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Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Ann Makosinski.
Main milestones
Birth in Victoria, British Columbia
October 3, 1997
Ann Makosinski was born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. From a young age, she displayed a strong curiosity and a fascination with how things worked, characteristics that would later define her path as an inventor.
Early Interest in Electronics and Problem Solving
Early Childhood
Even as a young child, Ann loved to take apart household items, like broken radios, to understand their internal mechanisms. This early exposure and hands-on experience fostered her innate ability to identify problems and devise innovative solutions.
Hollow Flashlight Invention
2013
At just 15 years old, Ann invented the Hollow Flashlight, a device that converts body heat into electricity to power an LED bulb. Inspired by a friend in the Philippines struggling without electricity to study at night, this invention demonstrated her commitment to creating sustainable solutions for real-world problems.
Google Science Fair Global Finalist
2013
Ann's Hollow Flashlight gained international attention when it was selected as a finalist in the 2013 Google Science Fair. This recognition significantly boosted her visibility and provided a platform to share her invention with a global audience, opening doors for future opportunities.
TEDxTeen Talk
2014
Ann delivered a compelling TEDxTeen talk, sharing her experiences as a young inventor and inspiring other young people to pursue their passions in STEM fields. Her engaging presentation style and relatable message resonated with audiences, further solidifying her role as a role model.
eDrink Invention
2016
Ann invented the eDrink, a mug that uses the heat of hot beverages to charge a phone. This invention showcased her continued creativity and her focus on sustainable energy solutions. It also highlighted her ability to build upon existing ideas and technologies to create innovative products.
Forbes 30 Under 30 Recognition
2017
Ann was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Energy category, recognizing her significant contributions to the field of sustainable energy and her potential to make a lasting impact. This prestigious recognition further validated her work and positioned her as a rising star in the world of innovation.
Continued Innovation and Public Speaking
2018 - Present
Ann continues to develop new inventions and participates actively in public speaking engagements. She inspires students to take risks and learn through experimentation. She continues to act as an advocate for STEM education, encouraging young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in science and technology. Ann is currently exploring further innovations and developing new prototypes.
Awards and Recognition Timeline
Google Science Fair Winner
2013
Ann won the 15-16 age category at the Google Science Fair for her thermoelectric flashlight. This was her breakthrough achievement, bringing her widespread recognition.
TIME Magazine's '30 Under 30' List
2014
Ann was named to TIME Magazine's '30 Under 30' list, recognizing her as one of the most influential young people in the world. This honor further solidified her position as a rising star in the field of innovation.
Continued Accolades
Ongoing
Ann continues to receive accolades for her contributions to science, technology, and education. These awards and recognitions serve as a testament to her dedication, talent, and impact on the world. They also help raise awareness of the importance of STEM education and innovation.
Public Speaking and Advocacy Timeline
Increased Public Speaking Invitations
2013 (Post Google Science Fair)
Following her Google Science Fair win, Ann received numerous invitations to speak at conferences, schools, and events around the world. She shared her experiences, inspiring others to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
TED Talks and Similar Engagements
2014 (and onward)
Ann delivered TED Talks and similar presentations, further amplifying her message and reaching a wider audience. She emphasized the importance of hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
Advocacy for STEM Education
Ongoing
Ann has consistently advocated for improved STEM education, particularly for young women and underrepresented groups. She encourages educators to foster a love of learning and to provide students with opportunities to explore their passions and develop their innovative potential. She uses her platform to inspire young people to become involved in the STEM field.
Mentorship and Inspiration
Ongoing
Ann has served as a mentor and role model for aspiring inventors and young scientists. She provides guidance, encouragement, and support, helping them to navigate the challenges of pursuing their dreams and to make a positive impact on the world.
Thermoelectric Flashlight Invention Timeline
Early Inspiration
2011
Ann was inspired to create the thermoelectric flashlight after learning about a friend in the Philippines who was struggling with a lack of electricity to study at night. She began researching alternative energy sources and thermoelectricity.
First Prototype Development
2012
Ann developed her first prototype of the thermoelectric flashlight, utilizing Peltier tiles to convert heat into electricity. This early version demonstrated the feasibility of her concept but required further refinement.
Google Science Fair Recognition
2013
Ann submitted her thermoelectric flashlight to the Google Science Fair. Her project was selected as a finalist, bringing her international recognition and validation for her invention. This marked a significant turning point in her career as an inventor.
Winning the 15-16 Age Category at the Google Science Fair
2013 (Global Finalist)
Ann Makosinski wins the 15-16 Age Category at the Google Science Fair.
Further Development and Refinement
Post-2013
Following her Google Science Fair success, Ann continued to refine and improve her thermoelectric flashlight design. She explored different materials, optimized the energy conversion process, and worked towards making the flashlight more efficient and practical.
The Hollow Flashlight Development Timeline
Initial Conception and Prototyping
2013-2016
Following the success of her first thermoelectric flashlight, Ann began experimenting with different heat sources to power similar devices. The concept of using the waste heat from a hot drink presented a practical and appealing challenge.
Design Refinements and Testing
2016
Ann worked on refining the design of the eDrink powered flashlight, focusing on improving the efficiency of heat transfer and energy conversion. She conducted extensive testing to optimize the performance of the device and ensure its reliability.
Public Presentation and Potential Commercialization
Post-2016
Ann publicly presented her eDrink powered flashlight at various events and exhibitions. While specific details about commercialization are not widely available, the invention showcased her continued dedication to innovative and sustainable energy solutions. It is possible that development continued or partnerships were explored for potential market entry.
Early Life and Education Timeline
Birth
October 3, 1997
Ann Makosinski was born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her early life was marked by curiosity and a fascination with how things work.
Early Interest in Electronics and Invention
Early Childhood
From a young age, Ann showed a strong interest in electronics and invention. She spent much of her free time taking apart household appliances and rebuilding them, often with modifications. This hands-on approach fostered her creativity and problem-solving skills.
Developing Scientific Curiosity
Elementary School
During her elementary school years, Ann actively participated in science projects and developed a strong foundation in scientific principles. This early exposure to scientific inquiry fueled her desire to explore complex problems and find innovative solutions.
Formalizing Inventive Talents
High School (St. Michaels University School)
Attending St. Michaels University School in Victoria provided Ann with resources and encouragement to further her inventive talents. She began focusing on more sophisticated projects, leading to her thermoelectric flashlight invention.
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Post-Secondary Education
Ann attended the University of British Columbia (UBC), although her specific major is not widely publicized. Her focus on innovation remained a central aspect of her academic pursuits, often influencing her coursework and extracurricular activities. She used her knowledge to further develop innovative technologies.
Entrepreneurial Ventures Timeline
Intellectual Property Management
Throughout Career
As an inventor, Ann likely has experience in managing and protecting her intellectual property, including patents and trademarks. This could involve working with legal professionals and developing strategies to commercialize her inventions.
Future Entrepreneurial Aspirations
Potential Future Ventures
Given her inventive talent and public speaking abilities, Ann may have future aspirations to start her own company or to license her inventions to established businesses. Her experience and network provide a solid foundation for future entrepreneurial success.
Personal Life and Interests Timeline
Broad Range of Interests
General Interests
While Ann's professional life is heavily focused on science and technology, she also has a range of other interests. These likely include activities such as reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Specific details about her personal hobbies are generally kept private.
Travel Experiences
Travel
As a public speaker and inventor, Ann has had opportunities to travel extensively around the world. These travels have exposed her to different cultures and perspectives, broadening her understanding of global challenges and inspiring her to create solutions that address real-world needs.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Ongoing
Ann actively works to balance her demanding professional life with her personal interests and relationships. She understands the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout and to stay inspired and creative.
1 January, 2018
In 2018, Ann Makosinski was named one of Glamour magazine's College Women of the
Year. In 2018, Makosinski presented her invention of the "eDrink mug" to Jimmy
Fallon on the Tonight Show, which uses heat from a drink to charge a phone and
was awarded $5,000 to support her education. She was also in negotiations to
commercially manufacture and distribute the flashlight. In 2018, Ann Makosinski
won four major awards from the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
1 January, 2016
In 2016, Ann Makosinski was voted the Popular Science Young Inventor of the
Year. In 2016, she also won a $50,000 investment from the Quest Climate Grant,
supported by Canadian Geographic and Shell Energy North America for inventions
powered by body heat and was appointed a global brand ambassador for Uniqlo.
1 January, 2017
In 2017, Ann Makosinski was included on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
1 January, 2011
According to the text, Ann Makosinski is known for her invention of the
thermoelectric flashlight in 2011.
1 January, 2013
In 2013, Ann Makosinski won the Google Science Fair for her invention of the
thermoelectric flashlight. She also presented her invention at TEDx Richmond and
TEDx Vancouver and won a gold medal at the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Later that
year, she appeared in a Time magazine article about influential people younger
than 30 years old.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Ann Makosinski
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 | This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (November 2022) |
Ann Makosinski is a Canadian inventor and public speaker. She is known for her invention of the thermoelectric flashlight in 2011.
Key Information
_2.jpg)
Early life and education
[edit] | This section of a biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (December 2022) |
Makosinski is of Filipino and Polish descent.[1] Makosinski's family lives in Saanich, British Columbia.[2] Her father is a retired lab manager with two medical patents.[3] From a young age, she became fond of tinkering with different trinkets that she found around the house. One of her first toys was a box of transistors. She started soldering circuits by the age of 9. In sixth grade, Ann began competing in science fairs.[4]
For her grade 7 science project, Makosinski invented a radio powered by the wasted heat from a candle. Two years later, she built a piezoelectric flashlight of her own design.[5]
At 15, Makosinski decided to invent a light source that would not require any batteries and could be charged using the heat from the user's hand. In the end, she came up with the Hollow Flashlight,[6] a first-of-its-kind renewable flashlight that did not require any changing of batteries or charging. Her inspiration for this idea came when a friend from the Philippines told her that she had failed a class in school because she did not have any electricity at home and could therefore not study at night. She ended up taking first place at both the Google Science Fair and Intel Science & Engineering Fair. She also showed her invention on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, gave three TEDx talks, and was on Time Magazine's 30, Under 30, World Changers list all before she finished high school.
Makosinski attended the University of British Columbia from 2015 to 2018, where she studied English Literature. While at school, Makosinski became the face of Uniqlo's Heattech Fleece campaign and she also received the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Award. In 2019, Ann ventured away from her science domain of expertise and enrolled into the Herbert Berghof Studios school of acting in New York City. While in NYC Ann worked on a line of children's toys that ran on green energy, which were later profiled on CNN. She subsequently resumed her study of English literature at the University of Victoria from which she received her BA in 2021.[7]
Thermoelectric flashlight
[edit]In 2013, Makosinski won the Google Science Fair for her invention of the thermoelectric flashlight.[8][9] The device relies on the thermoelectric effect using Peltier tiles. It is hollow to increase convection currents.[5] In 2018 she was in negotiations to commercially manufacture and distribute the flashlight.[10][11] She was inspired by her mother's homeland in the Philippines, where a friend failed a course because she did not have electricity to study at night.[9][12]
In 2013, she presented her invention at TEDx Richmond and TEDx Vancouver and won a gold medal at the Canada-Wide Science Fair.[3][13][14] Later that year, she appeared in a Time magazine article about influential people younger than 30 years old.[15] In 2016, she was voted the Popular Science Young Inventor of the Year.[16]
The eDrink Coffee Mug
[edit]The eDrink Coffee Mug, Makosinski's second invention, was a coffee mug that used the excess heat of a hot drink while waiting for it to cool down and converts it into electricity. This electricity could then be used for a plethora of different things such as charging a phone, tablet, headphones, etc. The mug has yet to hit the commercial market. Similar to The Hollow Flashlight, this product is able to harvest residual thermal energy to create useful power. Makosinski was invited back on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to debut the eDrink.[17]
Career
[edit]In 2016, Makosinski won a $50,000 investment from the Quest Climate Grant, supported by Canadian Geographic and Shell Energy North America for inventions powered by body heat.[18] Later that year, she was appointed a global brand ambassador for Uniqlo.[10][19][20]
In 2017, Makosinski was included on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.[21][22] She was also named one of Glamour magazine's 2018 College Women of the Year.[23]
In 2018, Makosinski presented her invention of the "eDrink mug" to Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show, which uses heat from a drink to charge a phone.[24][25][26] As a prize, The Tonight Show gave her $5,000 to support her education.[27]
In 2018, Makosinski won four major awards from the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.[28]
Makosinski is the founder of Makotronics Enterprises and has filed several patents.[29][30]
References
[edit]- ^ Ramos-Reid, Rachel. "Ann Makosinski: The Girl Next Door is a Young Scientist - Canadian Filipino Net". canadianfilipino.net. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ Smart, Amy. "Saanich student, 16, shows off invention on Tonight Show". Times Colonist. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ a b "Ann Makosinski, Google Science Fair Finalist Heads To Calif., Hits TEDx Circuit (VIDEO)". HuffPost Canada. 2013-09-20. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ "Ann Makosinski: Inventing your UBC experience". UBC | Undergraduate Programs and Admissions. Retrieved 2023-02-15.
- ^ a b "Will Ann Makosinski change the world? (Includes interview and first-hand account)". 2013-07-03. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ Babida, Blair (2018-07-13). "Hollow Flashlight". EEWeb. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ "Ann (Andini) Makosinski". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ Google Science Fair (2014-02-11), Can I power a flashlight without batteries? | Ann Makosinski, retrieved 2018-07-31
{{citation}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ a b "Fil-Canadian teen's invention gets Google's attention". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ a b "Ann Makosinski - Jeff Jacobson Agency". www.jeffjacobsonagency.com. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ "Not your usual 19-year-old". SooToday.com. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ "This 18-Year-Old Invented A Coffee Mug That Can Charge Your Phone". Popular Science. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ TEDx Talks (2013-11-25), Be the source: Ann Makosinski at TEDxRenfrewCollingwood, retrieved 2018-07-31
- ^ "Young Innovators: Ann Makosinski of Makotronics Enterprises — Douglas Magazine". Douglas Magazine. 2018-01-29. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ Rhodan, Maya. "These Are the 30 People Under 30 Changing the World". Time. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ Popular Science (2016-09-20), Meet Ann Makosinski: Our Young Inventor Of The Year, retrieved 2018-07-31
- ^ The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2015-10-08), Fallonventions: eDrink, retrieved 2018-07-31
- ^ "Ann Makosinski, B.C. Teen Inventor, Wins $50,000 In Latest Achievement". HuffPost Canada. 2015-12-23. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ TakePart (2016-10-26), Make Better Today – Ann Makosinski | Presented by TakePart + Lenovo, retrieved 2018-07-31
- ^ Iswarienko, Kurt (2016-03-11), Uniqlo - Ann Makosinski "Flashlight Girl", retrieved 2018-07-31
- ^ CBC News (2017-01-05), Teen inventor lands on Forbes 30 under 30 list, retrieved 2018-07-31
- ^ Michaels, Written by Koby. "UBC student Ann Makosinski named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list". The Ubyssey. Archived from the original on 2021-04-14. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ Militare, Jessica. "10 College Women on Activism, #MeToo, and Calling B.S. on Perfection". Glamour. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ Luymes, Glenda. "Jimmy Fallon turns spotlight on Victoria teen's flashlight". www.theprovince.com. Archived from the original on 2018-08-01. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ "Saanich teen's newest invention can use hot coffee to power devices". Global News. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2015-10-08), Fallonventions: eDrink, retrieved 2018-07-31
- ^ "Ann Makosinski's Tonight Show Segment Makes Victoria Proud". HuffPost Canada. 2014-02-20. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ "Ann Makosinski: Inventing your UBC experience". UBC | Undergraduate Programs and Admissions. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ "Ann Makosinski". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
- ^ "Patents Assigned to MAKOTRONICS ENTERPRISES INC. - Justia Patents Search". patents.justia.com. Retrieved 2018-07-31.
| International | |
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| National | |
Ann Makosinski
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and education
Early life
Ann Makosinski was born on October 3, 1997, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, to a mother of Filipino descent and a father of Polish descent with Armenian heritage.[8][4] Her family resided in nearby Saanich, where her father worked as a retired lab manager holding two medical patents and her mother, originally from a small village in the Philippines, held a degree in teaching and encouraged creative pursuits.[9][8] From a young age, Makosinski displayed a strong inclination toward invention and tinkering, often using household items like a glue gun and scrap materials to build creations due to limited toys.[9] By the age of nine, she was soldering circuits and assembling simple electronics, fostering her interest in science and engineering through hands-on experimentation.[10] This inventive mindset was influenced by her father's tinkering habits and her mother's support for exploring diverse interests, including art and STEM.[9] A pivotal inspiration came during her early teenage years from a pen pal in the Philippines who struggled with unreliable electricity, preventing her from studying after dark and leading to failing grades; this sparked Makosinski's focus on sustainable energy solutions.[11] She attended St. Michaels University School in Victoria, British Columbia, where she continued developing her passion for innovation through science fairs and projects.[12] These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her later pursuits in STEM and creative fields.Education
Makosinski completed her secondary education at St. Michaels University School in Victoria, British Columbia, graduating in 2015. During her time at the school, she developed early science projects, including inventions entered into science fairs that highlighted her emerging interest in sustainable technology.[13][14] In 2015, she enrolled at the University of British Columbia, pursuing English Literature through the Arts One program, which she attended for just over two years until 2018. This academic path enabled her to integrate her STEM passions with humanities studies, turning down an engineering scholarship in favor of a broader creative exploration.[15][16][13] Makosinski transferred to the University of Victoria in the 2018/19 academic year, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Film Studies, graduating in summer 2023. Her university studies emphasized interdisciplinary connections between literature, film, and her inventive background.[16][17] In 2019, she undertook a one-year acting program at the Herbert Berghof Studio in New York City, reflecting her commitment to STEAM principles that blend science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.[18] Beyond formal coursework, Makosinski taught herself electronics and invention techniques through hands-on experimentation, starting with disassembling household devices as a child and advancing independently during her academic years.[13]Inventions
Hollow Flashlight
Ann Makosinski developed the Hollow Flashlight in 2013 at the age of 15 as a battery-free lighting device powered by body heat.[19][20] The invention, also known as the thermoelectric flashlight, emerged from her high school science projects and was initially prototyped to address the challenges of electricity scarcity in developing regions.[21][22] The core technology relies on Peltier tiles, which are thermoelectric modules that convert a temperature gradient into electrical energy through the Seebeck effect.[21][19] In the design, one side of the tiles is heated by the warmth of the user's hand (typically around 37°C), while the other side is cooled by ambient air, creating a difference of at least 5°C to generate sufficient voltage—up to 5.4 milliwatts—to power a small LED bulb.[20][19] This process eliminates the need for batteries, reducing waste and dependency on external power sources.[20] Makosinski's development process began in seventh grade with early experiments using Peltier tiles, evolving into multiple prototypes tested during science fairs.[22][21] She iterated on designs, initially using aluminum tubes for better heat conduction and later incorporating PVC for insulation, while addressing challenges like low voltage output by adding transformers and simple circuits.[21][19] Testing focused on optimizing heat transfer, with prototypes evaluated for brightness (achieving about 5 foot-candles) and duration (over 20 minutes in cool conditions like 5–10°C), ensuring ergonomic handling without additional fans in the final version.[20][21] The flashlight's design incorporates affordable, accessible components such as Peltier tiles, an aluminum heat sink tube, and a single LED, keeping production costs under $30 per unit—approximately $26 with basic assembly.[21] Its hollow structure maximizes the temperature differential by allowing air circulation around the cold side, making it lightweight and suitable for prolonged handheld use.[19][21] Inspired by her pen pal in the Philippines, who struggled with homework due to unreliable electricity and the high cost of batteries, Makosinski aimed to create a sustainable solution for off-grid communities worldwide.[22][19] The invention targeted everyday needs like studying or basic illumination in areas without power infrastructure, promoting energy independence through human-generated thermal energy.[21][20] This project marked the beginning of Makosinski's public recognition in the field of sustainable inventions.[21]eDrink Coffee Mug
The eDrink Coffee Mug is a thermoelectric device invented by Ann Makosinski in 2015 as her second major project following the success of her Hollow Flashlight. Developed during her final year of high school, it was presented as part of Team Canada at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Pittsburgh, where it earned recognition as a finalist project.[5][23] The core technology relies on the Seebeck effect, utilizing Peltier tiles—thermoelectric generators embedded in the mug's base—to convert excess thermal energy from a hot beverage into electrical power. When filled with a hot drink, such as coffee, the liquid heats one side of the tiles while the ambient air or a conductive surface cools the other, generating electricity stored in an internal battery for output via a USB port. This allows the mug to provide a modest charge to devices like smartphones or music players, typically enough for about 30 minutes of use from a standard cup of coffee. The design incorporates an insulated stainless-steel mug body to retain drink temperature, with the thermoelectric modules integrated into a stable base that facilitates heat transfer without external power sources. Early prototypes included optimizations for efficiency, drawing on lessons from thermoelectric applications in her prior work.[5][24][25] Makosinski conceived the eDrink to address the common frustrations of hot drinks cooling too slowly and portable electronics running out of battery, inspired by complaints from her peers. By repurposing waste heat that would otherwise dissipate unused, the invention promotes sustainable energy harvesting in everyday scenarios, with potential applications in portable, eco-friendly charging solutions. In 2016, the prototype secured a $5,000 award from General Electric at the ISEF alumni event, highlighting its innovative approach to energy conversion.[5][15]Green energy-powered toys
In 2019–2020, Makosinski developed a line of children's toys powered by green energy sources, such as solar and kinetic energy, designed to promote sustainable STEM education and inspire young learners to engage with renewable technologies. The project, profiled by CNN, aimed to make environmental concepts accessible and fun through interactive play.[26]Awards and recognition
Science and invention awards
Ann Makosinski's inventions garnered significant recognition in competitive science fairs and engineering competitions, particularly those focused on sustainable energy solutions. In 2013, at the age of 15, she won a gold medal at the Canada-Wide Science Fair for her Hollow Flashlight, a battery-free device powered by body heat using Peltier tiles to generate electricity from the temperature difference between the hand and ambient air.[27] That same year, her project secured the grand prize in the 15-16 age category at the Google Science Fair, earning her a $25,000 scholarship from Google and partners including LEGO Education.[28][12] Building on this success, Makosinski presented her Hollow Flashlight at TEDx events in Richmond and Vancouver in 2013, where she demonstrated the invention's potential to provide light in off-grid areas without relying on batteries or external power sources, further highlighting its innovative approach to thermoelectric energy harvesting.[29] In 2015, she advanced as a finalist at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) with her eDrink Coffee Mug, which converts excess heat from hot beverages into electrical energy to charge small devices like smartphones. At ISEF 2015, the eDrink received special awards, including the Fourth Award of $500 from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Society.[30][31] In 2016, Makosinski received a $5,000 award from General Electric at the ISEF alumni recognition event for the continued innovation and impact of the eDrink, underscoring its practical contributions to energy efficiency in everyday consumer products.[5]Media and public honors
Following her success at the Google Science Fair in 2013, which served as a precursor to her media spotlight, Ann Makosinski gained widespread viral recognition for her sustainable inventions, leading to international trips, interviews, and features in global media outlets focused on her body-heat-powered technologies.[28][32] In 2013, Makosinski was named to Time magazine's 30 Under 30 list in the World Changers category, recognized for her innovative hollow flashlight that converts body heat into usable energy without batteries.[33] This accolade highlighted her potential to address global access to electricity through sustainable tech.[33] Makosinski appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon twice during this period, first in 2014 to demonstrate her hollow flashlight and again in October 2015 to showcase her eDrink coffee mug, which harnesses beverage heat to charge devices.[34][35] These appearances amplified her profile, earning her a $50,000 grant from General Electric via the show's Fallonventions segment.[15] She delivered multiple TEDx talks between 2013 and 2016, including "Be the Source" at TEDxRenfrewCollingwood in 2013, where she discussed her flashlight's design inspired by energy poverty; "A Green Metamorphosis" at TEDxRedmond in 2013 on sustainable innovation; "The Problem with Inventions" at TEDxVictoria in 2014; and "Why I Don't Use a Smart Phone" at TEDxTeen in 2016, advocating for reduced tech dependency.[36][37][38][39] These talks, viewed millions of times collectively, emphasized creativity and environmental impact in invention.[40] In 2016, Popular Science named Makosinski the Breakout Young Inventor of the Year in their Invention Awards for the eDrink, praising her ability to transform everyday heat waste into practical energy solutions.[41] The following year, she was included on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in the Energy category, celebrated for her thermoelectric devices advancing off-grid power accessibility.[42] In 2018, she was named one of Glamour magazine's College Women of the Year.[43] In 2020, she was recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's Young Millionaires list.[44] These honors underscored her influence in popular media, positioning her as a leading young voice in sustainable technology from 2014 to 2017.[6]Career
Public speaking and advocacy
Ann Makosinski began her public speaking career in 2013 with several TEDx talks focused on her invention process and the inspirations behind her thermoelectric flashlight. At TEDxRenfrewCollingwood, she discussed the design and motivation for creating a battery-free light source, drawing from her experiences helping her friend in the Philippines without reliable electricity.[36] She also spoke at TEDxRedmond on themes of environmental transformation through innovation, emphasizing sustainable solutions.[37] Following her success at the 2013 Google Science Fair, Makosinski expanded her speaking engagements globally after 2014, addressing schools, conferences, and youth events on integrating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) into education. In 2017, she delivered a keynote at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the power of STEAM to foster problem-solving and innovation among students.[45] Her talks often reference her inventions briefly as examples of practical application, underscoring the importance of hands-on learning. As an advocate for increasing girls' participation in STEM, Makosinski has participated in numerous interviews, panels, and summits, stressing the role of creativity, embracing failure, and diverse perspectives in innovation. She promotes these ideas through discussions on overcoming barriers for young women in tech, drawing from her own journey as a mixed-race inventor.[46] Key themes in her advocacy include bridging the arts and sciences to spark holistic creativity and developing sustainable technologies tailored to needs in underserved regions, such as energy-efficient devices for areas with limited resources.[47] In recent years (2023–2025), Makosinski has continued her advocacy with keynote speeches on authenticity in innovation, exploring how genuine storytelling drives impactful ideas and personal branding.[46] She also hosted a BBC World Service series, "Hedy Lamarr: Untold Legends," which spotlights overlooked female inventors and their contributions to STEM, aiming to inspire the next generation of women in science.[46] Additionally, she keynoted the 2023 Girls and STEAM Summit, encouraging participants to infuse humanity and beauty into STEM designs.[48]Entrepreneurship and writing
In 2014, Makosinski founded Makotronics Enterprises, a company dedicated to commercializing her inventions and pursuing intellectual property protections, including patents for the Hollow Flashlight and eDrink coffee mug.[49] The firm focuses on sustainable thermoelectric technologies, enabling her to transition from prototyping to market-ready applications in energy harvesting.[7] By 2018, Makosinski had secured multiple patents for thermoelectric devices through Makotronics, such as the thermoelectrically powered portable light source (filed in 2016). These filings protected innovations that convert body heat or excess thermal energy into usable electricity, establishing a foundation for green technology commercialization.[5] In 2016, she became a global brand ambassador for Uniqlo, promoting the company's Heattech fleece line by drawing parallels between its heat-retaining fabric and her own body-heat-powered inventions.[3] This role highlighted her ability to blend innovation with consumer products, amplifying her entrepreneurial reach.[50] Makosinski is authoring her debut book, The Inventing Mindset, slated for publication by Knopf Canada in spring 2025, which examines creativity, resilience in the face of failure, and the integration of STEAM disciplines in invention.[51] From 2023 to 2025, her entrepreneurial efforts have expanded into green technology through hosting the Greentech Festival and Green Awards in cities including Singapore, London, New York, and Los Angeles, alongside media production such as co-producing two seasons of the financial literacy series Your World on Money for Gen Z and hosting a BBC World Service series on inventor Hedy Lamarr.[7]References
- https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14920410