About Kodagu.ai
Kodagu.ai is the digital identity and initiative hub for the Kodava community. It brings together technology, tradition, and purpose to build solutions that protect our land, empower our people, and preserve our heritage for generations to come.
Kodagu — nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka — is a land of coffee estates, sacred forests, rivers, and a proud, distinct culture. As the world changes, our community faces new challenges: protecting wildlife and people alike, sustaining the land, and carrying our language and traditions forward.
This platform is a home for open-source projects that meet those challenges. Each one is free to use, built in the open, and owned by the community it serves. We start small and grow with purpose — one meaningful project at a time.
Our values
Heritage
We honor the history, culture, and land that shape us.
Community
We believe in the power of unity and collective progress.
Innovation
We embrace technology to solve real problems.
Sustainability
We are committed to protecting our environment and resources.
The Founder
Poonacha Machaiah
Poonacha Machaiah (Balyatanda) is the founder of Kodagu.ai, an open-source initiative applying agentic AI to conservation and community challenges in Kodagu.
He is also the founder of Cyberhuman.ai, a pioneering agentic-AI strategic consulting firm, and the creator of AiJiv.ai, an agentic knowledge platform. His other ventures include Peak Living, a longevity and vitality services initiative, and Dharma, a media platform he co-founded.
Previously, Poonacha served as CEO of The Chopra Foundation, where he led global initiatives advancing mental health, societal well-being, and environmental sustainability. A founding member of the Global Mental Health Task Force aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, he spearheaded programs such as NeverAlone, dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention.
Earlier in his career, Poonacha held technology leadership roles at Nortel, Iridium, Motorola, and Sasken, driving innovation across global markets. He holds an MBA from the College of William & Mary and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering.
Get involved
Whether you are a developer, a designer, a wildlife expert, a translator, or simply someone who cares about Kodagu, there is a place for you here.
Join the community