Ayah Bdeir

Ayah Bdeir is an entrepreneur, engineer, and social activist, widely recognized for her invention of littleBits, an electronic building block pivotal in revolutionizing STEM education globally. Her career extends beyond a decade, dedicated to making invention accessible to all—by modularizing electronics and democratizing access, creating innovative ways of engaging through playful learning, and redefining the interaction between technology and creativity. Bdeir's efforts are particularly aimed at empowering underrepresented groups, including girls, equipping them with the necessary tools to become future leaders and innovators.

Throughout her career, Bdeir has garnered numerous accolades that underscore her influence and contributions to technology and education. She was named one of the BBC 100 Most Influential Women in 2019, and her pioneering work has been recognized with a TED fellowship. Additionally, her contributions to the field of invention and education have been immortalized in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), highlighting the lasting impact of her work. Bdeir holds over a dozen patents, further attesting to her role as a leader in innovation.

Bdeir's academic background includes degrees from the MIT Media Lab and the American University of Beirut. Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, she now resides and works in New York, continuing to influence and inspire the next generation of inventors and thinkers. Her mission remains clear: to facilitate a world where anyone can innovate and shape the future.