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When two worlds of innovation intersect—one rooted in hands-on scientific experimentation and the other in everyday tech exploration—the result is both fascinating and inspiring. That’s precisely what unfolded when American YouTube inventor Mark Rober and India’s popular tech creator Techburner (Shlok Srivastava) joined forces during Rober’s visit to India for the Waves Summit 2025.
The collaboration brought together two distinctly different but equally influential content creators. Rober, known for turning complex science into accessible entertainment, and Techburner, the go-to guide for gadget lovers across India, teamed up to explore Indian-made technology. But amidst the fun, tinkering, and filming, one key question emerged: Which Indian gadget would Mark Rober find most impressive?
Techburner, ever the entertainer and educator, had prepared a selection of homegrown tech products that showcased Indian ingenuity—devices crafted not only for performance but also for solving challenges unique to the country. From affordable smart home devices to sustainable innovations for rural communities, each gadget had a purpose beyond its appearance.
The gadget lineup featured an eclectic mix: a water purifier that runs without electricity, an emergency phone charger powered by a hand crank, a foldable electric kettle for travelers, and even a low-cost air quality monitor designed for urban households. Each product reflected India’s growing ability to merge utility with affordability—a theme that resonated deeply with Rober.
Yet, it wasn’t the high-tech items or futuristic designs that caught Rober’s eye. Instead, he gravitated toward something unexpected—a tiny, battery-operated personal cooling device crafted for India’s hot and humid climate. Roughly the size of a smartphone, this compact gadget blew a gentle stream of cool air using evaporative cooling and could be clipped onto shirts, bags, or desks.
Dubbed the “wearable cooler” by Techburner, this unassuming device became Rober’s favorite for a few important reasons. First, it addressed a real, everyday problem: the overwhelming heat endured by millions of people during Indian summers. Second, it did so in a way that was clever, energy-efficient, and extremely accessible to the masses.
“This is such a smart design,” Rober remarked during their video shoot. “It doesn’t try to be the most powerful fan or the fanciest product. It’s solving a very real problem in the most straightforward and creative way.”
What impressed Rober even more was the device’s origin story. Developed by a small startup in Ahmedabad, the cooler had been designed with street vendors, auto-rickshaw drivers, and school-going children in mind—individuals who don’t always have access to air conditioning but need comfort on the move. Using a combination of lightweight materials, a rechargeable battery, and simple airflow mechanics, the device was cost-effective yet surprisingly efficient.
Techburner pointed out how such inventions often emerge from necessity. “India has so many different climates and conditions. That pushes innovators here to think differently. You’ll find gadgets that might not exist anywhere else in the world—but they’re solving problems that matter to millions.”
Rober couldn’t agree more. He emphasized how innovation isn’t always about creating something entirely new—it’s often about rethinking what already exists and tailoring it to real-life scenarios. This perspective aligned closely with his mission at CrunchLabs, his platform designed to promote experiential learning and creativity in STEM through engineering kits and challenges.
The duo’s playful exploration of Indian gadgets sparked an insightful dialogue about the future of innovation. Rober, who’s built rockets and glitter bombs to catch porch pirates, found just as much value in a pocket-sized cooler as he did in his large-scale engineering projects. To him, the elegance of engineering lies in its relevance—and this Indian gadget checked all the boxes.
As the video featuring their interaction went live, fans from across the globe responded with enthusiasm. Indian viewers felt a deep sense of pride, seeing their local technology celebrated by an international icon. For younger audiences, especially aspiring engineers and inventors, the message was clear: impactful innovation doesn’t always require big labs or massive investments. Sometimes, all it takes is empathy, a clear understanding of a problem, and the determination to find a solution.
Rober’s appreciation for the wearable cooler wasn’t just about its function—it was a nod to the spirit of Indian innovation. It highlighted how grassroots solutions, born from necessity, could stand tall on the global stage when backed by thoughtful design and practical value.
In wrapping up their session, Techburner asked Rober what he would take back from his India experience. With a smile, Rober responded, “This little cooler—and a ton of inspiration.”
Jugaad Contest 2025: ₹5 Lakh Prizes for India’s Brightest Inventors
To take this spirit of innovation even further, Mark Rober has launched the Jugaad Contest 2025, inviting inventors across India to showcase their most clever, creative ideas using everyday household items. Whether you’re 8 or 80, if you’ve got a smart fix or hack that solves a real-world problem, this is your moment.
From April 30, 2025, to September 15, 2025, ten lucky winners will each receive ₹5 lakh for their outstanding Jugaad inventions. Simply post a video of your creation on Facebook, X, YouTube, or Instagram using the hashtag #MarkRoberJugaad. Entries must include the video link at markroberjugaad.com to be eligible.
Note: Posting on social media alone is not enough—you must also submit the link through the contest site. If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian must enter on your behalf.
No purchase is necessary. The contest is open to legal residents of India, ages 8+, and full rules are available at CrunchLabs.
This initiative is backed by CrunchLabs, Mark’s Willy Wonka-style engineering lab in the San Francisco Bay Area, which builds hands-on STEM kits and produces wildly entertaining videos to get kids excited about science.
Mark Rober’s journey through India has become more than just a memorable collaboration—it’s now a call to action for the next generation of Indian inventors. So, whether you’re crafting coolers, coding robots, or creating clever life hacks—your Jugaad could be next to win big.
Ready to change the world with your invention?
Start building. Start filming. And don’t forget the hashtag: #MarkRoberJugaad.