While most 11-year-olds are busy with homework, video games or figuring out what they want to do when they grow up, Athvik was busy building a company. Not because someone asked him to. Not because it was a school assignment. But because he saw a problem that almost everyone saw as normal.Today, Athvik is the founder of ZOZO Connect, a Rs 25 crore startup that is reimagining what professionals have been carrying in their wallets for years – a low-cost card. His story is turning heads not because of its age, but because it challenges common beliefs: that sales only start after an engineering degree, an MBA or many years in the industry.
While others were receiving business cards, he asked them
Think about the last time someone gave you a travel card.Did you save it? Have you lost? Or was it forgotten in a drawer?That simple question led Athvik to an idea.Traditional business cards are overprinted, become outdated every time the phone number or name changes, and often end up in the bin. They also use paper and require repeated printing, which makes them expensive and environmentally unfriendly in the long run.Instead of accepting this as a norm, the young entrepreneur built ZOZO Connect—an NFC-enabled digital business card that allows users to instantly share their contacts with one click or a QR code.Unlike paper cards, digital records can be updated at any time without reprinting. Professionals can update their cards, add portfolios, social media profiles and business information, and track online activity through analytics.
11-year-old Athvik builds NFC digital business card estimated to cost ?25 crore
An idea that grew into a Rs 25 crore startup
What started as a simple solution to a daily problem has now turned into a startup that is said to be valued at Rs 25 crore.ZOZO Connect offers professionals more than just sharing. Users can create digital information, update information in real time, integrate with CRM platforms and business tools, and manage everything through a customizable dashboard.The platform also supports sharing through NFC technology, QR codes and direct links, making networking faster and more efficient for entrepreneurs, students, freelancers and industry professionals alike.In an era where almost every aspect of business has gone digital, Athvik’s innovation asks a simple question: Why do we still rely on paper business cards?
His journey has a lesson beyond the basics
Athvik’s article has also sparked discussions online because of the difference it presents.Every year, lakhs of students complete an engineering degree, prepare for competitive exams or arrange expensive master’s programs abroad, often taking educational loans of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 40 lakh in search of better opportunities.This time, the 11-year-old chose a different path.Instead of waiting to finish his studies before he could solve problems, he recognized someone around him and created something to solve the problem.His journey is not about age or qualifications. In fact, it represents an important change in the new modern revolution. Access to technology, online learning and digital platforms means that good ideas are no longer limited by age, degrees or years of work experience.For young students, Athvik’s success is a reminder that passion is sometimes more valuable than reputation. For professionals, it’s proof that even everyday challenges can inspire amazing businesses.At just 11 years old, Athvik has already achieved what many entrepreneurs spend years working on—not just building a startup, but creating a solution that makes people rethink how they interact with the digital world.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information about Athvik and ZOZO Connect. The report basic calculation and content details have not been independently verified by TOI Education. Readers should do their own research before making any business or financial decisions.