Bhubaneswar: The Young Tinker Foundation has achieved a remarkable milestone as its Founder Anil Pradhan and Co-founder Vaishali Sharma have been featured in Forbes’ 10th annual “30 Under 30 Asia” list for 2025.
They have been recognized under the Social Impact category for their pioneering efforts in transforming STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in India.
Dedicated to bridging educational gaps, the foundation has made significant strides in reaching underserved and rural communities. Their key initiatives include distributing STEM learning kits to schools and community centers, as well as launching “Tinker on Wheels”—a mobile STEM workshop that has already brought hands-on learning to over 50 schools across the country.
Sharing his excitement on X (formerly Twitter) Anil Pradhan wrote,“Thrilled to share that Vaishali Sharma and I have been named to the @Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list in the Social Impact category! Here’s to continuing the mission for underserved learners everywhere at @YoungTinkerFdn. Cheers!”
Thrilled to share that my partner, Vaishali Sharma, and I have been named to the @Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list in the Social Impact category!
Here’s to continuing the mission for underserved learners everywhere at @YoungTinkerFdn .Cheers!#ForbesUnder30 #ForbesU30Asia pic.twitter.com/01Gq6fYT0x
— Anil Pradhan (@AnilPradhanEdu) May 15, 2025
The Young Tinker Foundation has been instrumental in democratizing access to advanced technology and experiential learning. Its flagship initiative, Young Tinker Spaces, comprises innovation hubs equipped with 3D printers, coding stations, and robotics kits—offering students a space to explore, experiment, and innovate.
Since its inception, the foundation has impacted over 247,000 students and established more than 200 innovation hubs across India. These spaces do more than teach technical skills—they nurture critical thinking, creativity, and a growth mindset. The curriculum blends modern technology with real-world problem-solving to inspire students to think beyond conventional career paths.
While inclusion in the Forbes list is a prestigious recognition of their work, Pradhan and Sharma view it as just the beginning. Their mission is to expand the foundation’s reach and empower even more students across the country.
Their work has previously earned national and international acclaim, including the National Youth Award from the Government of India, a category award at the 2023 NASA Rover Challenge, and World Rank 3 at the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge.
Through their relentless efforts, the Young Tinker Foundation continues to reshape the future of education—bridging divides and preparing students with the skills essential for the jobs and challenges of tomorrow.
