Inside the student-led AI startup that’s redefining study tools, social media marketing, and the future of learning

When Tae Lee posted an Instagram reel about “the best study method to ace exams,” he probably didn’t imagine it would change his life.

That video introduced Turbo AI, an AI-powered note-taking startup that’s now taking the internet—and the education world—by storm.

Fast forward two years, and Lee has traded Northwestern University lectures for Los Angeles startup life, joining Turbo AI full-time as its head of marketing. The company, co-founded by Rudy Arora and Sarthak Dhawan, has skyrocketed from a dorm-room idea into a platform with over five million users worldwide.

The Birth of Turbo AI: From Dorm Room to Digital Dominance

Turbo AI began as what Arora calls a “fun side project.” While studying at Northwestern, he realized that students needed a smarter, faster way to study—and that artificial intelligence could make it happen.

The concept was simple but powerful: turn lectures and notes into usable study materials. Students could upload recordings and documents, and Turbo AI would instantly transform them into flashcards, summaries, quizzes, podcasts, and even “brainrot” videos for visual learners.

To get early users, Arora literally traded cookies for signups. “I would take 100 cookies from Sarge or Elder and hand them out in exchange for user feedback,” he recalled.

Those cookies paid off. Turbo AI soon won first place at VentureCat 2024, Northwestern’s premier startup competition—along with a $100,000 grand prize.

Going All In: Dropping Out to Scale Up

After his sophomore year, Arora made a bold choice: he dropped out of college to pursue Turbo AI full-time.

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” he shared. “But when you’re building something people love and use every day, you just know it’s worth the risk.”

That risk paid off. Today, Turbo AI’s user-friendly design, clean interface, and smart study features have made it a favorite among students worldwide. Arora credits the platform’s simplicity as a key factor:

“We’ve been intentional about keeping Turbo AI clutter-free and intuitive. Less noise, more value—that’s why word of mouth has worked so well.”

Marketing Magic: Turning Content into Growth

Turbo AI’s viral success isn’t just about its product—it’s about its marketing strategy.

Lee, who started as a fan and turned into the company’s marketing head, now leads a team of seven full-time creators and influencers. Together, they generate hundreds of millions of views each month on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

“I used to be terrified of posting online,” Lee admits. “But when you believe in what you’re promoting, you stop worrying about being perfect—you just create.”

Under his leadership, Turbo launched the TurboShip Program, a creator accelerator that trains and pays hundreds of part-time content creators to produce viral videos.

For creators like Katelyn Liu, a Northwestern sophomore, the experience has been transformational. “It’s not just about earning money,” she said. “Turbo teaches you how to create better content and connect with audiences everywhere.”

Compensation ranges from $25 to $2,000 per post, depending on engagement—an attractive incentive for students learning to balance creativity and entrepreneurship.

The Future of Turbo AI: Beyond the Classroom

While Turbo AI was built for students, Arora says the company’s vision extends much further.

“We’ve built a sticky product that students love,” he said. “But our next goal is to help everyone—not just students—organize, learn, and grow using AI.”

The team plans to evolve Turbo AI into a general-purpose note-taking and productivity tool, expanding its audience while staying true to its educational roots.

With a passionate team, a viral marketing engine, and millions of loyal users, Turbo AI is more than a study app—it’s a movement redefining how people learn in the age of artificial intelligence.

The Takeaway

From college dorms to California offices, Turbo AI’s journey proves one thing: the next generation of innovation isn’t waiting until graduation.

By combining AI technology, student creativity, and social media strategy, these young founders have built a product that speaks to both learners and dreamers alike.

If you believe in the power of bold ideas and smart execution, this is one startup story you’ll want to follow.