PRANAVAN SANTHANAKRISHNAN Sneha Priya and Harish Sampathkumar — recent (2012) engineering graduates of the top-ranked College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University — have chosen to decline high-paying jobs to promote the Chennai-based SP Robotic Works Pvt. Ltd (SPRW, estb. 2012) and Aikaa Automation Pvt. Ltd (AAPL, 2014). SPRW manufactures robot components and offers robotics education to school children, and AAPL provides a range of customised home automation solutions.
“We’ve got off to a fast start by successfully developing 1,000 robotic kits, micro controller boards, and sensors among other products for our online store, training 250 school students to construct robots through our certified 14-month Kidobotikz programme, and conducting robotics workshops for engineering students. Moreover, we are developing a three-year Rovatec Labs training programme, which provides experiential hands-on training to college students,” says Sneha Priya.
Even while stimulating interest in robotics of school and college students, the trio is conducting extensive research in home and industrial automation. “We are now ready to provide customised solutions to automate homes and building complexes. We have developed a smart app which enables users to control lights, fans, projectors, curtains, air conditioners and other electrical appliances in their homes from anywhere in the world through a smartphone or tablet,” says Pranavan. The trio’s interest in robotics was aroused while in college where they participated and won numerous national and international robotics championships. After graduating in 2012, the three invested Rs.3 lakh from their personal savings into the promotion of SPRW.
Having quietly acquired a reputation for dispensing high-quality robotics education over the past two years, the young engineers have ambitious future plans. “We intend to expand our operations through the franchise model. Our Kidobotikz programme has greatly enthused parents with some of them becoming our franchisees,” says Harish. “Moreover, we propose to set up state-of the-art labs in engineering colleges to enable practical training in electronics, embedded systems, robotics and printed circuit board designing,” he adds.
Way to go!
Hemalatha Raghupathi (Chennai)
Mira Erda
INDIA'S FIRST FEMALE karting enthusiast Mira Erda (14) is blazing a trail on national and international motor racing circuits. Winner of five championships since she debuted in 2010, this Vadodara-based teen who graduated to the junior class — reserved for karters in the 14-18 age group — at age 12, is set to race in the JK Formula 4 Championship scheduled to be held at Delhi’s Buddha International Circuit later this month. Formula 4 Championships are a stepping stone to Formula 1 racing.
Born and raised in a motor sports loving family — her elder brother Vrajesh (19) has competed in the One From a Billion tournament to select drivers for the Force India Formula 1 team, while her father Kirit was an avid motorbike racer in his youth — this class IX student of Rosary High School, Vadodara, is highly appreciative of the solid parental support she’s received. 
Inducted into motorsport in 2010, Mira trained intensively under the supervision of her father at the Vadodara and Kolhapur circuits to prepare for her first JK Tyre National Rotax Max Championship. She was ranked #7 in the Micro Max category and was awarded the ‘Best New Upcoming Driver of the Year 2010’ trophy. Two years later, she bagged her first trophy overseas at the Sepang International Karting Circuit, Malaysia. “There’s no limit to what girls and women can achieve,” enthuses Mira, who has been specially invited to participate in the Lotus Ladies Cup in Hungary next year, where she will race with the best women drivers from around the world.
Although still in her early teens, Mira is licenced by Federation of Motor Sports Clubs, India and FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) which qualifies her to race in India and abroad. Most of her expenses are sponsored by her father, engaged in the internet and cable service business. She is also sponsored by the popular sports channel Star Sports.
Even as Mira aspires to become the first Indian woman Formula 1 driver and bring glory to Indian motor sports, she doesn’t neglect her schooling. “After Plus Two, I plan to sign up for a home science degree, while pursuing my Formula 1 racing dream,” she says.
Power to your engine!
Avantika Shankar (Mumbai)