How do inventors change the world?
From reducing food waste to recycling critical materials, innovators are finding solutions to pressing challenges. Engineering and entrepreneurship turn bold ideas into real-world technologies that improve lives and protect the planet.
In this keynote, a panel of engineers and scientists will talk about their own innovations in sustainable agriculture, aerospace, rare earth recycling and more. They’ll also talk about their career paths in STEM.
Facilitator
Erik O. Einset
Director,
Engineering Tomorrow
Schedule
- 12–12:45pm Inventors Panel Discussion
- 12:45–1pm Q&A Session
Our live events bring engineering, math, and science to life by giving students the chance to hear from professional engineers.
Meet our facilitator
Erik O. Einset
Erik has over 30 years of experience in various engineering and leadership roles, including 17 years at GE in R&D, product development, process improvement, technical sales, and business management.
After GE, he spent 16 years as a member of the operations team at Global Infrastructure Partners, working on business improvement in a variety of infrastructure businesses in the energy and transportation sectors. He has been a director at Engineering Tomorrow since 2014. Erik is the author of 6 patents and numerous technical publications, and holds Chemical Engineering degrees from Cornell University (BS) and the University of Minnesota (PhD).
Meet panelist
Sidharth Durbha Anantha
Sidharth Anantha is an aerospace engineer and inventor.
He is currently pursuing his M.S. at Stanford in Aerospace Engineering after earning dual degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Michigan. He has worked at leading aerospace companies including SpaceX and is passionate about developing technologies—from navigation aids for the blind to spacecraft systems—that make space travel as common as air travel.
Meet panelist
Katia Avila Pinedo
Katia Avila Pinedo is an engineer and recent UC Santa Cruz graduate.
Her journey began as part of the award-winning Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam that developed a patented medical device for diabetic foot health. Passionate about invention and education, she has interned at Microsoft, mentored STEM students, and now combines her engineering background with her love of music and art to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Meet panelist
Samuel Muyita
Samuel Muyita is the Co-Founder and General Manager of Karpolax.
Karpolax is an award-winning agritech company using biodegradable nanotechnology to extend fruit shelf life for thousands of farmers across Africa. Winner of the 2024 European Patent Office Young Inventors Prize, he is a recognized leader in sustainable preservation and climate-smart agriculture.
Meet panelist
Marie Perrin, PhD
Marie is a chemist, inventor, and entrepreneur who leads REEcover.
REEcover is an award-winning startup developing patented rare earth recycling technology. Recognized with honors including the European Young Chemists Award, ETH Spark Award, and the European Patent Office Young Inventor Prize, she is passionate about advancing sustainable science and empowering the next generation of researchers.
ENGINEERING TOMORROW LIVE EVENTS
Inspire your students with a live event. No extra prep required.
Short format
Now just 1 hour so you can fit them easily into your class schedule
A focus on inspiration
Exciting presentations + live Q&A with industry-leading engineers
Flexible use in curriculum
Perfect as a standalone session or to complement one of our 20+ hands-on labs
Unlock opportunities for kids all over the country.
