Program Details

Discover what makes Zero2Maker unique and explore the step-by-step curriculum.

About Zero2Maker

Zero2Maker is an intensive, hands-on program designed to transform students from passive consumers of technology into active creators, innovators, and problem-solvers. By bridging the gap between imaginative thinking and practical fabrication, the program equips participants with the mindset and technical skills necessary to build real-world solutions.

Through a structured curriculum blending rapid prototyping, electronics, coding, and user-centric design, students learn how to take an idea from a rough sketch to a fully functional prototype.

Instructor - Prof. Rajesh Nair

Prof. Rajesh Nair is the visionary educator and innovator behind the Zero2Maker curriculum. With a deep background in engineering, entrepreneurship, and design thinking, he has dedicated his career to empowering the next generation of makers.

Drawing from his extensive experience bridging academia and industry, Rajesh emphasizes action over theory. His teaching philosophy revolves around failing fast, learning continuously, and building confidence through tangible creation.
[rajnair@alum.mit.edu]

Learn more about Prof. Rajesh Nair

Program Curriculum

A 15-session intensive journey from ideation to final prototype.

Session 1 (6/5)

Ideation

Understanding the theme & team formation
Deciding “for whom” and “when it is used”

Output: Concept sheet

Session 2 (6/12)

Create 3D/2D

Giving form in 2D/3D & mock-ups
Tips for early-stage prototyping

Output: Simple mock-up + improvement notes

Session 3 (6/14)

Concept Design (CAD)

Basic CAD operations
Designing a simple part

Output: CAD data + design rationale

Session 4 (6/19)

Intro to Arduino

Microcontroller basics
Writing & verifying base code

Output: Operation demo + code

Session 5 (6/21)

Input Devices

Using buttons and sensors
Acquiring values

Output: Input demo

Session 6 (6/26)

Output Devices

Controlling light, sound, motion
LEDs, buzzers, servos

Output: Output demo

Session 7 (6/28)

Integration

Single Input / Single Output
Basic conditional logic

Output: Small integrated I/O work

Session 8 (7/3)

Mini User Test

Structuring a 1-minute pitch
No-explanation user interaction test

Output: Test notes + pitch script

Sessions 9, 10, 11 (July)

Production 1

Design → fabrication → testing
Completing the first prototype

Output: Prototype 1 + log + interim pres.

Sessions 12 & 13 (July)

Improvement

Mini user tests with at least 3 people
Reflecting user-centered fixes

Output: Prototype 2 + rationale + slides

Sessions 14 & 15 (8/2, 3 hours)

Final Demo Day

The ultimate showcase of your journey. Present your fully functional, user-tested final prototype to peers, mentors, and partners. Stand tall, makers!