May 20, 2026
Algorithms & allegros
Alumnus pursues tech and music—successfullyby Allyson Irish
Some may say that Arun Saigal ’09 has more hours in his day than the rest of us. The 35-year-old tech entrepreneur and self-professed “math nerd” originally planned on becoming a teacher, like both of his parents. But after working on an MIT research project in college, Saigal realized there was another way to make a societal impact—through technology.
Now living in San Francisco, Saigal is CEO of Thunkable, a DIY platform that enables anyone, even those without a computer science or engineering background, to create their own app. Thunkable has over 5 million users in 184 countries who have built more than 12 million apps. Saigal is also music director at the San Francisco Civic Music Association where he performs as both a conductor and a musician, while also playing the viola, mridangam (Indian drum), and trombone, as well as rapping and beatboxing.
Pursuing seemingly disparate passions is something Saigal was encouraged to do at Andover. “The opportunities I had at Andover were amazing,” Saigal shares. “If I had an interest, I could explore it to whatever limits I could take it.”
How did you end up at Andover?
I grew up in Burlington, Massachusetts., not far from Andover. I didn't know much about boarding schools or Andover. A family friend who went to Andover encouraged my parents to consider it for me. I came to lunch at Commons one day with them, and it was mind-blowing.
What was your high school experience like?
First off, the scale of the school is impressive. Going to the soccer fields, the academic buildings, seeing Sam Phil and the grandeur of it. Interacting with faculty in classes and realizing that my math teachers had PhDs in their fields from some of the top institutions was incredible.
Math and music – which came first?
I was always a math nerd. I was taking BC calculus as a first-year student, and was excited to move on to linear algebra, multi-variable calculus, number theory, and a variety of independent math related projects. I was also very into music growing up, playing trombone and viola and studying at the New England Conservatory of Music's Prep School. During my senior year, I became the conductor of Unaccompanied Minors, a student-led orchestra. That same year, I also did a conducting Independent Project with Christina Landolt, which was a life-changing experience.
How did your company Thunkable come about?
As I neared graduation at MIT, I joined a friend of mine who started a company called Quizlet, now one of the largest education companies used by millions of students around the globe. After Quizlet, I thought I'd come back and finish grad school as part of the MIT App Inventor and Scratch projects I had been working on. My advisor suggested that I take it out of the classroom and make it a company instead. I was never trying to build a company or become an entrepreneur. I was trying to solve a problem and make an impact.
What is your involvement with the San Francisco Civic Music Association?
When I moved to San Francisco in 2013, I had some friends who played with the SFCMA. They invited me to play viola in the group, which I did for a few seasons. At that point, the group was looking for a new conductor, and someone recommended me for the job. They asked me to run a rehearsal, and when that went well, they invited me back as the permanent director.
You’ve collaborated with some big names in music. Who was your favorite and why?
I have been blessed to have worked with so many great musicians. In 2025, I played the tabla (Indian hand drum) on Testament by Reena Esmail with the Sun Valley Music Festival Orchestra, which has some of the best classical musicians from the United States. Having them behind me as I played the tabla solo was surreal. On the rap side, performing with MC Hammer was amazing! And of course, performing with Kevin Olusola ’09, my Andover orchestra friend and Pentatonix star, is always a treat.
What would you name a rap about Andover?
“Big Blue Breakfast.” I loved eating breakfast at Andover!
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