Seventeen-year-old Phavanesh Bala Subramaniam from Kajang is a teenager with an undeniable passion for technology. While most teens his age might be hanging out with friends or scrolling through social media, Phavanesh can often be found in his garage, surrounded by tools and electronic parts, bringing his tech ideas to life. His curiosity and hands-on approach to learning have already led to impressive achievements — including building a fully functional power bank from scratch at just 15 years old.
Now, Phavanesh is pushing boundaries even further with his latest ambitious project — developing an AI-powered system designed to grow plants without the need for water, air, or even sunlight.
The Beginning of a Tech Journey
Phavanesh’s journey into the world of technology began at the young age of eight. While other kids were happily playing with their toys, he was more interested in taking them apart to uncover the mechanics behind them.
“I was always fascinated by how things worked. I’d look at a gadget and think, ‘What’s going on inside this?’ That curiosity quickly grew into a real passion,” he shared.
It didn’t take long for Phavanesh to realise that his interest in technology was more than just a childhood phase. By the age of 12, with guidance from his father, he had already begun to grasp the complex inner workings of electronic devices.
As a tech expert himself, Phavanesh’s father often brought him along to his workplace, where Phavanesh would watch closely as he repaired computers and electronic devices.
“Seeing my dad in action, I just knew — this was what I wanted to do,” Phavanesh says, eyes lighting up. “I wanted to build things that could make a real difference and solve real-world problems.”
Redefining the Power Bank
The inspiration to build his own power bank struck when Phavanesh, like most of us, often found himself in need of a portable charger. But rather than simply purchasing one, he had a sudden spark of an idea — why not create one himself? With that thought, he immersed himself in the world of electronics.
He began by researching how commercial power banks functioned, diving deep into their design and mechanics. Using recycled parts, including a high-quality lithium-ion battery, he crafted a modular power bank — one that could easily be disassembled and repaired. But Phavanesh wasn’t satisfied with creating just an ordinary power bank — he wanted his to be something special.
“My power bank isn’t like the ones you find in stores,” he explained. “It’s modular, so you can easily take it apart, repair, or upgrade it. It’s also more energy-efficient, and I included some custom charging features you won’t see in standard models.”
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
Like any ambitious project, building the power bank came with its fair share of challenges. Phavanesh struggled with issues like rapid battery drain and overheating during the testing phase.
“It took a lot of trial and error,” he said. “But every problem I faced taught me something valuable.”
His determination eventually paid off. After numerous adjustments and fine-tuning, the power bank was fully functional and ready to use. However, even after completing the project, Phavanesh still faced skepticism — especially from those around him.
“When I told people I built it myself, some were genuinely concerned it might explode,” he laughed. “But once they saw it actually working, most of them were really impressed.”
Innovating for a Better Tomorrow
Phavanesh’s journey is just getting started. He’s already envisioning ways to take his power bank project to the next level and turn it into a product that could be produced on a larger scale.
“I have tons of ideas for the next version, and I really believe it has the potential to become something significant,” he said enthusiastically. But for Phavanesh, it’s not just about inventing cool gadgets — his bigger goal is to develop innovative solutions that address real-world, global challenges.
One of Phavanesh’s standout projects is a smart plant monitoring system that harnesses the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enable plant growth without relying on water, air, or sunlight.
“With climate change putting plant life at serious risk, I wanted to develop a solution that allows plants to survive and thrive in any environment,” he explained.
Challenging Skepticism, Shaping the Future
Phavanesh, as a young innovator, often encounters skepticism about his abilities, particularly when people learn his age. Many assume that at just 17, he lacks the experience to fully grasp what he’s doing. However, once they see the quality of his work, their doubts begin to fade, and they start to believe in his potential.
These challenges only serve to strengthen Phavanesh’s determination. Facing skepticism only motivates him to prove himself further. It’s all about pushing boundaries and continuously learning. For other young people interested in technology but unsure where to begin, Phavanesh offers one simple piece of advice:
“Just start. You don’t need expensive gear. Watch tutorials, get a development kit, and experiment. The key is curiosity. The more curious you are, the more you’ll learn.”
Phavanesh’s journey demonstrates that with passion, perseverance, and a bit of creativity, age doesn’t define your ability to make a difference.
“I want to build a company that tackles real-world issues. Whether it’s addressing climate change or improving energy efficiency, I aim to create solutions that truly make a difference.”
Looking ahead, Phavanesh envisions himself not just as a technopreneur, but as a leader driving innovation forward.
“In the next decade, I aim to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies that benefit both people and the planet,” he shared.
Phavanesh Bala Subramaniam’s story is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to innovation, impact, or ambition. From dismantling toys at the age of eight to designing AI-powered solutions and sustainable tech, his journey reflects a rare blend of curiosity, resilience, and vision. With his sights set on solving global challenges and leading the next wave of technological breakthroughs, Phavanesh is not just building devices — he’s shaping the future. And if his journey so far is any indication, the world can expect remarkable things from this young trailblazer in the years to come.
Source: Weird Kaya
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