South Middlesex Times

At 5-foot-9, basketball was never really in the cards for Tej Shah – even if it did help pave his path to the Big Ten.

Tej Shah, a senior at Rutgers Honors College, is setting his sights on a future in artificial intelligence (AI) after gaining early success in web development. Shah's journey began when he and his brother created a popular Brooklyn Nets fan site during high school, sparking his interest in innovation-driven entrepreneurship. Reflecting on his past projects, Shah noted the importance of technical talent in achieving success.

"My long-term goal after Rutgers is to commercialize AI and to help solve really important problems," Shah expressed, highlighting his dedication to making a positive impact in areas such as healthcare, clean energy, and combating disinformation.

Shah's passion for technology and innovation was further fueled during his time at Rutgers, where he excelled academically and immersed himself in research and internships. With a keen focus on AI, Shah envisions streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency in various sectors through technological advancements.

Shah's diverse background includes participation in entrepreneurial programs, robotics championships, and academic achievements in mathematics. Despite facing challenges such as the shift to remote learning, Shah remained proactive, using his time to delve deeper into AI research and self-study.

"I want to use AI to automate processes. Take health care. There are many tedious back-office tasks that artificial intelligence could clean up. Or green technology. With AI, we can build smarter, more efficient carbon-capture systems," Shah explained, emphasizing the broad applications of AI in addressing complex real-world problems.

As Shah prepares to graduate and enter the tech industry, he remains committed to leveraging his skills and knowledge to drive innovation and create positive change. His journey from building sports websites to exploring the potential of AI exemplifies his unwavering determination to make a difference through technology.