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Tinker the Robot_Disney’s Hollywood Studio
Kay and Tinkerers at Disney's "Moon Girl and the Devil Dinosaur" premier afterparty

Highlights the Success of Tinker The Robot: A Game-Changer in STEM Education


Riverside, CA – November 4, 2024 – The Office of Technology Partnerships (OTP) at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), is proud to announce the remarkable achievements of Tinker The Robot, a company creating innovative, educational products and workshops developed with the support of UCR’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Tinker The Robot is making waves by inspiring young learners (“Tinkerers”) to embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through interactive, fun build kits and other provided services. 

Most notably, Tinker The Robot recently made headlines by collaborating with Disney’s Hollywood Studio, providing a hands-on, creative activity for the afterparty of Disney Channel's “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” premiere. One Disney executive on hand enthusiastically stated, “It was the best afterparty activity we’ve ever done!” This major success highlights the potential of Tinker The Robot to captivate and motivate learners in educational and entertaining ways.

In addition, Tinker The Robot has been selected as a finalist by the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards program. As a finalist, Tinker The Robot is part of a select group of 34 entrepreneurs from throughout California’s Inland Empire chosen due to outstanding entrepreneurial leadership and accomplishments. The awards ceremony takes place on Thursday, November 21st, 2024 at the Riverside Convention Center. Tinker The Robot was recognized in the Small/Emerging Enterprise category.


Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, Tinker The Robot provides project-based learning experiences that combine play with hands-on activities. Through its workshops—held in schools and libraries across Southern California—Tinker The Robot has been praised for engaging children and parents alike in STEM education. The company’s collaborations with major organizations like Disney and PBS San Bernardino further reinforce the impact of this educational technology on a larger scale.

Kay Yang, founder of Tinker The Robot, commented, “Our mission is to make science and engineering approachable and fun for kids. Seeing the enthusiasm in their eyes when they connect with these subjects is the driving force behind what we do.” With the support of UCR SBDC, Tinker The Robot is well-positioned to expand its reach, both locally and nationally.

 

Igniting STEM Curiosity

Tinker the Robot_a future engineer!
An inspired Tinkerer and future engineer!

Tinker The Robot addresses a significant challenge in education—making STEM accessible and engaging. Through its thoughtfully designed kits and hands-on learning experiences, the company helps participants of all ages develop a love for problem-solving and creativity. 

The success of these efforts is reflected in the growing number of students who have participated in workshops and in the widespread praise from parents, educators, and industry professionals alike. 

Tinker The Robot has created a platform where learning is not just educational, but also exciting,” said Steve Sharp, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at UCR OTP. “This initiative is a perfect example of how UCR’s support is helping client entrepreneurs transform research and creativity into real-world solutions that positively impact the community.”

 


Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact through Media

With its success already solidified in Southern California, Tinker The Robot is preparing to expand even further. Collaborating with PBS San Bernardino, the company is developing animated content aimed at reaching even more children and families across the country. As for future plans, Tinker The Robot aims to continue its collaborations with Disney while expanding the reach of its STEM learning kits online, offering more children across the globe access to engaging, hands-on STEM activities.

For more information about Tinker The Robot and upcoming workshops, or to explore partnership opportunities, visit Tinker The Robot’s website.


About UC Riverside’s Office of Technology Partnerships

The Office of Technology Partnerships catalyzes the translation of UCR’s world-class research into products and services that benefit society. UCR EPIC SBDC's mentors provide commercialization assistance to startups and emerging businesses, supporting their growth and development. By collaborating with the private sector, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, and fostering innovation across the campus, the Office is committed to creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits students, faculty, and the community. To learn more about The Office of Tech Partnerships and the EPIC SBDC program, please visit here.


Contact Information

Aileen Luib
Assistant Director of Special Programs and Outreach
Office of Technology Partnerships, University of California, Riverside
Phone: 951-827-8516 
Email: aileenl@ucr.edu