Class of 2006 graduate transforming online learning with AI
Kinner Sacchdev (MSc Industrial Biotechnology, 2006) is transforming the way educators, creators and organisations deliver their training courses and grow their student base with his award-winning AI-powered platform, Knorish.
7 May 2025
Knorish is the platform of choice for coaches, trainers, professionals, experts and training businesses to launch and deliver their online learning. The platform is an all-in-one solution for educators to manage their courses, webinars and memberships whilst also building sales funnels, sending email reminders and producing course certificates.
Kinner’s entrepreneurial journey began at Newcastle University, where he studied a Master’s in Commercial and Industrial Biotechnology. While on campus, he co-founded his first consulting company with his wife, Rakhi, who was studying for an MBA at Newcastle University Business School at the time.
We recently caught up with Kinner to learn more about his career and discover his insight into the future of AI and entrepreneurship.
Hi Kinner, it’s lovely to speak to you. Could you please introduce yourself and share more about your time at Newcastle University and your journey since?
Hi, I’m Kinner, co-founder and CEO of Knorish. My entrepreneurial journey began at university, where my wife, Rakhi, and I co-founded our first consulting company. This venture allowed us to work with Fortune 500 companies like United Technologies and clients across Europe, the US, India, and the Middle East, leading technology and education projects in over 30 countries.
The University played a pivotal role in shaping my career, particularly through the mentorship of the late Professor Michael Goodfellow. His guidance encouraged us to establish our company and secure our first project, which led to the publication of an international research paper. This experience honed my skills in technology and AI, ultimately inspiring the creation of Knorish.
Could you please tell us more about launching Knorish?
When launching Knorish, we realised how difficult it was for businesses, experts, and educators to create online courses or coaching programs. The technology existed but was fragmented, requiring significant investment, technical expertise, or large teams to integrate multiple tools. Many struggled with building sales funnels and setting up websites, apps, and landing pages, making monetisation a challenge.
Existing platforms provided only a basic online presence without offering a seamless way to generate revenue. We built Knorish to solve this, using AI to create an all-in-one platform for courses, webinars, and memberships. With integrated features like Zoom, users can avoid extra licenses and external software, making it easier for creators and businesses to build, market, and sell their content.
The University played a pivotal role in shaping my career, particularly through the mentorship of the late Professor Michael Goodfellow. His guidance encouraged us to establish our company and secure our first project.
What would you say is your greatest achievement so far?
I’m very lucky to have received honours such as Business World’s Young Entrepreneur (35 under 35), Times 40 Under 40, and the AI Disruptor Award at Gitex Supernova Dubai 2023 for Knorish.
However, my greatest achievements include reaching over 1 million users across 50 countries in just four years and helping thousands of clients while building a company that prioritises employee support and continuous improvement.
What challenges have you faced along your professional journey?
Every entrepreneur faces unique challenges. For me, the biggest has been balancing multiple roles in a startup environment. As a founder, I’m involved in product innovation, branding, market expansion, and more. Staying productive and focused has been essential, and over time I’ve learned the importance of aligning our company’s goals with market needs.
From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities you see with AI and modern technology in your industry?
A major challenge is staying attuned to evolving technologies and market needs. This requires an open mind and a willingness to disrupt even our own products to deliver better value.
The opportunities, however, are immense. AI can revolutionise content creation, marketing, and education by personalising experiences and streamlining knowledge delivery. In education, institutions must leverage AI to create accessible, impactful, and future-focused learning experiences.
What advice would you give young graduates entering the AI and technology industry?
1. Find a domain that aligns with your true interests and abilities: In today’s world, even the most niche interests or unconventional hobbies have the potential to become multi-million-dollar careers.
2. Master continuous learning: Constant learning and adaptation are vital. Curating your learning path, staying focused amid distractions, and embracing new domains with a growth mindset will help you stay relevant and resilient.
3. Become a technophile: Develop a genuine interest in technology. Being open to technological advances keeps you adaptable and gives you a significant edge in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
AI can revolutionise content creation, marketing, and education by personalising experiences and streamlining knowledge delivery. In education, institutions must leverage AI to create accessible, impactful, and future-focused learning experiences.
What are your plans for Knorish?
We’re focusing on developing new AI-driven products to transform marketing and customer engagement. Expanding into the US and MENA regions is a priority, and we’re building partnerships to enhance our offerings. Staying customer-focused and adaptable will remain key as we grow.
Finally, are there any standout memories from your time at Newcastle University that you would like to share?
I have many! A few highlights include early morning walks around Leazes lake, late-night study sessions at the Robinson Library, and movie nights at The Gate with friends.
Starting our first venture in the King George VI Building was especially memorable - it marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. Newcastle is where it all began, and I’m grateful for every experience that shaped my path.
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