NEW YORK – A teenager from Long Island is making waves in the tech and fitness worlds with an innovative calorie-tracking app. Zach Yadegari, the 18-year-old CEO of Cal AI, is on track to earn $30 million this year with his AI-powered tool that helps users track their nutritional intake. Despite this success, he faced setbacks in his college applications, getting rejected from most Ivy League schools.

Zach has been passionate about coding since he was just 7 years old. “I would binge-watch YouTube videos,” he recalls. By the age of 16, he had already sold his first website to a gaming company for a hefty sum. His latest venture, Cal AI, addresses his frustrations with existing nutrition apps. The app, which has been downloaded over 5 million times, allows users to scan food items to get instant information on calories, protein, carbs, and fats.
“It’s much more accurate than visual estimation,” Zach explains. He believes a blend of human insight and artificial intelligence represents the future of nutrition tracking. Currently, he oversees a team of 17 full-time employees, many of whom are older than him, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in his senior year at Roslyn High School.
Despite his impressive credentials, including a 34 ACT score, Zach was rejected by 15 of the 18 colleges he applied to. He expressed his thoughts about the situation on social media, questioning whether schools value entrepreneurial accomplishments. His post gained significant attention, going viral with over 28 million views. “I guess it is their loss. I’ll find somewhere else to cultivate a community,” he added.
Zach’s story highlights an ongoing discussion in the education sphere about the clash between traditional academic achievements and entrepreneurial success. Many young innovators are beginning to challenge the norms, arguing that real-world skills and business achievements should weigh just as heavily as test scores and transcripts. Experts in education suggest that schools may need to adapt to recognize diverse talents, particularly as more students pursue non-traditional paths.
If you’re thinking about diving into coding or tech entrepreneurship, Zach has a simple piece of advice: “Start now.” His journey serves as inspiration for aspiring coders and entrepreneurs alike.
For more insights on the evolving tech landscape, you can check out articles on platforms like Forbes and TechCrunch.
Check out this related article: New Study Reveals Shocking Link Between Ultra-Processed Foods and Preventable Deaths: What You Need to Know!
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