Even though littleBits was launched in 2011, Ayah Bdeir’s award-winning platform is still making headlines worldwide and the latest was this interview with WIRED on the cult of littleBits, and how “this tech toy is changing the engineering landscape”.
Who is the Founder & CEO of littleBits?
Ayah Bdeir completed her undergraduate degrees in Computer Engineering and Sociology at the American University of Beirut then earned a Masters of Science degree from the MIT Media Lab. She’s the founder and CEO of littleBits, a TED Senior Fellow and an alumna of the MIT Media Lab. She has received several awards for her startup in the past years and has been named one of Inc. Magazine’s 35 Under 35, one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business and one of MIT Technology Review’s 35 Innovators Under 35 among others.
How does littleBits work?
littleBits is a platform of easy-to-use electronic building blocks that empower you to invent anything, from your own remote controlled car, to a smart home device. The Bits snap together with magnets, no soldering, no wiring, no programming needed.
It’s actually very simple, as simple as assembling Lego blocks, and that’s the beauty of it. littleBits makes the learning process fun and easy and is accessible to everyone from age 8 and above. In fact, I was checking their Christmas gifts and they have gift sets for young inventors, music lovers, minecrafters and professionals. If you have a geeky kid, you should consider getting him a littleBits kit.
All in all, littleBits is making technology simpler and encouraging everyone to be an inventor. The platform has been growing steadily over the past 4 years and has recently raised $44.2 million in new funding. It is currently being used in more than 100 countries, 2100 schools and universities and by more than 8000 educators. Moreover, littleBits is “partnering with Barnes & Noble stores to empower the spirit of invention in its retail stores across the U.S” which is awesome news!
Everything you need to know about littleBits is on their website so check it out [here].