Robotticaa Empowers Future Innovators with Hands-On Robotics Education
In a world rapidly advancing towards automation and artificial intelligence, the need for practical STEM education has never been greater. Robotticaa, founded by Kripa Ruia and Bhoomika Sheth, is bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Their institute trains students from Grade 1 to engineering levels in Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and AI, with a singular mission: to cultivate the innovators of tomorrow who create technology, not just consume it.
A Shared Vision Formed on Facebook
The story of Robotticaa begins with a serendipitous connection. Kripa Ruia, a fresh engineering graduate, harbored a childhood dream of building robots. "As a kid, seeing a remote-controlled car moving in front of me motivated me," she recalls. She wanted to share this passion and knowledge with others. Meanwhile, Bhoomika Sheth, also an engineer, was looking to venture into the education sector, specifically focusing on emerging technologies like IoT and machine learning.
They connected through Facebook, and despite being complete strangers, they realized their visions aligned perfectly. "We met, and we found that our thoughts were the same," says Kripa. This alignment led to the birth of Robotticaa, a platform designed to combine their technical expertise to nurture young minds.
More Than Just Coding
While many ed-tech platforms focus solely on software, Robotticaa emphasizes the intersection of hardware and software. They believe that true innovation happens when students can build physical systems that interact with the digital world. Their curriculum covers:
- Robotics: Building and programming autonomous machines.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting physical devices to the internet for data exchange.
- 3D Printing: Prototyping and manufacturing custom parts.
- Machine Learning: Teaching computers to learn from data.
The "Innovator" Mindset
Robotticaa's approach goes beyond textbooks. They focus on:
- Problem Solving: challenging students to solve real-world problems with tech.
- Hands-on Learning: "Do it yourself" philosophy is central to their teaching.
- Future Readiness: Preparing students for jobs that don't even exist yet.
Overcoming the Hardware Hurdle
Building a hardware-focused education startup in India comes with significant challenges. One major hurdle Robotticaa faced was the reliance on imported components, primarily from China. "In robotics, hardware is too important," Bhoomika explains. Trade disputes and logistical issues often made sourcing components difficult.
However, they viewed this challenge as an opportunity. It reinforced their belief in the importance of teaching students to understand the fundamentals of hardware, encouraging a shift towards indigenous innovation and manufacturing in the long run.
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape
For Kripa and Bhoomika, the journey wasn't just about teaching robots; it was about learning to run a business. Coming from engineering backgrounds, they had to quickly adapt to the demands of marketing, sales, and operations.
"Initially, convincing parents was a challenge," Kripa admits. "They would ask, 'Why is this needed? My child is doing fine in school.'" The founders had to educate parents on the long-term value of STEM skills, explaining that these aren't just hobbies but essential skills for the future workforce.
Advice for Aspiring Founders
- Well Begun is Half Done: Don't overthink. Just start. Once you take the first step, things start falling into place.
- Believe in Your Product: If you don't believe in what you're selling, no one else will.
- Keep Innovating: The tech landscape changes daily. You must keep learning and updating your offerings.
- Family Support Matters: Both founders credit their families' emotional and financial support as a crucial pillar of their success.
Inspired by Giants
When asked about their role models, both founders look up to stalwarts of Indian industry. Kripa cites Ratan Tata for his ethical leadership and vision. Bhoomika finds inspiration in Sudha Murthy, admiring her simplicity and vast contributions to society and education. Following in these footsteps, they aim to build Robotticaa into an institution that not only generates profit but creates lasting value for society.
The Future is Automated
Robotticaa is more than just a coaching center; it's an incubator for the next generation of Indian scientists and entrepreneurs. By catching them young—sometimes as early as Grade 1—Kripa and Bhoomika are planting the seeds for a future where India is a global leader in robotics and innovation.