Young Innovator Lights Up the Future: The Inspiring Story of Manishka Dubey and Tinker Techie

Manishka Dubey shot to fame after winning ‘The Inventor Challenge’ on Colors Infinity TV with her ingenious ‘Child Safety Band.’ This remarkable creation helps lost children reconnect with their parents. Driven by an immense passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and a heartfelt desire to assist others, Manishka has made extraordinary strides through years of dedicated tinkering.

A Spark Ignited: How Her Journey Began

Manishka’s fascination with technology and science ignited at just five and a half years old. It began in her classroom during a lesson on space and the International Space Station (ISS). A captivating visit to her school’s theatre, where teachers showcased the intricate work of astronauts – from maintaining the station to conducting scientific experiments during six-month expeditions – further fueled her curiosity. This experience blossomed into a keen interest in technology, coding, and, crucially, robotics. Manishka views robotics as an invaluable hands-on learning tool, imparting both intellectual knowledge and essential life lessons.

She shared in an online interview, “When I started working in robotics,” “one of the most important lessons I learned was, ‘resilience matters.’ Every failure isn’t a setback; it’s a stepping stone that brings you closer to success.” These profound words highlight her philosophy. She also stressed the power of imagination and collaboration, emphasizing how teamwork fosters diverse perspectives, ultimately leading to more robust and innovative solutions.

Tackling Everyday Challenges with Tech

True innovation often starts with a clear vision: a blueprint or visual representation of an invention and its core components. Yet, before any of that, a fundamental idea must take shape. When discussing the inspiration behind her inventions, Manishka explained that many of her groundbreaking concepts originate from observing everyday problems in her surroundings. She believes that while many focus on grand challenges, the smaller, often overlooked issues can frequently lead to significant solutions.

“One thing I believe,” Manishka noted, “is that lots of people work on bigger problems, but they don’t focus on the small problems that occur around one’s house or neighborhood.” Once she identified these seemingly minor issues, a new question ignited her thought process: “Can I solve these problems with technology?” This question marks the beginning of her creative journey. Each time a brilliant idea sparked, Manishka would meticulously sketch, construct models, and develop simple simulations to visualize her concepts. For her, “Innovation is about connecting curiosity with problem-solving,” ultimately leading to a fresh and impactful experience.

Her Creative Process: From Idea to Invention

The magic of tinkering and inventing lies in its ability to transform abstract thoughts and ideas into tangible realities. But how does one bridge the gap between concept and physical creation? “What I do,” Manishka explained, “is essentially identify a problem and then visualize various scenarios. What are the possibilities? What are the limitations? What elements should I include, and what should I leave out?” This methodical series of questions guides the young tech innovator in selecting the precise components needed to bring her brilliant ideas to life.

Once the components are decided, the next exciting step is sketching! To visualize her invention effectively and ensure it’s both functional and appealing, Manishka meticulously draws a basic structural sketch. “The blueprint naturally forms in my mind during the systematic process of pinpointing the problem and devising a solution,” she elaborated.

However, the design phase isn’t always straightforward. Unlike artistic drawings, blueprints demand precision for real-world replication. When Manishka started her initial sketches, she often faced design dilemmas concerning shape, size, component integration, features, and spatial considerations. Thankfully, her mentors were always there to offer invaluable guidance and clarity. Her relentless pursuit of solutions to everyday problems and her innovative spirit eventually led her to the Colors Infinity TV stage in 2022, where she triumphed in ‘The Inventor Challenge.’ It was during this pivotal moment that she unveiled her ambitious next chapter as a changemaking inventor and tech entrepreneur.

Championing STEM Education for Girls

During ‘The Inventor Challenge,’ Manishka was posed a crucial question: “What are your plans moving forward?” Her inspiring response was the creation of Tinker Techie, her innovative startup. This venture aims to address pressing child-centric and educational challenges globally, while also passionately promoting STEM education and opportunities for girls.

A recent survey by the NGO Child Rights and You (CRY) involving 942 students highlighted a significant barrier for young girls aspiring to STEM careers: a startling lack of awareness. A staggering 52% were unfamiliar with what STEM stands for, even though 54% expressed intentions to pursue science as their primary field of study. Furthermore, some girls interested in STEM education encountered obstacles like traditional family expectations and early marriage arrangements, leading to a lack of crucial support.

Raising STEM awareness, offering robust support systems, and providing inspiring role models are vital steps to improve girls’ access to these fields. Manishka embodies this role model. “I believe that if I can do it, any girl can!” she declared. “Tech has no gender, STEM has no gender. Everybody has the equal right and opportunity to be in the field of science and technology.” Through Tinker Techie, she organizes workshops and nurtures communities. “We offer intra-community support for girls who are facing any issues in the field of STEM, regardless of age or location,” she explained, with workshops available both online and offline to accommodate diverse needs.

Navigating Challenges on Her Entrepreneurial Journey

Manishka’s journey to establishing her startup was far from smooth, marked by numerous obstacles. Her age, in particular, presented a significant hurdle. At just eight years old, she received crucial backing from iStart Rajasthan, a pioneering initiative designed to equip students with platforms and promotional support for creating startups. With the guidance of her iStart advisor, Raunak Singhvi, and her robotics and coding mentor, Shailendra Tripathi, Manishka acquired the essential knowledge and skills needed to dive into the startup ecosystem.

“When I started my startup, I was completely new to it,” Manishka confessed. “I knew nothing about the startup world—how to pitch or capture investors’ attention. But being part of iStart, observing other founders in action, truly motivated me.” Instead of succumbing to difficulties, she transformed her challenges into valuable learning experiences. Juggling her burgeoning startup with her academic responsibilities and schoolwork was a constant balancing act. Whenever the pressure mounted, leaving her feeling demotivated or uninspired, she made sure to carve out personal time for calming and enjoyable activities, like listening to music, playing with her brother, and cherishing moments with loved ones.