CMS Alumnus Akshat Barnwal Selected for Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026: His company, Stimuler, Secured US$3.75 Million in Pre-Series A Funding in April 2025
City Montessori School (CMS) alumnus Akshat Barnwal has brought recognition to Lucknow and the CMS family by earning a place in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list in the Consumer and Enterprise Technology category.
CMS Alumnus Akshat Barnwal Selected for Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 2026 list in
the Consumer and Enterprise Technology category
Akshat is the co-founder and CTO of Stimuler, an AI-powered spoken English learning platform.
Recognising that effective communication is a vital tool for global success, the platform helps users improve their English-speaking and communication skills through a voice-first AI tutor.
The brilliant venture was founded in 2022 by Akshat and three of his associates, including fellow CMS alumnus Anesh Srivastava.
In April 2025, the company secured US$3.75 million in Pre-Series A funding, and was also selected among the Indian startups chosen for the AWS Generative AI Accelerator 2025 programme.
In fact, before this Forbes recognition, the platform’s incredible utility was validated on a global scale when Stimuler AI was recognised with Google’s Best AI App Award in 2023.
An Inspiring Example for Young Innovators Worldwide
Akshat’s historic recognition is a win for his family, the city of Lucknow, and every single student currently sitting in a CMS classroom. The CMS management and his family expressed their happiness over this achievement, describing it as a proud moment and an inspiring example for young people to pursue innovation and excellence.
At just 25 years, Akshat’s inclusion in this elite circle highlights the power of youthful innovation, dedication, and a world-class academic foundation.
A Strong Academic Foundation from CMS RDSO to Gomti Nagar I
Akshat studied at CMS RDSO Campus from Montessori to Class X and subsequently at CMS Gomti Nagar-I Campus for Classes XI and XII. Later he later qualified the highly competitive IIT-JEE examination and completed his B.Tech. from the prestigious IIIT Prayagraj.
Akshat credited his teachers and the school’s academic environment as the foundation of his success. The strong academic foundation, values, and encouragement provided by CMS played a significant role in shaping his journey and achievements.
At City Montessori School (CMS), our core mission has always been to nurture individuals who go on to make a profound global impact.
His journey from a curious student at the RDSO and Gomti Nagar I campuses to a Forbes-recognised global tech leader proves that with the right mentorship, values, and determination, there are no limits to what our youth can achieve.
Today, the entire CMS community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Akshat Baranwal as we celebrate an extraordinary milestone achieved by one of our own.
