When two worlds of innovation intersect—one rooted in hands-on scientific experimentation and the other in everyday tech exploration—the result is both fascinating and inspiring. That’s precisely what unfolded when American YouTube inventor Mark Rober and India’s popular tech creator Techburner (Shlok Srivastava) joined forces during Rober’s visit to India for the Waves Summit 2025.
The collaboration brought together two distinctly different but
equally influential content creators. Rober, known for turning complex science
into accessible entertainment, and Techburner, the go-to guide for gadget
lovers across India, teamed up to explore Indian-made technology. But amidst
the fun, tinkering, and filming, one key question emerged: Which Indian gadget would Mark Rober
find most impressive?
Techburner, ever the entertainer and educator, had prepared a
selection of homegrown tech products that showcased Indian ingenuity—devices
crafted not only for performance but also for solving challenges unique to the
country. From affordable smart home devices to sustainable innovations for
rural communities, each gadget had a purpose beyond its appearance.
The gadget lineup featured an eclectic mix: a water purifier that runs
without electricity, an emergency phone charger powered by a hand crank, a
foldable electric kettle for travelers, and even a low-cost air quality monitor
designed for urban households. Each product reflected India's growing ability
to merge utility with affordability—a theme that resonated deeply with Rober.
Yet, it wasn’t the high-tech items or futuristic designs that caught
Rober’s eye. Instead, he gravitated toward something unexpected—a tiny,
battery-operated personal cooling device crafted for India's hot and humid
climate. Roughly the size of a smartphone, this compact gadget blew a gentle
stream of cool air using evaporative cooling and could be clipped onto shirts,
bags, or desks.
Dubbed the “wearable cooler” by Techburner, this unassuming device
became Rober’s favorite for a few important reasons. First, it addressed a
real, everyday problem: the overwhelming heat endured by millions of people
during Indian summers. Second, it did so in a way that was clever,
energy-efficient, and extremely accessible to the masses.
“This is such a smart design,” Rober remarked during their video
shoot. “It doesn’t try to be the most powerful fan or the fanciest product.
It’s solving a very real problem in the most straightforward and creative way.”
What impressed Rober even more was the device’s origin story.
Developed by a small startup in Ahmedabad, the cooler had been designed with
street vendors, auto-rickshaw drivers, and school-going children in
mind—individuals who don’t always have access to air conditioning but need
comfort on the move. Using a combination of lightweight materials, a
rechargeable battery, and simple airflow mechanics, the device was
cost-effective yet surprisingly efficient.
Techburner pointed out how such inventions often emerge from
necessity. “India has so many different climates and conditions. That pushes
innovators here to think differently. You’ll find gadgets that might not exist
anywhere else in the world—but they’re solving problems that matter to
millions.”
Rober couldn’t agree more. He emphasized how innovation isn’t always
about creating something entirely new—it’s often about rethinking what already
exists and tailoring it to real-life scenarios. This perspective aligned
closely with his mission at CrunchLabs, his platform designed to promote
experiential learning and creativity in STEM through engineering kits and
challenges.
The duo’s playful exploration of Indian gadgets sparked an insightful
dialogue about the future of innovation. Rober, who’s built rockets and glitter
bombs to catch porch pirates, found just as much value in a pocket-sized cooler
as he did in his large-scale engineering projects. To him, the elegance of
engineering lies in its relevance—and this Indian gadget checked all the boxes.
As the video featuring their interaction went live, fans from across
the globe responded with enthusiasm. Indian viewers felt a deep sense of pride,
seeing their local technology celebrated by an international icon. For younger
audiences, especially aspiring engineers and inventors, the message was clear:
impactful innovation doesn’t always require big labs or massive investments.
Sometimes, all it takes is empathy, a clear understanding of a problem, and the
determination to find a solution.
Rober’s appreciation for the wearable cooler wasn’t just about its
function—it was a nod to the spirit of Indian innovation. It highlighted how
grassroots solutions, born from necessity, could stand tall on the global stage
when backed by thoughtful design and practical value.
In wrapping up their session, Techburner asked Rober what he would
take back from his India experience. With a smile, Rober responded, “This little cooler—and a ton of
inspiration.”
Jugaad
Contest 2025: ₹5 Lakh Prizes for India’s Brightest Inventors
To take this spirit of innovation even further, Mark Rober has launched the Jugaad
Contest 2025, inviting inventors across India to showcase their
most clever, creative ideas using everyday household items. Whether you’re 8 or
80, if you’ve got a smart fix or hack that solves a real-world problem, this is
your moment.
From April
30, 2025, to September 15, 2025, ten lucky winners will each
receive ₹5 lakh
for their outstanding Jugaad inventions. Simply post a video of your creation
on Facebook, X,
YouTube, or Instagram using the hashtag #MarkRoberJugaad.
Entries must include the video link
at markroberjugaad.com
to be eligible.
Note: Posting on social media alone is not enough—you
must also submit the link through the contest site. If you’re under 18, your
parent or guardian must enter on your behalf.
No purchase is necessary. The contest is open to legal residents of
India, ages 8+, and full rules are available at CrunchLabs.
This initiative is backed by CrunchLabs,
Mark’s Willy Wonka-style engineering lab in the San Francisco Bay Area, which
builds hands-on STEM kits and produces wildly entertaining videos to get kids
excited about science.
Mark Rober’s journey through India has become more than just a
memorable collaboration—it’s now a call to action for the next generation of
Indian inventors. So, whether you’re crafting coolers, coding robots, or
creating clever life hacks—your
Jugaad could be next to win big.
Ready to change the world with your invention?
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