From starting my first business as a high school student to becoming a globally recognized leader in innovation, my entrepreneurial journey has been one of constant learning, growth, and unyielding determination. I believe that entrepreneurship isn’t just about creating companies; it’s about solving problems that matter, building sustainable ecosystems, and making a meaningful impact on society. This is the mission I’ve followed throughout my life, and it’s what drives me every day.
At 17, I founded Knowasiak, a business social network that aims to bridge the gap between professionals and emerging opportunities. What started as a vision of creating a platform to empower entrepreneurs, freelancers, and innovators grew into a global movement with over 16,000 users from 115+ countries. The success of Knowasiak didn’t come easily—it required resilience, adaptability, and a keen understanding of the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
A Leader in Innovation
One of my core beliefs as an entrepreneur is that innovation is the foundation of success. It’s the ability to foresee changes in the market, consumer needs, and technology, and act on those insights before others do. When I launched Knowasiak, I was still in high school, juggling exams and learning how to manage a startup from scratch. I realized early on that the key to staying ahead is not just building a product or a service, but creating a
platform where people can collaborate and innovate together.
Through Knowasiak, I created an ecosystem that facilitates networking, knowledge sharing, and mentorship, allowing businesses of all sizes to thrive. Our unique model allows entrepreneurs to gain visibility, receive mentorship, and connect with investors and partners from across the globe. This global connectivity is what I believe sets us apart and is the reason we have grown so rapidly.
Cognac Metaverse: Revolutionizing the Digital World
While Knowasiak was growing, I also ventured into the realm of the metaverse—a space I truly believe will shape the future of how we interact, work, and socialize. In 2022, at 18 years old, I became the youngest World Champion in Game Development, winning against competitors from 149 countries. My metaverse, COGNAC, received the prestigious Fan Choice World Award and the 2nd Rank World Award at the Global Game Development Championship (GDWC). This success was not just a personal achievement but a testament to how far technology can be pushed to create immersive, meaningful digital experiences.
The concept behind COGNAC was to create a metaverse that is not just about gaming but about creating virtual environments that empower learning, business, and community building. In an increasingly digital world, the metaverse offers an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize industries such as education, healthcare, and entertainment. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of using cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems, and COGNAC is my answer to the question of how we can bring people closer in a digital-first future.
Recognized Globally for Leadership
The recognition I have received on the global level is both humbling and motivating. In 2022, I was invited by the United Nations’ Head of Telecommunications to advise on global metaverse development. My insights were used to shape policies that will influence the future of how we interact in virtual environments. This role came after years of working with various organizations on initiatives that align with my goal of building a better, technologically advanced, and ethically educated society.
Throughout my career till now, I have had the privilege of winning 22 World Awards, 12 Asia Awards, and 6 National Awards in leadership, strategy, and entrepreneurship. I was honored to be invited as a VIP to the G20 Global Summit and B20 Summit at the age of 19, and I have also been actively involved in multiple state and national-level NGO projects with organizations such as UNICEF, YuWaah, and the Narcotics Control Bureau of India. I have been recently invited by the Confederation of Indian Industries and Ministry of Corporate Affairs of India to discuss the new Prime Minister Internship Scheme 2024 which aims to provide employment to 10 Million youth. With this collectively, I have been invited 70+ times as VIP to global conferences. And many times as a judge and chief guest.
In total I have 80+ certifications in leadership, entrepreneurship and strategy concretely reassuring my impact on a global level once again. I also have counseled and helped 1,000+ students offline gain strategic edge in their career and reach their goals faster. Recently I’ve also started guiding students online.
Leading by Example
What drives me isn’t just the desire for personal success, but the belief that my journey can inspire others to take bold steps toward their dreams. I was recognized as the first student entrepreneur to rank globally at number one, and I received the prestigious Bharat Atma Nirbhar Award from the Indian Achievers’ Forum at 17. But more than the awards and recognition, it’s the impact I’ve been able to make that brings me the greatest satisfaction.
I have led and participated in 15+ national and international humanitarian missions to help people in need during my school time and I was also the first person in India along with my team to paint India’s First Tricolor Suburban train in Mumbai, India at the age of 14. My mission has always been to use my time to the fullest and provide value to people in need. It’s the unending urge to do something, be productive, create impact, help people and innovate that has led me to be a globally known personality at such a young age of 20.
I want to encourage young entrepreneurs to understand that success doesn’t come from doing what’s easy. It comes from constantly pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and never being afraid to fail. Every setback I’ve faced—whether it was during the early days of Knowasiak or while developing COGNAC—taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me to this day.
A Vision for the Future
As I continue my journey, I remain focused on my longterm mission: to create global conglomerates that make people’s lives easier and better, leveraging technology and innovation. The world is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to economic inequality, and I believe entrepreneurs play a critical role in finding solutions. Through the businesses I build and the policies I advocate for, I hope to lead by example and inspire others to use their talents and resources for the greater good.
In 2024, I was recognized as the Emerging Social Networking CEO of the Year, an honor that reaffirms my belief in the power of social networks to bring about positive change. My next goal is to take Knowasiak and COGNAC to even greater heights, expanding their global footprint and making them tools for meaningful impact. Both of my companies, Knowasiak and Cognac Metaverse collectively have a valuation of $1M+ USD according to figures that were calculated when I was 19. Belonging to a middle class family, I have seen it all as a common person. And I believe if I can achieve these milestones, global positions and people’s love using determination, persistence and continuous innovation, anyone of my age can do it too. Today more than 94,000+ people follow me on Instagram @adityagauravkc and I have 4,100+ connections on Linkedin, composed of ministers, global leaders, entrepreneurs, policy makers, humanitarian leaders, disruptive innovators and world changers.
The Road Ahead
In my journey from a high school entrepreneur to a globally recognized innovator, I’ve learned that success is not just about building companies—it’s about building communities, empowering people, and driving change. As I continue to grow and evolve, I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and using my platforms to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Through innovation, leadership, and a relentless drive to make the world a better place, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that future entrepreneurs can build upon. Connect with me on @adityagauravkc and at adityagaurav@knowasiak.com.
