Code Ninjas CEO Navin Gurnaney on Expanding Children's Coding Education Globally

Navin Gurnaney, appointed CEO of Code Ninjas in August 2023, brings over 20 years of leadership experience from global brands like Starbucks and PepsiCo to the forefront of children's coding education. Code Ninjas, the world's largest kids coding franchise, operates over 400 locations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, offering programs for children aged five to 15. These programs aim to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills through coding, game development, and robotics.

The franchise's growth is attributed to the increasing demand for technological education that is both engaging and effective. Gurnaney highlights suburban communities as key growth areas, with plans to expand internationally and into cities like Denver, Brooklyn, Long Island, and San Francisco. The curriculum is continuously updated to include the latest in programming and artificial intelligence, ensuring students are prepared for the future workforce. Partnerships with tech companies like Microsoft provide real-world challenges, such as the nationwide Hack-a-Thon, where students apply their skills creatively.

Code Ninjas' franchise model supports scalability while maintaining quality through comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a custom learning management system. This system ensures a consistent, outcome-based curriculum across all locations. Franchisees receive tools for operational success, including marketing support and access to national partnerships, enabling them to deliver a top-tier educational experience.

Looking ahead, Gurnaney sees STEM education as increasingly vital, with emerging technologies like AI becoming integral to daily life. Code Ninjas aims to lead in making STEM education accessible and engaging for all children, preparing them to innovate in a tech-driven world. The franchise offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to impact their communities while tapping into the growing demand for tech education and youth enrichment programs.