Maker’s Asylum in Moira hosted an Innovation School Open House today, for teenagers to engage in hands-on projects in engineering and design, including activities like drone building and robotics
RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY
The Innovation School, a flagship programme of Makers Asylum, is changing how young people learn by helping them use technology in creative ways. This unique hybrid programme which started in 2021 is designed specifically for teenagers to dive into pre-engineering, design, and STEAM skills through hands-on projects. The programme aims to instil a maker culture among the next generation, allowing participants to explore their passions and develop innovative projects. Currently, it has students from over 10 countries and all have been coming to Goa.
Founder, Maker’s Asylum, Vaibhav Chhabra says, “The Innovation School combines online learning with hands-on experiences. Participants start with about 50 hours of personalised online education, using kits sent to their homes to connect with makers and experts. After completing the online portion, students travel to Goa for an immersive experience, where they work together on their own project ideas.”
Director, Maker’s Asylum, Richa Shrivastava adds that the immersion began last week, and participants started building their projects. “The open house is an event where they present their work to the community. We invite local residents to meet the students, encourage them, and provide feedback on their projects.”
During their time in Goa, students gain access to advanced tools and training, which allows them to create solutions that benefit not only themselves but also the surrounding community.
The current cohort includes five projects. Drone Racetrack is a racing track for drones equipped with sensors that signal successful navigation through the course. The Fashion Tech Project is about integrating technology into innovative fashion designs and the River Cleanup Device is an initiative to create a device that removes floating garbage from rivers. The Automated Composting System aims to develop a more efficient composting solution while the Robotic Bartender is an automated bartender that mixes drinks according to user preferences, controlled via an app.
Shrivastava adds that these projects reflect the students’ creativity and commitment to addressing real-world challenges. “The programme encourages students to pursue their passions and develop solutions to problems they care about. Our goal is to promote a lifelong learning journey focused on problem-solving.”
The programme welcomes participants aged 13 and above, including teenagers, undergraduates, and early-career professionals in technology. “For those interested in participating, more information is available on the Maker’s Asylum website, where they can also learn about upcoming workshops and programmes. Applications for the Innovation School are accepted throughout the year, and students have the chance to showcase their projects to the community at the end of the programme,” explains Shrivastava, adding that with a wide array of facilities, including woodworking workshops, metal shops, 3D printers, and digital fabrication tools, Maker’s Asylum is not just a place for learning but a vibrant community that inspires young makers to turn their ideas into reality.
