Shubham Banajeree – Braigo Labs
How a 13 year old’s 7th grade science fair project became a company geared to create low-cost, accessible equipment and a standard for how corporation’s practice today.
Born in Hasselt, Belgium, Shubham Banajeree’s family moved to San Jose, California when he was 4 years old. At 13 years old, Banajeree used a Lego robotics kit to create Braille printer for his 7th grade school science project (the name Braigo actually originated from this; Braille + Lego = Braigo). This first version of the Braigo printer was designed to be a DIY product, with free instructions and software.
Banajeree then became the youngest individual to receive Venture Capital funding in Silicon Valley from Intel Capital – which he used to establish Braigo Labs. Braigo Labs then became a company built on the idea of creating low-cost, accessible products to give back to society. Updated versions of the Braille printer are no longer DIY-able, but still low cost in a market that makes it difficult to get the products you need at the price you can afford. According to the company’s former website, “the mission of the company is to bring Humanely Optimized technologies that are innovative, affordable and cater to solving life’s problems. Today, Braigo Labs is out of business, but it still stands an excellent example of innovation and entrepreneurship from a young person’s mind.
Shubham Banajeree is now a highly sought after keynote speaker, being featured on Worldwide Speakers Group. He speaks to corporations and at conferences, and he speaks about practicality, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He is an excellent example of innovation that addresses niche pain points. Banajeree’s example shows us that expanding a products abilities in a practical way by creating a better, more efficient, and accessible product is a powerful form of entrepreneurship.
5 Comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
The beauty of this story is that he was not seeking after making a product. He was merely completing an assignment for school. However, through putting in the effort in his studies he was able to build a company. I think this is encouraging for me because it shows that if I put time into my schoolwork, I can be rewarded.
Nicely written. I like the article.
Shubham’s story is incredible. From a school project to a business. I also like how his inventions are really helpful to those with disabilities like his brail creations.
This story is impactful. Shows how something as small as a science project can create a huge impact.
The aspect of being able to “get it out of the lab”, which in this case means school, and out into the real world where it can make a real impact, is truly amazing!