Purdue student startup launches second product, expands workforce

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  – In business for about two years, Mimir, a Purdue University student startup specializing in cloud-based computer science coursework assistance, is launching its second product and growing.

"We're starting outreach for our second product, HireOrbit, right now," said Prahasith Veluvolu, the company's chief executive officer. "We are encouraged by initial adoptions and expect it to be a valuable offering in the HR technology marketplace."

Mimir's original product, Mimir Classroom, is a cloud-based platform that provides quick, automated grading of programming coursework as well as course management tools. It also has an algorithm to detect plagiarism. It is now in use by more than 70 universities with computer science courses, growing from about 20 just one year ago, he said.

Like Mimir Classroom, HireOrbit is also cloud-based. "It helps companies streamline their hiring processes so that they can be confident they are employing top talent," he said. "It's slated for full launch in January 2017."  

HireOrbit utilizes some of the core technology of the classroom product and saves companies both time and money with high-level candidate screening and technical interviewing. It also serves as a candidate management tool, taking applicants from screening to signed offer.

Housed within the Anvil since its beginning, Mimir plans to stay there for the foreseeable future, Veluvolu said. A co-working space operated by and for Purdue students as well as for the surrounding community, the Anvil is located at 320 North St. in West Lafayette, Indiana, adjacent to the Purdue campus.

Mimir started by finding an open table at the co-working space, Veluvolua said. Today they have their own enclosed office space within the Anvil. "We wouldn't be where we are without support from the Anvil," he said.

With seven full-time employees and some part-timers, the company is hiring more. "We just finished a big hiring round," he said. "We're looking to hire a curriculum engineer and summer sales interns. We're also keeping eyes open for sales associates."

The company is working on ideas to assist computer science curricula for high school and lower grade levels as well.

"Our grand vision is to build a computer science program for students covering all levels of education from kindergarten through post-secondary education," he said.

About the Anvil

The Anvil is a community co-working space at Purdue University that serves the unique needs of passionate students, acting as the center of creative culture in West Lafayette. The Anvil focuses on providing local and student-run startups affordable office space. The Purdue Foundry provided seed funding to establish the Anvil and the West Lafayette Redevelopment Commission approved a two-year lease of $200,000 for 5,000 square feet of office space to support the expanded use for community entrepreneurs. 

Writer: Curt Slyder, 765-588-3342, caslyder@prf.org

Source: Prahasith Veluvolu, 317-449-3517, prahasith@mimirhq.com