Ann Makosinski, a 26-year-old Canadian, rose to prominence at the age of 13 after creating a battery-free torch. She is now not only a rich CEO of a technology business but also a brand ambassador for a beauty brand. She urges more females to move outside of their comfort zones and explore a wide range of opportunities by sharing her own experiences.
Ann had a strong desire to invent since she was a child. She began playing with transistors and electronic components as a child of three. She made a “detachable carriage” out of cardboard when she was five years old. She took part in the first science fair when she was 11 years old, and she became particularly interested in renewable energy.
Ann met a local acquaintance when she was 13 and on a trip to the Philippines with her mother. This buddy told her about the difficulties of handling household tasks and caring for siblings, which left little time for studies. After finishing everyday activities, they found it impossible to study due to a lack of electricity in their home.
Ann was very moved by this narrative and dedicated herself to finding a solution for illumination that did not require electricity. She eventually used “Peltier tiles,” which produce energy from heat, to build a torch that could be powered just by holding it. At the age of 15, her invention won her the Google Science Fair. She commented after earning the award,
“When faced with a problem, I take the initiative to try and solve it myself rather than waiting for someone else’s help.”
Ann has continued to introduce new innovations since attaining fame at an early age. People expected her to attend a science university, but she astonished them by seeking a degree in English literature. During her four years at university, she featured on numerous variety shows, gave TED presentations, and even became a UNIQLO ambassador.
However, there were critics who claimed that as a female figure in the tech industry, she focused too much on her appearance and being in the spotlight, rather than being professionally oriented. Ann promptly responded, stating,
“People always want women to live up to their expectations, but all I can do is keep moving forward. As long as I can be at the forefront, other girls won’t be afraid to follow suit.”
