Vision
To ignite a transformation in engineering education, empowering India’s brightest young minds to engineer a future of boundless innovation and positive global impact.
Mission
We work with higher education institutions in India to build cutting-edge makerspaces, deliver immersive project-based learning experiences, and facilitate industry collaborations to cultivate the next generation of engineers who can translate ideas into tangible innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
Board of Directors
Our esteemed Board of Directors share a deep commitment to creating transformative education opportunities and empowering students to reach their full potential.
Hemant Kanakia is a retired serial entrepreneur based in Washington DC, USA. Since 2010, he has made angel investments in 20 early-stage companies in India ranging across education, technology and healthcare sectors. Between 2004- 2009 He was a partner with a Venture Firm based in the East Coast of USA. Hemant was founder and CEO of Torrent Networking Technology (acquired by Ericsson for $500 M ) and co-founder of Photuris (acquired by Meriton) and Gemplex, inc. (acquired by Tata Telesystems). Prior to starting Torrent, he worked at the research arm of AT&T Bell Laboratories. Hemant holds an undergraduate degree from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, a M S from Case Western Reserve University, and a Ph D in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
Hemant is an ex-member of the Board of Trustees at Case Western Reserve University and Virginia Polytechnic. He was President of the Washington DC chapter of TiE and a member of the global board of trustees of TiE. He currently serves as a board member of several non-profit organizations in the art and cultural sectors.
This philosophy has become the key to my success in life. Early on, I spent a lot of time acquiring knowledge from classrooms and books. Only when I started learning by doing, my life turned around. Through this foundation, I hope many young folks get to learn this lesson early in their lives. As someone said, you do not learn to walk by rules of walking but by starting to walk, falling many times, getting up and trying again.
Aristotle said, “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”
Ruyintan (Ron) E. Mehta was a serial entrepreneur in several plastics manufacturing businesses in the US and Canada for over 25 years. After his retirement, Ron has been involved full time in technology-enabled philanthropy and higher education in India.
Ron is the Executive Director of WIN Foundation that was spawned out of Wheels Global Foundation to support innovations and fund novel programs in Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) issues in India. Many IITs in India - IITB, IITGN and IITKGP and several highly respected NGOs in India are beneficiaries of over $2 million in grants awarded by WIN Foundation to address WATSAN and MCH issues in India.
Ron is the current Director of IIT Gandhinagar Foundation and previously served as President of IIT Bombay Heritage Foundation.
Ron holds a B Tech (Chemical Engineering' 70), from IIT Bombay and Masters degrees in Chemical Engineering and Engineering Administration from the University of Connecticut and the University of Utah respectively.
Subhash Tantry is a graduate of IIT Bombay, the batch of 1975. He lives in Palo Alto, CA, USA with his wife Manjiri while his two sons, having graduated from college, run their own businesses in San Francisco. Subhash’s career, in enterprise software companies, has spanned several CEO, CTO and other C-Level positions, Board Memberships, and is a mentor to entrepreneurs and students. He was on the organizing committee of the first Mood Indigo cultural festival, was the Founding Board Member of the IITB Heritage Foundation, has convened TiECon in the Bay Area as a TiE Charter Member and chaired a PanIIT Global Leadership Conference in 2015.
“On Tinkering: The only reason to become wealthy is to be a philanthropist. Tinkering generates a wealth of innovative knowledge that can make you a philanthropist!”
Ashish Vengsarkar works at Google, building Google's Global Network, with a focus on optical networking and routing platforms. Over the last three decades, he has worked in telecom, with roles spanning R&D at Bell Labs, Product Management at large companies and running startups.
He has been actively involved in non-profits committed to STEM education via high school science fairs and animal causes via German Shepherd dog rescues. Currently, he sits on the boards of a medical device company, a pharma startup, and a non-profit focused on mental health.
Ashish has an MBA from Wharton, a Ph.D. in Fiber Optics from Virginia Tech, and a B.Tech. from IIT Bombay. In his free time, Ashish constructs crosswords and enjoys Bollywood and Indian classical music.
Ajay Lavakare is currently a director of TinkerTech Labs, a startup that designs and builds accessible, inclusive, and innovative technology solutions for people with disabilities, and a founding member & past Co-President of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs India. Ajay is also an active angel investor and has invested through Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs, Indian Angel Network (IAN), and LetsVenture. His investments include Unacademy, Innovaccer, Consure Medical, Inspirit VR, Meme Chat, and several other startups in EdTech, AR/VR, and social.
Ajay is a charter member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Delhi chapter and has been a mentor to entrepreneurs through programs organized by TiE, iSPIRT, and NASSCOM. Ajay was the Chief Product Officer of SmartVizX, a company developing an immersive design collaboration platform for the building industry. He has also been the Managing Director of RMS Risk Management Solutions India and worked at the parent company, Risk Management Solutions in Silicon Valley as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of data solutions. Prior to that, Ajay founded RMSI, one of India’s leading geospatial information services and solutions companies. Ajay began his career in Tokyo with Kumagai Gumi Ltd., a leading Japanese architecture/engineering/construction company.
Ajay has a Bachelor of Technology degree in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (New Delhi, India) and a Master's degree in Structural Engineering from Stanford University (California, USA).
Kirat joined Alkyl Amines Chemicals Limited, a start-up, in 1980 and has been with the company since then. The company, manufacturing and marketing specialty chemicals, has a turnover of over Rs 1100 crores. He has seen the company grow many folds in the last four decades wearing many hats, primarily finance and operations, and has played an active role in its growth including in the takeover and turnaround of its subsidiary in Baroda, Diamines and Chemicals Limited. Currently, he is the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the company. He is on the Board of Directors of listed companies, viz: Alkyl Amines Chemicals Ltd., Diamines and Chemicals Ltd, Kaira Can Ltd, serving on various Board Committees.
Kirat holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Bombay, and a Masters in Management Studies, from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management, Bombay.
Community Service:
Member, Advisory Board of IIT Bombay Alumni Association, Mumbai, India.
Member, Western Regional Committee of the Indian Chemical Council, India.
Member, Finance Committee of UDCT now Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
Director, Centre, Healthcare Entrepreneurship, IIT Hyderabad.
Member, CSR committee, Alkyl Amines Chemicals
Managing Trustee, Rukavipa Foundation, Mumbai.
Trustee, Babasheth and Kusumben Trust., Mumbai
An alumnus of Stanford University, Paula Mariwala is Co-Founder & President of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs India, Managing Director of Seedfund Advisors, an early stage venture capital firm, and Promoter Director of Hinditron Group of Companies, one of India’s oldest technology companies. Paula is founding partner at Aureolis Ventures, w invests across stages in innovative companies focused on social impact.
Paula brings more than 25 years of entrepreneurial and operational experience with technology companies and 15 years of investing experience in early stage companies in the USA and India. In her role as Founding MD of Seedfund since 2006, Paula has been actively involved with the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India to source, evaluate and mentor start-up companies having led investments in education, healthcare, deep technology and rural/social impact sectors. She works closely with portfolio companies to take them to their next stage of growth. As an angel investor she has a large portfolio of companies with Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs India and in her individual capacity through her family office.
She is on the board of Foundation of innovation and Technology Transfer, (FITT)- IIT, Delhi, Beyond Capital Fund, The Stanford SEED Transformation Program, Go Massive Incubator for Sustainability and Social Impact Platform iDoBro. She writes and speaks regularly at various startup events and serves on boards of several of her portfolio companies. She is also President of the Stanford Alumni Association – India.
Paula is deeply committed to the causes of education, environment, gender equality, human rights and women empowerment. She supports several NGOs and serves on the boards of The Gender Lab, Avanti Young Women Leaders Program and Katalyst India. She is an advisor to the SDG Philanthropy Platform, India, The UN India Women Entrepreneurship network. In addition, she mentors women entrepreneurs as well as young women from socially disadvantaged backgrounds through various personal and professional networks.
Paula is a founding member on the Board of Management of KREA University, India, The Governing Board of K.J. Somaiya College of Engineering and on the Advisory Board of Physics Department of her alma mater, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.
She also serves on the Advisory Boards of The Centre for Human Rights and International Justice at Stanford University and Stanford SEED, India.
Paula holds an MS in Applied Physics from Stanford University and BSc (Hons) inPhysics from St. Xavier’s college, Mumbai.
Ravi Mariwala, life is another great adventure to embark on. He is the Founder, Promoter and CEO of Smaart Water, a company that provides affordable, integrated and holistic water solutions for industrial, institutional, residential, commercial and community markets in Rural and Urban India. He has started the company with a vision of providing Sustainable and Abundant Water to everyone. In the process, he has developed more than 10 technologies, 25+ products and five services packages, which are commercialized.
Sustainability and outdoors are a passion for Ravi. He has worked on sustainable and integrated solutions for water. He has set up more than 10 million liters per year Rain Harvesting system and more than 300 installations in the water sustainability space. He extensively lectures about sustainable solutions for water.
Dr. Mariwala holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware with 5 patents and 17 publications in international peer-reviewed Journals. He has more than 25 years’ experience in chemical and allied process industries in various capacities, including projects funded by Dupont, Air Products, Rohm & Haas and US Govt. through TDS Research, Colorado. He is a promoter of Marico, Kaya and promoter and Director of Eternis Fine Chemicals.
Ravi is an adjunct faculty at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. He lectures on Technology and Entrepreneurship at ICT. He regularly mentors 2-3 students every year through projects to inspire them to join a field related to Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship.
He is also one of the founding members of Tech & Innovation Advisor Group of Centre for Human Rights and International Justice at Stanford University.
Ravi has been sailing for the last 45 years and currently sails competitively and cruises along the western coast of India regularly. He is also an active member of The Himalayan Club. He has climbed and trekked extensively in the Himalaya and Sahyadri (37 years, more than 250 ascents) and edited the prestigious Himalayan Club Newsletter.
After graduating from Indian Institute of Technology in 1970, Sudarshan founded Technocraft Industries with his brother. The company began by making sheet metal components and special tools for international tractors, built steel drum closures, and then built a worldwide monopoly for an American multinational company for over two decades. Sudarshan holds eight patents on drum closures.
Since its inception in sheet metal, Technocraft has also grown to become a leading global manufacturer of scaffolding systems, an industry considered hazardous in the US and western Europe.
With subsidiaries in engineering services for the global market and defence, the company keeps up with the latest technology. Technocraft Defence Private Ltd. develops defence technology as part of its efforts to make our country Atmanirbhar. The company continues to be managed and co-chaired by Sudarshan.
The trust he founded by Sudarshan and his brother runs subsidised vocational courses in tool making, die making, and Mechatronics in Murbad, Mumbai and supports a number of charities at the same time. Children from tribal communities receive free education, lodging, and food.
Sudarshan with his brother also funded Alma Mater in Bombay to set up a centre for applied artificial intelligence. The centre is known as the Technocraft centre for artificial intelligence.
Shaibal is a serial entrepreneur. His first startup was acquired by Netscape in 1997, and the technology went on to become one of the first web mail systems. His second startup, acquired by RIM, catapulted the BlackBerry’s growth from 400,000 corporate email accounts into 400 million consumer email accounts during his tenure as Chief Architect of BlackBerry (2002-2006). Cozeva, his latest startup, is used by some of the largest health systems in the US. Shaibal holds 47 published US Patents and applications. He is a Silver Medalist from the Indian Institute of Technology – Kharagpur and completed his PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University.
Prof. Timothy A. Gonsalves is an Indian computer scientist and professor. After a long stint on the faculty of IIT Madras, he served as founding Director of IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh from 2010-2020. He is currently a Professor Emeritus (Honorary) at IIT Mandi and a Mentor at the IIT Madras Research Park. Prof. Gonsalves is one of the Founders of the TeNeT Group with its motto “World-class technology at an affordable price”. He has also been a part of many start-ups like n-Logue Communications and the IIT-M RTBI. In 1998, he founded Nilgiri Networks (P) Ltd in Ooty, where he trained local talent to develop telecom software. He co-founded NMSWorks Software (P) Ltd and designed its flagship product, CygNet. He has also worked on financial systems as a consultant to SBI and SEBI . He led the development of the first standards for mobile payments in India as a member of the Mobile Payment Forum India. From 2010 to 2020, Prof Gonsalves built IIT Mandi as a green-field institution in a remote Himalayan valley in Himachal Pradesh. By the end of its first decade, IIT Mandi had grown to over 2,000 students and 130 faculty. It had made a name for its unique project-oriented BTech curriculum. In 2019, it was ranked 20 th among engineering institutions in India in the NIRF, Its faculty and students had achieved laurels in research and extra-curricular activities. IIT Mandi Catalyst was the leading technology-business incubator in Himachal, and EWOK helped many village women to start businesses, attain computer and English literacy and meet their aspirations. Prof. Gonsalves led the national effort to increase female enrolment in the B.Tech program at all IITs, which more than doubled from 8% in 2016 to 20% in 2020. After his retirement, Prof. Gonsalves has been active in improving education in engineering colleges in India. He founded the LEAP (Learning Engineering by Activity with Products) programme in 2021. He is also the founding member of the Steering Committee of the CSEDU programme aimed at improving the effectiveness of teaching of computer science subjects in colleges. Prof. Gonsalves was named AICTE Distinguished Chair Professor in 2021. Prof. Gonsalves received his B.Tech. From IIT-Madras, M.S. from Rice University, Houston and Ph.D. from Stanford University, California. In 2021, he was named an AICTE Distinguished Chair Professor and is a Distinguished Visiting Professor, Ahmedabad University. The Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_A._Gonsalves has further information.
Dr Ranbir Singh is a pioneer and leader in the field of Silicon Carbide power semiconductors for high power and high frequency applications. Delivered Solutions to Industry that were unique and relevant. He is the Founder of GeneSiC Semiconductor, a company focused on developing wideband gap semiconductors like Silicon Carbide.
Dr Singh has demonstrated leadership in the design, fabrication, characterization of SiC devices. He has published over 200 papers in industry leading conferences and journals, awarded over 40 patents and written 1 book on these subjects Specialties: Semiconductors, Hybrid Vehicles, Solar Inverters, Power, Radiation, High Temperature, Power Semiconductors, Power Devices, Utility Grid, Green Electronics, Rad-Hard Electronics, Oil Exploration Electronics, Aircraft Actuators, Motors, Naval Power Systems, Government, Solid State Power, Power Conversions, DC-DC Converters, Power Supplies, Power Transmission & Distribution, Energy Storage.
Ranbir is a B Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi (’90) and a MS (92) and PhD (’95) from North Carolina State
University.
He is a resident of North Carolina Beach, USA
Dr Singh has demonstrated leadership in the design, fabrication, characterization of SiC devices. He has published over 200 papers in industry leading conferences and journals, awarded over 40 patents and written 1 book on these subjects Specialties: Semiconductors, Hybrid Vehicles, Solar Inverters, Power, Radiation, High Temperature, Power Semiconductors, Power Devices, Utility Grid, Green Electronics, Rad-Hard Electronics, Oil Exploration Electronics, Aircraft Actuators, Motors, Naval Power Systems, Government, Solid State Power, Power Conversions, DC-DC Converters, Power Supplies, Power Transmission & Distribution, Energy Storage.
Ranbir is a B Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi (’90) and a MS (92) and PhD (’95) from North Carolina State
University.
He is a resident of North Carolina Beach, USA
From an Idea to a Growing Mission
In 1975, we walked out of the gates of IIT Bombay as engineers—armed with our degrees and lifelong friendships. Yet, looking back, we realized what we didn’t have: a place where we could explore and experiment freely.
In 2014, when it was time for our batch to ‘give back’, we decided to build what we had once wished for—a Tinkerers’ Lab at IIT Bombay – a makerspace where students could invent, experiment, and build with their hands.
By 2019, it was time to take the next step—to take this idea to institutions across India. And so, Maker Bhavan Foundation was founded with
a simple yet ambitious vision: To make hands-on learning an integral part of India’s engineering education.
Since then, we’ve helped set up state-of-the-art makerspaces, introduced programs like InventX and the Vishwakarma Awards and partnered with LEAP at IITMIC to foster hands-on learning and innovation skills among students.
We’re just getting started. Our dream is for every engineering student in India to create technology—not just study it.
This is the legacy we’re building. And it’s only the beginning.
DR HEMANT KANAKIA
MBF 2.0: Scaling with Purpose
The past year has been transformative. Our programs have made hands-on education more accessible,
more impactful, and more aligned with the needs of India’s youth. Along the way, we’ve gathered valuable
insights—insights that now shape our next new chapter: Scaling 2.0.
2025 marks a pivotal moment. As we scale, our focus is sharpening. While we continue to work with top-tier
institutions, our priority is shifting toward tier II colleges, where resources are fewer, but the hunger to
learn and innovate is just as strong. We believe that every engineering student, not just a privileged few,
deserves access to the tools, mentorship, and a transformative learning experience. Our 2025 goal is bold: to reach 30 colleges across India. And over the next three years, we’re aiming
even higher—100 colleges, reaching 10% of India’s graduating engineers every year.
Central to this next phase is collaboration. In 2025, we aim to double our corporate partnerships, building stronger bridges between industry and academia. We’re also stepping into a wider conversation, working with policymakers and education leaders to help shape the future of STEM learning in India. Scaling 2.0 is about more than numbers—it’s about ensuring that no student is left out. To that end, building deep, meaningful partnerships, helping shape a more equitable and inventive future for engineering education in India. It’s about pushing boundaries—together.
Let’s build what’s next.
RUYINTAN MEHTA
Building Momentum, Empowering Makers
2024 was a defining year for the Maker Bhavan Foundation. It wasn’t just about
meeting milestones—it was about unlocking potential and proving what’s possible
when we champion hands-on learning at scale.
Across the country, our Tinkerers’ Labs network continued to grow—doubling in
numbers in just one year. These aren’t just makerspaces—they’re launchpads
where students transform ideas into real-world solutions.
At Invention Factory®, we crossed a major milestone: over 100 provisional patent disclosures filed, with several student teams now pursuing full patents. These outcomes validate our belief that when young undergraduates are given the right tools, mentorship, and full freedom, they don’t just learn—they invent.
The momentum extended across our programs. Applications for Invention Factory® and the Vishwakarma Awards quadrupled. LEAP, our partner institution, expanded to 15 institutions, impacting 2,800 students and more than 300 faculty members. India’s students are clearly eager for challenge-based, experiential learning—and we are here to meet that moment.
Our story is also gaining visibility, with over 100 media features this year. But what matters most isn’t the spotlight—it’s the makers we’re nurturing and the energy they bring to reimagining what engineering education can be.
Looking ahead, our vision is bold and simple: to empower a million makers by 2030. Not just to build things, but to build India’s future.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. The momentum is real—and as our Founder mentioned, we’re only getting started
DAMAYANTI BHATTACHARYA
Our Work
MBF is dedicated to developing students’ skills and capabilities while expanding access and opportunities for the many learners who start with limited resources so that they may have the potential to rise and thrive. By nurturing such vibrant maker learning ecosystems, we aim to empower the next generation of master innovators, practical problem solvers and confident leaders.
PROJECT BASED LEARNING
MAKER
Develop core technology and problem-solving skills by learning to build real world solutions.
Tinkerers’ Lab
Our labs are equipped with the latest desktop manufacturing and fabrication equipment, open 24/7, led and managed by students.
Here students work in multidisciplinary groups, tinker, experiment and build tangible engineering products.
LEAP
Learn Engineering by Activities with Products is a partner initiative founded by
Prof T A Gonsalves with IIT Madras Incubation Cell. LEAP provides IIT-style
project based learning for engineering colleges for students and faculty.
LEAP’s hands-on curriculum empowers undergraduate students to tackle real-world societal challenges.
Tinkerers’ Lab
35,000
Sq. feet of makerspace created for hands on learning
1,500
Students / week used our facilities in 2024
2,000
Projects undertaken in 2024
18
Labs across tier I and tier II colleges in India
18
Labs across tier I and tier II colleges in India
12
Start-ups funded
LEAP
3,000
Students trained in project based learning
300
Faculty benefited from skill development programs
15
Partner colleges in India
Tinkerers’ Lab Showcase
On 17 December 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar inaugurated Dr Ranbir Singh Tinkerers’ Lab—a cutting‑edge facility funded by philanthropist Dr Ranbir Singh through MBF.
As a matter of fact, 2024 saw MBF sign 12 new MOUs, primarily with tier II institutions, as part of our mission to democratize access to project-based learning for every student, everywhere.
By the end of 2025 we expect Tinkerers’ Labs will be active in over 30 institutes across India— nearly tripling our current footprint and ushering in a new era of hands-on, student-led innovation at scale.
Agastya 4.1
Tinkerers’ Lab, NIRMA UNIVERSITY
A cutting-edge, fourth-generation remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) designed for precise underwater tasks, it combines advanced mechanical, electronic, and software systems to excel in dynamic environments. It can navigate through gates, detect objects, and manipulate them with accuracy.
LOW COST 3D PRINTER
Tinkerers’ Lab, PREC Loni
The frame of the 3D printer is constructed using durable and lightweight materials such as aluminum extrusions or laser-cut acrylic sheets, ensuring stability and precision during operation. The printer operates on the Cartesian coordinate system, featuring X, Y, and Z axes controlled by stepper motors. These motors are driven by an Arduino Mega microcontroller and a RAMPS 1.4 shield.
Experiential Learning Course Showcase
The Collaborative Classroom CC) and Experiential Learning Lab (ELL) in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay supports faculty in embedding active learning in their courses. In 2024, 13 courses were taught, engaging 685+ students. More than 70 projects were created ELL.
MBF’s flagship makerspace at IIT Gandhinagar hosted 11 courses by the institute’s faculty and 4 project-based workshops by facility staff. It also organized workshops for K–12 students across Gujarat.
Our partnerships enable universities to incorporate the pedagogy of active learning into their curriculum to achieve targeted learning outcomes for the betterment of their students.
Design Innovation and Prototyping Course
Run from Maker Bhavan at IIT Gandhinagar, this is a mandatory full-semester, 5-credit course that introduces undergraduate students to the fundamentals of techno-aesthetic design and rapid prototyping. Through hands-on and experiential learning, students gain practical skills using advanced tools and techniques such as laser cutting, vacuum forming, PCB milling, etc. With 389 first-semester students participating in collaborative group settings, the course lays a strong foundation in creative problem-solving, design thinking, and technical fabrication.
The Electronics Design Lab (EDL) COURSE
EDL is a capstone design course in the Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT
Bombay. This course empowers students to develop electronic products from concept to prototype. The introduction of the Experiential Learning Lab (ELL) significantly enhanced the curriculum & Technology Readiness Level
(TRL) of student project prototypes. Every year, more than 200 students enroll in EDL and work in teams of 4-5 students. In the last 3 years, more than 600 students have benefited from the introduction of prototyping facilities (ELL) for their EDL projects.
JUMP-START INNOVATION FOR DEEP-TECH
INNOVATOR
Teach innovation skills to develop an inventive mindset and solve real world problems.
Invention Factory ®
A six-week intensive summer program where students learn how to identify a real world problem, design and develop a solution , file provisional patent declarations and compete for best invention.
Vishwakarma Award
A nationwide thematic challenge to encourage talented student teams to build innovative, deployable prototypes rapidly with impact.
Technovation Sandbox
A living lab approach at IIT Bombay – which acts as a testbed for students to learn both need identification and deployment of solutions. Students gain experience in product development, leadership skills & entrepreneurship.
Invention Factory ® 2024
700
Applications received from over 300 colleges across the country
30
New provisional patent declarations filed in USA and India, bringing the total to over 100
40.56
Increase in students’ confidence and self efficacy on patenting
Vishwakarma Award 2024
500
Applications received from 262 colleges
18
Projects built promoting the concept of campus as a living lab
Innovation Track Showcase
India needs disruptive innovation to gain a competitive edge globally. Yet, less than 5% of the country’s engineering students are capable of innovative problem-solving. Invention Factory® and Vishwakarma Awards focus on developing trained technology talent that is well-versed in the innovation process. This ecosystem of intensive innovation programs is rapidly transforming how engineering students learn to ideate, develop, and deploy solutions.
In 2024, through the Invention Factory®, Vishwakarma Awards, and the Technovation Sandbox, we have supported students in building and documenting over 74 functional prototypes. These span healthcare, accessibility, sustainability, mobility, and more – reflecting the power of structured innovation in action.
TOOTH EXTRACTOR FACILITATOR
INVENTION FACTORY®
Tooth Extractor is a device which makes a tooth mobile enough to be extracted easily, without the use of force and pulling on the tooth, reducing risks of complications, bridging the skill gap between inexperienced and experienced oral practitioners. Stavan Mehta, IIT Bombay & Kritika Patidar, IIT Jammu
BIOBULB
VISHWAKARMA AWARDS
A carbon capture system using microalgae to reduce CO₂, NOX, and SOX emissions, improving air quality while generating biofuels and fertilizers to support sustainable living. Chinmoy Dan, Aryan Anand, Sudhanshu Kumar, and Ishika Roy Delhi Pharmaceutical Science and Research University
TRAIN STUDENTS WHO CAN FUEL INDUSTRY 4.0
MAKER COMMUNICATOR
Combine technology and problem solving abilities with essential cognitive soft skills to enhance overall employability.
Soft Skills Training Cuts Across All Programs
We ensure that students who participate in any of our programs are not only trained to be effective problem solvers but also trained in cognitive soft skills. Our Centre for Essential Skills provides free courses on communication, critical thinking and interpersonal skills.
Industry- Academia Partnerships
Our industry partners are passionate to drive positive change in the engineering ecosystem. They provide support that enables us to organize and run our programs and events.
In the past years, our partners have supported us in establishing new labs, sponsoring our programs, and issuing industry sponsored challenges for our student maker community.
Why Do I Partner With MBF?
Yogesh M. Kothari
Chairman and Managing Director, Alkyl Amines Chemicals Limited
“At the rate at which we are experiencing rapid change in technology, industries, societal patterns, and processes in the 21st century due to increasing interconnectivity and smart automation,
Tinkerers’ Labs are essential for industries in India, as they provide access to tools and resources that can help drive innovation, workforce development, rapid prototyping, collaboration, and incubation of startups.
By leveraging the power of Tinkerers’ Labs, industries in India can stay competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.”
Prof. Manoj Gaur
Director, IIT Jammu
“We commend Maker Bhavan Foundation, our steadfast partner in igniting this maker spirit at our campus.
Together, we built the Tinkerers’ Lab, a vibrant hub where curiosity takes flight. Through programs like Invention Factory®, students dive into a world of innovation, honing their technical and creative skills like never before.
These experiences are more than projects; they’re stepping stones to becoming problem-solvers, builders, and risk-taking leaders. This isn’t just about learning for exams; it’s about preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. It’s about building a future where imagination meets reality, powered by the maker’s spirit.”
Gagan Goyal
General Partner, Indian Quotient
“I think initiatives like the Vishwakarma Awards are very important because they promote learning by doing. This kind of learning not only helps students cultivate and strengthen their knowledge about the concepts, but also develops their interpersonal skills which are essential for problem-solving, critical thinking, and presentation.
Our education system today lacks these skills. Additionally, Vishwakarma Awards also encourages UG and PG students to think about the commercial application of their concepts, thus building future operators, creators, and entrepreneurs.”
Students’ Reflections
Kusum Saini
Vishwakarma Participant, PhD and Batch of 1969 Innovation
Fellow at IIT Delhi
“The last two days of the program were truly transformative for me.
Getting the opportunity to meet and interact with jury members and key
speakers was a game-changer. It boosted my confidence
tremendously—I now feel comfortable engaging with founders
and CEOs of major companies. One of the most memorable moments was interacting with Parul Gupta Ma’am and Sanjay Jesrani Sir.
Their perspectives were incredibly inspiring and left a lasting impact on
me.
The program didn’t just improve my communication and teamwork skills—it also gave me the courage to take my ideas forward.
I’ve already started reaching out to some of the jury members for mentorship on my startup journey. It also broadened my understanding of innovation and sustainability.”
Sarthak Purohit
Invention Factory® Participant
Transportation Design, MITID Pune
“As a transportation design student, participating in the Invention
Factory® was my first real exposure to such a fast-paced, hands-on
environment—and it was both hectic and incredibly fun.
Over the past six weeks, I’ve learned more than I ever thought
I could in such a short span. The time constraints really pushed me
to pick up new skills quickly, something that wouldn’t have
happened in a more traditional or controlled setting.
Coming from a design background, identifying real-world problems and
building viable, impactful solutions was a new challenge for me. It really
made me think hard about the kind of change I want to create. I also got to
use machines like 3D printers and laser cutters for the first time—
technologies we don’t usually get to operate ourselves back at my institute.”
Rahul Prajapat
Tinkerers’ Lab Alumnus
Founder, Tvarit gmbh
“During placement season, we were presented with many opportunities in
many finance and business roles, but my time in Tinkerers’ Lab moved me to stay in core engineering. It inspired me to get into entrepreneurship and build something that is deep tech, and actually impacts society and industry.
I established my own start-up, Tvarit AI, which is serving manufacturing
industry with a vision ‘Zero Waste and Sustainable Manufacturing’. Primarily
automotive industries, suppliers of BMW, Bajaj, Tatas and Daimlers of this
world, are enjoying the benefits of our hardware and AI systems to gain a
competitive edge. We’ve impacted 55+ manufacturing plants so far in EU
as well as India.”
THANK YOU
for your continued support
FOUNDATIONS
Kanakia Foundation,
Indira Foundation
Indira Foundation
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Rajesh Mashruwalla,
The Leung-Roy Family,
Dr. Ranbir Singh,
Lightstone Technologies Group Inc
The Leung-Roy Family,
Dr. Ranbir Singh,
Lightstone Technologies Group Inc
SPONSORSHIP
Technoventor,
Addverb,
Ecosense,
TATA Motors
Addverb,
Ecosense,
TATA Motors
CSR
Reico Industries,
Alkyl Amines,
Techno craft,
Idea Forge,
Lenovo,
United Phosphorus Limited,
AIA Engineering
Alkyl Amines,
Techno craft,
Idea Forge,
Lenovo,
United Phosphorus Limited,
AIA Engineering
Financials
Our financial overview reflects a strong alignment between our resources and strategic priorities. This year, we maintained a balanced allocation of funds across core initiatives, operating expenses, and key partnerships, ensuring both impact and sustainability in our programs.
Chart 1: Breakdown of financial expenditure across various programs
Comparative Balance Sheet as on December 31
|
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
||
|
ASSETS |
Amount |
Amount |
Amount |
|
| Current Assets | ||||
| Checkings Account |
$10,960 |
$42,893 |
$45,631 |
|
| Savings Account |
$20,917 |
$1,32,336 |
$2,97,330 |
|
|
$31,877 |
$1,75,229 |
$3,42,961 |
||
| Other Current Assets | Fidelity Investments |
$2,13,045 |
$1,67,653 |
$2,92,775 |
| Rent Deposit |
$0 |
$1,898 |
$1,898 |
|
| Total Assets |
$2,44,922 |
$3,44,780 |
$6,37,634 |
|
| LIABILITIES & EQUITY |
Amount |
Amount |
Amount |
|
| EQUITY | ||||
| Opening Balance Equity |
$4,75,275 |
$2,40,353 |
$3,43,195 |
|
| Net Surplus/(Deficit) |
-$2,34,923 |
$1,02,842 |
$2,94,439 |
|
| Total Equity |
$2,40,353 |
$3,43,195 |
$6,37,634 |
|
| Current Liabilities | ||||
| Accounts Payable |
$4,570 |
$1,585 |
$0 |
|
| Total Liabilities & Equity |
$2,44,922 |
$3,44,780 |
$6,37,634 |
Income Account as on December 31…
| Income | Schedule |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Amount |
Amount |
Amount |
||
| Donations |
$4,73,850 |
$6,07,648 |
$9,25,181 |
|
| Other Income | ||||
| Bank Interest |
$8 |
$27 |
$39 |
|
| Dividend |
$2,647 |
$2,955 |
$13,178 |
|
| Capital Gains/Loss |
$2,380 |
-$8,347 |
$2,447 |
|
| Income Tax Refund |
$32 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
| Total Income |
$4,78,917 |
$6,02,282 |
$9,40,845 |
Expenditure Account as on December 31…
| Expenditure |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
|
Amount |
Amount |
Amount |
||
| Donations & Grants | 1 |
$6,24,630 |
$3,60,702 |
$5,12,089 |
| Admin Expenses |
$4,121 |
$5,848 |
$9,167 |
|
| Advertisement & Promotion |
$4,715 |
$29,323 |
$27,360 |
|
| Bank Charges |
$825 |
$1,020 |
$95 |
|
| Laptop |
$2,029 |
$3,427 |
$0 |
|
| Legal Fees and accounting charges |
$1,650 |
$100 |
$3,715 |
|
| Printing & Stationery |
$12 |
$686 |
||
| Professional Fees |
$346 |
$504 |
||
| Rent |
$13,881 |
$16,635 |
||
| Repairs & Maintenance |
$1,042 |
$0 |
||
| Salary |
$44,997 |
$65,326 |
$67,775 |
|
| Sponsorship |
$7,500 |
$0 |
||
| Travelling Expenses |
$22,109 |
$18,017 |
$7,259 |
|
| Website Expenses |
$1,263 |
$395 |
$1,122 |
|
| Total Operating Expenses |
$89,209 |
$1,38,737 |
$1,34,317 |
|
| Total Expenses |
$7,13,839 |
$4,99,440 |
$6,46,406 |
|
| Surplus/ Deficit |
-$2,34,923 |
$1,02,842 |
$2,94,439 |
|
This report is a celebration of the strides we have taken in the growth of a culture of making in higher education institutions empowering thousands of students and strengthening of our partnerships across academia, industry, and the broader community at large.
Looking ahead, our ambitions remain as bold as ever. The coming years will see us striving to expand our reach, particularly toward tier II-III institutions, ensuring that every aspiring engineer in India has access to the tools, mentorship, and experiential learning they deserve.
Thank you for accompanying us on this extraordinary journey.
Damayanti Bhattacharya
CEO, Maker Bhavan foundation
What Motivates The Team
At Maker Bhavan Foundation, we are driven by a shared belief that every engineering student deserves the chance to learn by doing and to lead with purpose.
What motivates us is seeing students go beyond textbooks, build real-world solutions, and grow into confident problem-solvers. For us, it’s not just about education—it’s about empowering the next generation to engineer a better, more inclusive future.
Damayanti Bhattacharya has over 20 years experience in the Not-for-Profit space, 8 years in leadership positions. Her early career as an activist- academic resulted in over 7 publications ( 5 papers and 2 books) focused on areas related to gender, globalisation and sustainable development. Damayanti’s forte is in institution building and she is passionate about education, sustainable development, unconsumption and the arts. Prior to the Foundation, she was the CEO of the IIT Bombay Alumni Association. Damyanti completed her Bachelor in Arts from Presidency College, Calcutta and her Masters and Mphil from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
Namita is a program management and operations professional with 14 plus years of experience in the non profit space. Previously she has been the Chief Operating officer at IIT Bombay Alumni Association and Head, Operations at Technology Innovation Hub Foundation for IOT and IOE. A people person and a team player, she is passionate about programme implementation and stakeholder management. Namita, has a Masters in Human Resources Development.
Sandeep Natekar is a passionate technologist, teacher and trainer. Born and brought up in Mumbai, he spent several years abroad for higher education and employment thereafter. He is extremely enthusiastic about enabling aspiring innovators acquire relevant skills and abilities to excel while facing the challenges of the future. He was in-charge of the Innovation Hub - a unique skills and abilities development facility at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Muktangan Exploratory Science Center (www.exploratory.org.in) in Pune from 2017 to 2020.
Sandeep loves working with his hands fixing or enhancing broken stuff like furniture, electronic gadgets or kids toys and enjoys being a handyman. He actively participates in adventure activities like trekking, long distance road-trips, river rafting. He has also dabbled in amateur theater and enjoys singing. World history and biographies are his reading interests. He holds a BE in Electronics Engineering from Mumbai University and an MS in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University, New York, USA.
Yogesh is a bachelor in biomedical engineering with a knack for innovation. His career began as an R&D engineer, where he reverse-engineered market products to create new ones from scratch. At CFT, Yogesh brought his vision to life by designing cutting-edge projects like a Mars Rover. His journey has also encompassed roles in data analysis and project management, with a particular focus on marketing and statistics. Currently, Yogesh is channelling his expertise into the Maker Bhavan Foundation, continuing to drive transformative change in his field.
Meet Osheen: a captivating TEDx speaker and a remarkable wordsmith who seamlessly blends professionalism with a genuine human touch. Throughout her relatively short yet illustrious corporate career, she has effortlessly worn various hats, transitioning from being a skilled content writer to an astute market researcher, showcasing her versatility and creativity in every role she undertakes. As an obsessive bibliophile, you can always find Osheen with a book in hand. Her infectious personality never fails to brighten up any room she enters.
Accountant extraordinaire with four years of experience, Krina Sheth has her eyes set on a PhD. Beyond her professional pursuits, she harbours a deep-seated love for teaching. Rooted in her culture, as a true Gujarati, Krina is always ready to burst into garba. Her collaborative nature and dedication to fostering camaraderie make her a valued asset in any team she joins.
Aditya is a marketing specialist and an alumnus of NMIMS, where he honed his skills in the field of marketing. With a knack for creativity and a strategic mindset, he navigates the dynamic world of brand promotion with finesse. Beyond the boardroom, Aditya finds solace and exhilaration in the open road, indulging his passion for riding bikes. His adventurous spirit is matched only by his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, making him a delightful companion both in professional settings and during leisurely escapades.
He is driven by the passion for connecting with people and loves being in conversation with individuals who want to make the world a better place.
Rashi, a Data Specialist and NM College alumna, excels in statistical analysis and research, with a methodical approach to uncovering insights from complex data sets. Her program management expertise, honed through freelancing projects, showcases her creativity and strategic vision. Beyond her professional life, Rashi enjoys crime documentaries, learning new skills, and embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Her passion for spirituality and Hinduism enriches conversations, while her quick wit and infectious enthusiasm make her a delightful presence in any setting.
Our Presence
Maker Bhavan Foundation, 1228 Harker Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301- 3422
