Tom Vazhekatt, a 4th-year Computer Science major, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Routora, a route planning tool that finds the fastest and most efficient route when you have multiple stops. Tom was a Dallas native attending high school in Coppell, where he was first introduced to Computer Science. During quarantine, Tom used the time to enhance skill sets that enabled him to build several personal projects to help him with daily needs. He came to realize that if he could build solutions for himself, he could also do so for other people.

Like many great innovations, the idea for Routora was rooted in a simple real-world problem. Tom recalled his high school days when he’d run errands to multiple locations, often wondering about the optimal sequence to complete them efficiently. These thoughts took a more defined shape during his time at UT Dallas. His involvement in the EPICS program, where he collaborated with a non-profit organization in the delivery sector, Trusted World, shed light on a familiar challenge. The non-profit grappled with a multi-stop problem reminiscent of Tom’s high school errand runs. It was a eureka moment for Tom – a realization that solving this would benefit both individuals and businesses alike.

The academic curriculum at UT Dallas played a pivotal role in transforming this idea into a tangible solution. Professor Hamdy’s Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis class introduced Tom to pathfinding concepts and k-means clustering. With this newfound knowledge, Tom developed and released a Chrome extension designed to optimize Google Maps routes. Drivers would be able to create a route on Google Maps by adding a list of stops, and by clicking on the Routora extension, these stops would be re-arranged in the fastest order–often saving drivers hours on the road. Routora’s unique value proposition sets it apart from conventional mapping platforms. Instead of merely plotting a path based on user-input sequences, Routora reorders multi-stop routes, ensuring the most efficient route for its users. This feature was a game-changer, especially for professionals in delivery, real estate, home care services, and more. In no time, the extension witnessed a surge in popularity, attracting 20,000 drivers from over 90 countries. The tool was able to save these drivers in total over 1 million miles on the road.

As a tool in the navigation space, the overwhelming feedback for a dedicated mobile app led Tom to pitch Routora at the UT Dallas Big Idea Competition. His vision won him a grant of $25,000, paving the way for the next phase of Routora. Tom brought on fellow UT Dallas students Abrar Zaman, Aryaman Dubey, and Shoaib Huq, who joined hands to develop the Routora app for both iOS and Android platforms. The team launched the Routora app on September 28, 2023, with Brian George and Luke Blazek from Notre Dame University. In just a week, the app grew to over 10,000 users and continues to grow rapidly, adding value to users around the world.