(February 5, 2025) At 22, Shubham Banerjee is a college student with an extraordinary mission. While pursuing his degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley, he also runs Braigo Labs Inc., the company he founded at the age of 12. Shubham’s journey from a curious seventh-grader to a globally recognized innovator has been fueled by a simple yet powerful desire: to help others.
Shubham Banerjee
The Spark of Curiosity
It all started with a question. One day, Shubham saw a flyer asking for donations to help the blind. Curious, he asked his parents, “How do blind people read?” Their answer—“Google it”— opened a door that changed his life. That quick internet search led him to a shocking discovery: Braille printers, essential tools for the visually impaired, cost thousands of dollars—far beyond what most could afford.
Determined to find a solution, Shubham turned to his favorite toy, Lego. With a Lego Mindstorms EV3 kit, he began experimenting. It wasn’t easy. He failed seven times before finally building a working prototype. Shubham recalls, “I didn’t know if it was possible, but I wanted to at least give it a try.” The result was Braigo, a low-cost Braille printer that could be produced for just $350.
Turning an Idea into Impact
Braigo wasn’t just a science fair project—it was a breakthrough. Shubham wanted it to be more than just a school project. He wanted it to help people. As he explained, “I think I am doing something that can actually help people.”
Shubham Banerjee
The response was overwhelming. Organizations for the visually impaired praised Braigo’s potential to make a real difference. “Over 200 million people in the world are blind, and 90 percent of them are living in developing countries,” Shubham said, explaining the need for affordable Braille technology.
Facing Challenges
Being a young innovator came with its challenges. Shubham faced skepticism from adults who doubted his abilities. Yet, his determination never wavered. He often stayed up late, working on his designs with his father by his side.
Shubham admits, “Being young, people don’t take you seriously sometimes.” But with the support of his family, he persevered. His parents played a crucial role in his success, encouraging his creativity and standing by him every step of the way.
A Global Platform
In 2014, Shubham became the youngest entrepreneur to receive venture capital funding when Intel Capital invested in Braigo Labs. With their support, he refined Braigo and developed a more advanced version, Braigo 2.0. The funding also allowed him to file patents and trademark the Braigo name.
Shubham Banerjee
Shubham’s work reached new heights when he showcased Braigo at the Smithsonian Innovation Festival and other global platforms. Despite the attention, he remained humble. “I just think of myself as a guy who wants to solve random problems,” he said.
Global Beginning
Shubham was born in Hasselt, Belgium, but his journey soon took him across continents. When he was just four years old, his family moved to San Jose, California, in pursuit of better opportunities. He attended Don Callejon School for elementary education, followed by Champion School in San Jose for middle school. His father, Niloy, a software engineer, and his mother, Malini, encouraged his creativity. Later, he graduated from Santa Clara High School in 2019 before enrolling at the University of California, Berkeley. Despite living in Berkeley now, Shubham often visits Santa Clara to spend time with his parents and younger sister.
A Personal Mission
Behind the innovation is a personal mission to make technology accessible. Shubham has always focused on helping others, rather than making money. As he once explained, “I want to make it open source so that others can also learn and make their own devices at a very low cost.”
This mission resonated deeply with the visually impaired community. Braigo’s affordability opened doors for many who had previously been excluded from access to Braille technology.
Looking Ahead
As he balances his studies and entrepreneurial work, Shubham continues to innovate. While he hasn’t revealed details about his next projects, his commitment to making a difference remains unwavering. “My end goal is to have most of the blind people using my Braille printer,” he said.
Shubham’s influence extends beyond his own company. He has inspired young innovators worldwide, proving that a simple question can lead to a global impact. His success has prompted discussions about how young minds can contribute to solving real-world problems. Schools and universities have invited him to speak about his journey, encouraging students to think beyond traditional career paths and consider social entrepreneurship.
His story also highlights the importance of accessible innovation. In a world where advanced technology is often expensive, Shubham’s approach proves that meaningful solutions don’t have to be costly. His focus on open-source development ensures that others can build on his work and expand its reach even further.
The Role of Indian Youth in the US Diaspora
Shubham’s journey also reflects the broader impact of Indian youth in the diaspora, particularly in the United States. As the son of Indian immigrants, he represents a growing generation of Indian-American entrepreneurs and innovators who are redefining technology and social impact. Many young Indian-Americans are leveraging their cultural values of hard work, education, and service to create meaningful change in industries ranging from healthcare to artificial intelligence.
This wave of innovation among Indian youth in the US showcases how their unique upbringing—blending Indian traditions with American opportunities—equips them with a global perspective. Their contributions are not only advancing science and technology but also strengthening ties between India and the global community. Like Shubham, many are prioritizing social entrepreneurship, using their skills to create accessible solutions for marginalized communities.
A Legacy of Change
Shubham’s story is a reminder that age is no barrier to making an impact. From a curious question to a global innovation, his journey shows the power of determination and compassion. As he continues his work, one thing is clear: Shubham Banerjee is not just creating technology—he’s changing lives.
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