PhD student and entrepreneur graduates as part of Class of 2026
13 July 2026
A PhD student who developed and launched a learning app for children while studying for her PhD graduates this week as part of Cardiff’s class of 2026.
Zara Siddique from the School of Computer Science and Informatics has spent the last four years exploring how to make AI safer for marginalised communities for her PhD.
As part of her research, Zara has been able to travel and connect with specialised research communities all over the world.
“My favourite part of the PhD itself was getting to travel to conferences all over the world - I've been to Miami, Switzerland, Vienna, Athens and Morocco all in the space of two years. I met researchers from universities across the world - and even climbed the highest mountain in North Africa with one of them,” Zara said.
But undertaking her PhD wasn’t Zara’s only achievement. During her studies, Zara developed and launched her own educational app, Sprout Academy, which teaches children the national curriculum through adventure and play.
Zara said: “The idea for Sprout Academy was born out of watching my own daughter and her interactions with technology. I found that all apps that she loved to spend time on weren't educational. I searched for days trying to find something that could be both fun for her and approved by me, but there's a surprising lack of high quality educational games.
“So I learnt game development and began the long road that led to Sprout Academy.
“I've had funding from the Cardiff University Startup Awards and winning a hackathon with University friends has led to free coworking at Tramshed Tech.
“I’d recommend Cardiff’s Student Futures team to any student wanting to start a business, and encourage them to attend events related to their idea around the University and city, as you never know where a great opportunity might come from.”
During her time in Cardiff, Zara also founded and fostered a community to provide support and safe spaces for parents and queer people in Wales.
As a single parent of a three year old, Zara served as the Student Parents & Carers Officer at Cardiff Students’ Union, raising awareness and building resources for students with caring responsibilities and those with children.
She was also named on Wales Online’s Pinc List in 2024 and 2023, as one of Wales' most influential LGBTQ+ people, building a reputation for providing safe spaces and community for queer people in Wales. Zara co-founded Wales’ most successful lesbian book club, Lez Read, and acted as the driving force behind Queer Parents' Morning at the Queer Emporium – creating an inclusive and welcoming space for queer parents and their families to connect and build a supportive community.
During her studies, she also took part in the sports clubs within the Students’ Union, becoming President of Cardiff University Boxing Club.
Zara said: “One of the biggest highlights for me was my year as President of Cardiff University Boxing Club - I've made lifelong friends through the club, worked alongside an amazing committee to put on huge events, and it's a sport I'll continue to be involved in.”
Originally coming to Cardiff for her undergraduate studies, Zara has stayed in the city for over a decade.
I had such an amazing experience as an undergraduate I knew I wanted to continue at Cardiff University.
“Cardiff is such an easy city to live in - the people are friendly, it's walkable, there's always something going on
“I'm proud to say that it has become my home,” said Zara.
