Most parents dream of seeing their children succeed. But what if success wasn’t just about scoring good marks? What if it was about raising children who are curious, confident, independent, and unafraid to chase big dreams? At just 14 years old, Jainam Jain has already achieved what many adults aspire to. After completing his Grade 10 exams at the age of 13, he went on to launch Mengo Engine, an AI startup that reportedly operates from the 141st floor of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Before that, he had already built a successful science YouTube channel, delivered a TEDx talk, and inspired thousands of young people through his passion for innovation.During the conversation with Curly Tales ME’s episode of Stories From UAE, Jainam says he didn’t learn AI through expensive courses. Instead, he relied on YouTube videos, hands-on experiments, and a strong desire to keep learning. But behind his remarkable achievements is another inspiring story: the parenting approach that helped shape his mindset.
3 Jul 2026 | 12:38
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His parents encouraged challenges instead of comfort
Many parents naturally want to protect their children from failure. Jainam’s parents chose a different path. From an early age, both Jainam and his sister were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones. They were constantly challenged to try new things, explore unfamiliar experiences, and think beyond what seemed possible.One of the earliest examples came when Jainam was just six years old. Instead of leaving him at home, his father took him along to a business meeting. It wasn’t about making him a businessman overnight. It was about exposing him to new ideas and helping him become comfortable in unfamiliar environments. These small experiences gradually built his confidence and taught him that learning often begins where comfort ends.
Every idea was taken seriously
One of the biggest parenting lessons from Jainam’s journey is how seriously his parents treated his ideas. Whether he wanted to start a YouTube channel or develop a business concept, they never dismissed him because of his age. Instead, they listened carefully. His parents reviewed his presentations, questioned his plans, pointed out weaknesses, and encouraged him to improve his thinking. They didn’t simply praise every idea. They challenged him to make each idea stronger.This helped Jainam develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the confidence to present his ideas to others. For many parents, this is an important reminder that children often grow when adults choose to guide them instead of controlling them.
Failure was never the end of the story
Like every successful person, Jainam also faced disappointments. During a 50-day challenge where he and his sister travelled across India, they were once invited to speak but were asked to leave the stage after just five minutes. Many children might have lost confidence after such an experience.Instead, Jainam and his sister treated it as a learning opportunity. With the constant support and encouragement of their parents, they kept moving forward instead of giving up. Their family didn’t teach them to fear failure. They taught them to learn from it. That mindset may be one of the biggest reasons behind Jainam’s achievements today.
Freedom came with responsibility
Jainam’s parents also believed in giving him independence. When he decided to complete his Grade 10 education early through the Cambridge curriculum, they guided him but also allowed him to take ownership of his learning journey. Instead of deciding everything for him, they trusted him to make important decisions while offering support whenever needed. That balance between freedom and guidance helped him become responsible at a young age.
Balancing business, school and childhood
Despite running an AI startup, Jainam says he still makes time for family, friends, and hobbies. Since he completed his Grade 10 exams early, he uses the time that many teenagers spend in school to build his business. However, he also makes sure to spend two to three hours every day socialising with friends and family.His schedule also includes religious classes on Fridays and basketball on weekends. He believes in adapting to every situation. As he explains, when he is with children, he enjoys being a child. When he is with professionals, he switches into work mode. This balance allows him to continue learning while still enjoying his teenage years.
A lesson for every parent
Jainam Jain’s story is inspiring because it isn’t only about building an AI startup or working from one of the world’s tallest buildings. It is also about what can happen when parents replace fear with trust, encourage curiosity over perfection, and treat their children’s ideas with respect.His journey reminds us that children don’t always need all the answers. Sometimes, they simply need parents who believe in them enough to let them explore, make mistakes, ask questions, and dream without limits. Because while talent matters, it is often the environment at home that helps extraordinary dreams take flight.