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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.