Interview: Abbas Gabajiwala, Founder and CEO of Blix Education

An interview with Abbas Gabajiwala, Founder and CEO of Blix Education, a leading provider of innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) educational tools

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Abbas Gabajiwala, the visionary Founder and CEO of Blix Education Pvt. Ltd.

Under his leadership, Blix has emerged as a pioneering provider of innovative STEAM educational tools, empowering students to explore and excel in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Mr. Gabajiwala’s insights into the intersection of education and technology are invaluable as we navigate the evolving landscape of learning.

Can you tell us about your journey that led to the founding of Blix Education? What inspired you to focus on STEM?

Abbas Gabajiwala: The journey that led to the founding of Blix Education stems from a passion for both education and technology. Growing up, I was always fascinated by how things worked and enjoyed experimenting with various mechanical and electronic kits.

However, I realized that our education system often lacked the hands-on, experiential learning that truly ignites curiosity and creativity in children.

This gap inspired me to create something that could bridge theory with practical application, making learning a fun, engaging, and fulfilling experience for students.

In 2016, we founded Blix Education with a clear vision: to provide children with the tools they need to explore the world of STEM through interactive, play-based learning.

Our focus initially was on robotics and mechanics, but we soon expanded into broader STEM subjects because we understood the growing demand for these skills in the modern world.

Our mission is to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in young minds while fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

What truly drives us is seeing the spark in children’s eyes when they build something on their own and realize the potential they have.

Blix is about empowering the next generation with the confidence to innovate, create, and thrive in an increasingly technological world. We are committed to making STEM education accessible to all children, regardless of their background, and to shaping the future of learning.

How do you measure the impact of your educational tools on students’ learning and engagement?

Abbas Gabajiwala: At Blix Education, measuring the impact of our educational tools on students’ learning and engagement is central to our mission. We believe in a multi-faceted approach that evaluates both short-term and long-term outcomes.

First, we assess student engagement through direct feedback from educators and students themselves. We frequently partner with schools to observe how students interact with our STEM kits, noting their enthusiasm, participation, and curiosity during hands-on activities.

Teachers play a crucial role in this process, as they provide insights into how our tools are enhancing classroom learning and fostering engagement.

Second, we measure the learning outcomes by tracking the progress students make in problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Our products are designed to challenge students, encouraging them to think beyond textbooks and apply concepts practically.

Through assessments, project outcomes, and direct observation, we gauge how well students grasp STEM concepts and develop the cognitive skills we aim to foster.

Lastly, we focus on long-term impact, particularly how our tools influence students’ interest in STEM fields.

For this, we monitor enrollment in advanced STEM programs and courses, as well as feedback from parents and educators on students’ sustained interest in science and technology.

Ultimately, the most rewarding measure of success comes from witnessing students gain confidence, express creativity, and develop a passion for lifelong learning through our tools.

Can you share some of the innovative tools or programs Blix Education has developed? What sets them apart from traditional educational resources?

Abbas Gabajiwala: At Blix Education, we’ve developed a range of innovative tools and programs designed to make learning STEM both fun and effective.

One of our key offerings is our robotics kits, which allow students to build their own robots from scratch, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

We’ve also created DIY mechanics and electronics kits that engage students with hands-on learning, enabling them to experiment with real-world engineering concepts.

What sets our tools apart from traditional educational resources is the experiential learning approach. Instead of focusing solely on theoretical knowledge, our kits encourage students to actively participate, experiment, and learn by doing.

For instance, Our Blix Gear box kit enables children to design and learn about physics concepts such as force, torque, and speed. With this kit, children can build 10 projects, including a car where they can change gears between Reverse, Neutral, First, and Second.

And to make it easy for a child to learn we have very well designed self explanatory manuals and booklets, which reduces the stress of educators or parents to teach or assist the child.

Additionally, we’ve developed comprehensive STEM labs for schools, which not only provide students with cutting-edge tools but also integrate into the school’s curriculum.

These labs come with structured lesson plans, teacher training, and continuous support to ensure that STEM education is accessible and effective for all students, regardless of their background.

What truly differentiates Blix is our commitment to equitable education. We ensure that our tools are affordable and accessible to schools and students from various socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring every child has the opportunity to explore and learn through STEM.

What role do you think parents and the community play in enhancing STEM education?

Abbas Gabajiwala: Parents and the community play a pivotal role in enhancing STEM education. While schools provide the foundational knowledge, the support and encouragement from parents and the wider community are essential in fostering a child’s curiosity and passion for STEM subjects.

At Blix Education, we believe that learning begins at home, and parents are crucial in nurturing an environment where children feel empowered to explore, ask questions, and experiment.

When parents actively engage with their children’s education, whether by participating in hands-on activities or encouraging them to solve problems creatively, it reinforces the importance of learning beyond the classroom.

Simple acts like building a robot together or discussing how things work can ignite a child’s interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

The community also plays an influential role in shaping STEM education by creating opportunities for children to apply their learning in real-world settings.

Workshops, maker spaces, and community-driven events give children exposure to STEM in action and allow them to collaborate with peers and experts.

When schools, parents, and the community work together, children are provided with a rich, holistic environment that fosters lifelong learning.

Ultimately, the collaboration between educators, parents, and the community helps to create a supportive ecosystem where children can develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are key to thriving in the modern world.

What are some of the biggest challenges currently facing STEM education, and how can organizations like Blix Education address them?

Abbas Gabajiwala: STEM education, while crucial in preparing children for the future, faces several challenges today. One of the biggest hurdles is accessibility.

In many parts of the world, especially in rural and underserved communities, students lack access to quality STEM learning tools and resources. This creates a gap between what is taught in classrooms and the skills needed in the real world.

Additionally, there is often a lack of teacher training in STEM subjects, with educators sometimes struggling to integrate hands-on, practical learning into their lessons due to limited resources or knowledge.

Another challenge is the perception of STEM subjects. Many students see them as difficult or intimidating, which discourages participation.

This is especially true for girls, who are often underrepresented in fields like engineering and technology. Changing this mindset requires early and engaging exposure to STEM through activities that are fun, interactive, and inclusive.

At Blix Education, we are addressing these challenges by offering affordable, hands-on STEM kits and educational programs that are designed to make learning accessible and enjoyable for all students, regardless of their background.

We also focus on teacher training, providing educators with the tools and knowledge they need to create an engaging learning environment.

Additionally, our products are designed to make STEM learning exciting, sparking curiosity in students from a young age, while also encouraging inclusivity through programs aimed at girls and underrepresented groups.

By breaking down these barriers, we aim to inspire a new generation of innovators and thinkers.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make an impact in the education sector?

Abbas Gabajiwala: My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the education sector is to focus on purpose over profit. The education field is unique because you’re not just building a business; you’re shaping the future of young minds.

Start by identifying a genuine need in the market—something that can make a tangible difference in students’ lives or improve how teachers deliver education. Be passionate about solving real problems and creating value, and the business side will follow.

Another important factor is staying adaptable. Education is constantly evolving, especially with technological advancements. As entrepreneurs, it’s essential to stay updated with trends and be flexible enough to pivot when necessary.

Whether it’s integrating new learning technologies or responding to changing educational needs, innovation will keep your solutions relevant.

Collaboration is key as well. Engage with educators, parents, and even students. Their feedback will help you refine your product or service to better meet their needs.

Building strong relationships with these stakeholders also creates trust and credibility for your brand.

Finally, patience and persistence are crucial. Education is not an overnight success industry. It takes time to build trust, scale up, and demonstrate the effectiveness of your solution. Stay committed to your mission, be patient with growth, and never lose sight of the impact you aim to create.

If you keep the focus on delivering quality and solving genuine problems, you can make a meaningful difference in the education space.

What exciting developments can we expect from Blix Education in the next few years?

Abbas Gabajiwala: In the coming years, Blix Education is set to revolutionize the learning experience by introducing innovative products like a dollhouse that transforms into a smart home, where children can explore and understand the fundamentals of electricity.

Our goal is to transition from traditional toys to advanced, smart toys that inspire creativity and learning.

From controlling remote-operated toys to coding their own designs and building even more complex creations, we are empowering young minds to shape the future through play and technology.

In closing, Mr. Abbas Gabajiwala’s commitment to enhancing education through innovative STEAM tools is truly inspiring.

His vision for Blix Education not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for a dynamic future.

We thank him for sharing his journey and insights, and we look forward to seeing how Blix continues to transform education for generations to come.

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