Infinity & Beyond: Smit Sanghrajka
T&E Ladder held its second workshop “Infinity and Beyond” on 26th September.
Our speaker was the talented Smit Sanghrajka — a Kenyan entrepreneur and a graduate from Florida Institute of Technology.
Smit has been involved in many aspects of our ever evolving technological sphere: 3D modelling, Injection molding and polymer science, to name just a few.
Smit gave a presentation on the 4th Industrial Revolution followed by an insight into his journey from an introverted child to being a founder and lead engineer at the Adix 3D Systems.
This beautiful and insightful workshop was wrapped up with intriguing questions from our wonderful audience.
These are some of the highlights from Smit’s presentation and discussion.
1) What interested and motivated you to pursue a profession in the Technology field?
I was sort of a “techie” since I was in high school; I always had a knack for exploring different softwares and was curious about how they worked. I would buy mother boards and constantly work on them, and developed an interest in 3-D printing as well.
Enrolling into interesting classes at university also played a huge part in honing my interests in this field. One of my first assignments was to build a robot, it was quite fun building it and I figured it out through numerous trial and errors and by watching multiple youtube tutorials.
I would suggest students to start exploring their interests in this field from an early age as there are various resources available in Kenya itself.
2) What 3D- modeling software/ platform do you recommend using introduction to CAD?
- For entry level to CAD the most recommended 3D modeling software/ platform — Tinker Cad — TinkerCAD is a free web-based modeling software that enables students to create 3D printable models without needing any previous design experience. They can also use the gallery of previously created images from other students as starting points if they want to modify them.
- Creo parametric- it is a robust modeling tool whose focus is on providing modularity and instant feedback for design changes. Its surfacing capabilities allow users to turn their 2D sketches into full 3D models by either parametrically building or organically shaping complex surfaces.
Some other good softwares/platforms are:
- CATIA — which stands for Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application. CATIA is an acronym for Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application. It is one of the leading 3D software used by organizations in multiple industries ranging from aerospace, automobile to consumer products.
3) What advantage do students get from joining clubs at university? Should international students join them?
“When you get into college, you will have orientation week. Orientation week will take you through the clubs that are available because everything’s about student involvement. You’re paying a certain fee as an international student for that engagement in school. So utilise that. Clubs are free.”
“That’s what we lack in Kenya, some of the high schools don’t really have techie clubs or we don’t have electrical engineering clubs. School isn’t teaching us engineering. School is teaching us the basics to get into engineering, or the basics to get into business. But I wish schools offered clubs like that, that actually prepare you for bigger clubs in college.”
Smit’s pro tip: Join all the student clubs you can in college, such as:
- IEEE — Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- ASME — American Society for Mechanical Engineers
- SAE — Society for Automotive Engineers
- International students organizations
- Engineers Without Borders
- Any/all computer engineering clubs
The workshop concluded with a quiz with gift card prizes awarded to the three random participants.
Smit stayed behind afterward to continue the conversation with participants.
Thank you Smit!
Future T&E workshops include:
- Idea to Product — Saturday, October 24, 8–9 PM EAT
How to create a business model/prototype and bring it to market.
- Marketing and Design — Saturday, November 7, 8–9 PM EAT
The power of marketing and design thinking. Sell yourself and your products in ways that will appeal in-person and online.
- AI changing the world — Saturday, November 21, 8–9 PM EAT
What is AI? What is Machine Learning? Data Science? Sytems Engineering? Learn how you can approach these fields with confidence.
- How to fund YOUR startup — Saturday, December 5, 8–9 PM EAT
Venture Capital and funding models. How can you navigate the world of startup funding?
- She’s changing the world — Saturday, December 19, 8–9 PM EAT
Women in Entrepreneurship. Why diversity matters and what we can do to promote it.
* Workshop dates are subject to change.
T&E Ladder wants to use technology and entrepreneurship to open doors for students.
If you would like to get involved there are lots of opportunities to participate in and support this program!
High school students — Get involved by following our social media pages and attend all the exciting events we have planned for you all. Elevate your education experience to the next level.
Professors, Entrepreneurs, Investors, Mentors — Get involved by offering your support in leading workshops and participating as judges for our competitions. Become an inspiration to young innovators.
Passionate individuals — Reach out to us and we can help you join the team to create an impact. Whatever your skill set may be is helpful to us. Volunteer to bridge the digital divide!
Everyone — Follow our social pages, attend events you are interested in and reach out to us with any ideas, collaborations, or contributions you may have. We are looking to grow and impact as many students as possible.
For more information and/or questions, please contact us at: techandentrepreneurshipladder@gmail.com
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