led, mentor‑supported, focused on real‑world impact.

Photo of Nihanth Tatikonda

Nihanth Tatikonda

Co‑Founder

Nihanth co‑founded LUMA to make modern AI tools understandable and useful for small businesses. He focuses on translating research and mentor feedback into practical workflows—especially around operations and marketing—that any business owner can adopt with confidence.

Photo of Kritika Gantyeada

Kritika Gantyeada

Co‑Founder

Kritika leads curriculum structure and community engagement. She works closely with entrepreneurs to simplify complex concepts into clear steps, ensuring the program is accessible, credible, and focused on real outcomes.

Photo of Diane Brust

Diane Brust

Advisor

Diane provides guidance on program quality and educational best practices, helping shape learning experiences that are rigorous, supportive, and actionable for busy business owners.

Photo of Ranveer Chandra

Ranveer Chandra

Advisor

Ranveer advises on technology strategy and real‑world application, ensuring the initiative stays aligned with current industry trends while remaining practical for small teams.

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