Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, often referred to as the "World's Fastest Human Calculator," is an Indian mathematician and entrepreneur known for his extraordinary mental calculation skills. Born on October 13, 1999, in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, Bhanu has made significant strides in promoting mathematics as a fun and engaging subject through his organization, Bhanzu. His achievements include winning India's first gold medal at the Mental Calculation World Championship at the Mind Sports Olympiad in 2020. Bhanu's work focuses on eliminating math phobia and encouraging young people to embrace mathematics as a sport.
November 2024: Bhanzu, the math learning platform founded by Bhanu, raised $16.5 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Epiq Capital and supported by other investors like Lightspeed Ventures. This funding aims to expand the platform's reach, particularly in the U.S., underscoring its rapid growth and positive cash flow.
July 2024: Bhanu continues to advocate for transformative math education through Bhanzu, with goals to alleviate math anxiety among 100 million children in the next five years. His innovative methods aim to make mathematics enjoyable and accessible globally.
April 2024: Bhanu announced plans for Bhanzu to develop products that enhance cognitive skills and mental math abilities, reinforcing his vision of revolutionizing educational approaches in mathematics.
Since his groundbreaking victory in 2020, Bhanu has been recognized for his ambition to reshape the education landscape. His contributions extend beyond creating learning materials; he aims to position math as an essential skill like literacy.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash Jonnalagadda |
| Born | October 13, 1999, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Mathematician, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | World's Fastest Human Calculator |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Graduate in Mathematics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi |
Neelakantha Bhanu was born to Srinivas Jonnalagadda and Hema Siva Parvathi in Eluru. At the age of five, Bhanu suffered a severe head injury that kept him bedridden for a year. During this time, he began exploring mathematics as a way to engage his mind, which laid the foundation for his future pursuits. His parents supported his early interest in numbers, leading him to participate in various mathematical competitions.
Bhanu attended Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Public School in Hyderabad and later graduated in mathematics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University. His educational journey was marked by numerous accolades in speed calculation contests, which cemented his reputation as a mathematical prodigy.
Currently, Bhanu is the CEO of Bhanzu, steering its mission to broaden the appeal of mathematics. His initiatives are centered around making math education more engaging through interactive methods and real-world application. The platform has achieved notable success due to Bhanu's unique vision and commitment to educational reform.
Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash is a transformative figure in mathematics education. His journey from a young math enthusiast to a global advocate for innovative math learning demonstrates his commitment to making mathematics accessible and exciting for all. As he continues to expand Bhanzu's reach, Bhanu's impact on both education and cultural perceptions of mathematics is likely to grow, positioning him as a pivotal figure in educational innovation.