For most startups, scale is measured in users, funding rounds, or market share. For Infinite Minds Academy, the metric is different: how many People of Determination it can equip with digital skills to build independent, sustainable futures. Founded in Malaysia and now expanding into the UAE, the award-winning social enterprise has transformed a previously overlooked community into a thriving pool of digital creators, animators, and developers.
Backed by government programmes like MBRIF, founder Kiren Kaur is using her platform to prove that inclusion is not a side project or CSR add-on but a viable business model. In this conversation, she explains the motivation behind Infinite Minds, the challenges of shifting perceptions, and why she sees the Middle East as the right place to scale.
What drove you to join the startup world?
We were driven by the belief that technology should not only power economies but also transform lives. Having seen first-hand how People of Determination (neurodiverse individuals and those with special needs) are often excluded from economic participation, we felt a deep responsibility to change this narrative. Starting Infinite Minds Academy was less about building a conventional business and more about proving that inclusive innovation can be a sustainable model where those once seen as dependents can become creators, innovators, and contributors to the digital economy.
Why did you choose the Middle East as the place to start/expand the business?
The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is at the forefront of inclusion, innovation, and visionary leadership. The UAE’s strong national blueprints around accessibility, DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), and technology make it a natural fit for our mission. We have had encouraging interest from families and organisations in the region, and the support of MBRIF gives us the confidence to build a regional hub here. The Middle East is not just a market for us… It is a partner in shaping a future where innovation is inclusive.
How would you describe the region’s startup scene in three words?
Dynamic, Inclusive, Ambitious.
Is there something that has surprised you in your journey?
What has surprised us most is how underestimated the People of Determination often are. Many assume they cannot contribute meaningfully to high-skill sectors like digital technology. Yet, when trained with the right methods, particularly on digital skills, they not only thrive but often outperform expectations. This has reinforced my belief that barriers exist more in society’s perceptions than in their abilities.
What are (in your view) the keys to approaching investors successfully?
Authenticity and clarity. Investors need to see not just passion but a clear roadmap, proven traction, and a scalable model. For impact-driven ventures like ours, it’s also vital to demonstrate that social good and commercial sustainability can go hand in hand.
What was the most challenging part of raising funding and how did you overcome it?
We are at the early stage of our MBRIF journey, so we have not raised funds through their support yet. Our biggest challenge so far has been convincing stakeholders that inclusion is not charity but a competitive advantage. Many assume working with People of Determination is a CSR activity, not a commercially viable venture.
We have overcome this by proving outcomes: delivering real client projects, winning awards, and creating revenue streams powered by our POD talents.
We expect MBRIF to play a critical role in the next phase of our journey by providing access to networks, mentoring, funding readiness support, and helping us scale into the Gulf region. Government-backed initiatives signal credibility, open doors for partnerships, and create the ecosystem trust we need to expand and sustain.
What is the best piece of financial advice you have received?
“Build sustainability into your model from day one.” Early on, we realised we could not rely on donations or grants alone. We had to prove that People of Determination could deliver commercially viable products. Embedding sustainability has been the best decision we made… it keeps us resilient and investor-ready.
What has been your biggest success and your biggest failure?
Success:
We are proud of several milestones that affirm our mission of empowering People of Determination:
- Seeing our talents secure employment in prestigious corporations proves that their abilities are valued in the mainstream workforce.
- Establishing our own in-house studio, fully operated by People of Determination, where they produce animations, corporate multimedia content, and digital design projects. This studio not only generates revenue but also enables our community to achieve self-sustenance and dignity through income generation.
- Winning various national and international awards.
- Being officially recognised by ministries and external bodies, further strengthening our credibility as a trusted model for inclusion and innovation.
- Building Infinite Minds Academy into a successful and sustainable social enterprise, demonstrating that inclusion and business viability can thrive together.
Failure:
Early on, we underestimated the effort required to shift societal perceptions. We thought showing the talents’ abilities would be enough, but in reality, changing mindsets takes continuous advocacy and storytelling. That “failure” taught us patience and persistence.
What is the best quality a leader can have?
Empathy. Without empathy, leadership becomes transactional. With empathy, you can see potential where others see limitations, build trust, and create environments where people thrive. For us, empathy drives innovation.
Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
In five years, Infinite Minds Academy will have established a strong regional presence in the UAE, with People of Determination leading projects in animation, app development, and VR therapy, thereby providing various digital empowerments. We aim to expand our services across the Middle East. More importantly, we envision thousands of People of Determination generating income, dignity, and independence through digital empowerment.
