NSB Logo Ann Makosinski Ann Makosinski

Ann Makosinski

Speaker

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Student Inventor, Google Science Fair Winner & Forbes 30 Under 30

An all-around 21st century Renaissance woman, Andini is best known for her invention of the Hollow Flashlight, a flashlight that runs off the heat of the human hand, and the eDrink; a coffee mug that harvests the excess heat of your hot drink and converts it into electricity to charge your phone. She is currently writing her first book, focused on The Inventing Mindset, which is set to be released in Spring 2025 by Knopf Canada. Andini has given 5 TEDx talks, is a brand ambassador for Maybelline’s new Green Edition sustainable makeup line, one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30, Time Magazine’s 30 Under 30 World Changers, Entrepreneur Magazine’s Young Millionaires, and Glamour Magazine’s College Women of the Year, and Popular Science’s Young Inventor of the Year.

Keynote Speeches

Virtual Keynotes & Webinars
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The Inventor’s Mindset: Unlocking Creativity & Innovation

In a world that demands problem-solvers but often fosters passivity through social media and digital distractions, how do we reclaim our creativity? Drawing from her journey as a young inventor and creative, Andini shares practical strategies for cultivating curiosity, resilience, and innovative thinking—whether in business, education, or everyday life.

Bridging Science and Art: Why the Future Belongs to Multidisciplinary Thinkers

From designing energy-harvesting inventions to directing music videos, Andini’s career defies traditional labels. In this talk, she explores why true innovation happens at the intersection of science and the arts—and how embracing both can lead to breakthrough ideas, stronger teams, and a more dynamic future.

Reinventing Education: Nurturing Young Inventors & Problem-Solvers

Traditional education often prioritizes memorization over creativity, leaving little room for hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving. Andini advocates for a fresh approach—one that fuses storytelling, experimentation, and interdisciplinary thinking to prepare the next generation for a rapidly changing world.

The Viral Effect: Storytelling, Personal Branding & Influence in the Digital Age

At 15, Andini’s invention went viral, launching her into an unexpected career in public speaking, media, and brand collaborations. But what really makes an idea, product, or person capture global attention? In this keynote, she breaks down the key elements of compelling storytelling, building an authentic brand, and navigating influence in a digital-first world.

The Future of Work: How Gen Z is Reshaping Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Gen Z isn’t following the old career playbook—they’re rewriting it. Andini explores how this generation’s focus on sustainability, purpose-driven work, and digital fluency is reshaping industries, from entrepreneurship to corporate innovation. This talk offers key insights for companies looking to stay relevant in an era of rapid change.

Hedy Lamarr & The Untold Stories of Women in Innovation

Hedy Lamarr was more than a Hollywood star—her inventions paved the way for modern WiFi and Bluetooth. Inspired by her BBC Radio 1 podcast Hedy Lamarr: Untold Legend, Andini shares the hidden stories of pioneering women in STEM, the systemic barriers they faced, and why representation in innovation still matters today.

The Power of Play: How Curiosity Fuels Breakthrough Ideas

Innovation doesn’t start in a boardroom—it starts with play! From childhood experiments with hot glue guns and household junk to award-winning inventions, Andini explains why curiosity and a playful, improvisational mindset are the ultimate tools for problem-solving. This talk is a call to rediscover creativity and an open approach to work, education, and everyday life.

Platform Plus Presentations

Unique formats and ways to connect with audiences.
Panelist/In Conversation
Ann is a great speaker for panels or interviews on the subjects of innovation, technology, science, STEM, entrepreneurship, education & more.

Audience reviews:

  • Ann is one of the spunkiest people you will ever meet…Ann has a wonderful and hilarious sense of humour... Ann has become a role model for thousands of students in Victoria, her hometown, but has remained a humble and down-to-earth person.

    - UWC Alumn
 

Speaker Biography

Andini Makosinski is a Filipino-Polish-Armenian “Renaissance Woman,” blending her passions for innovation, storytelling, and the arts. At just 15, her invention of the Hollow Flashlight—a flashlight powered by body heat—won the Google Science Fair and led to viral recognition, multiple appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and global keynote speaking opportunities. She later invented the eDrink, a coffee mug that converts excess heat from a hot beverage into electricity to charge small devices, further cementing her reputation as a young face in sustainable technology.

Named to TIME and Forbes “30 Under 30” lists, as well as one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Young Millionaires,” Andini has spoken worldwide on creativity, innovation, and the crucial yet often overlooked intersection of art and science. She has given five TEDx talks and has been invited to speak at the political G7 and Y20 Summits.

Beyond the world of science and innovation, Andini has also made an impact in fashion and media. She was the face of Maybelline’s Green Edition makeup line, a campaign focused on sustainability in beauty. She also starred in Converse’s Public Access series alongside Miley Cyrus, showcasing her as a voice of creativity and youth culture. Her ambassadorships with brands such as Google Pixel and Uniqlo have further highlighted her ability to bridge technology, storytelling, and design.

Andini has also ventured into hosting, leading two seasons of Your World on Money, a financial literacy show for Million Stories Media that demystifies personal finance for Gen Z, and she appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show to promote the series. Additionally, Andini has hosted the Greentech Festival and Green Awards for F1 Champion Nico Rosberg in Singapore, London, NY, and LA, celebrating sustainability and innovation on a global stage.

Now based in Victoria, Andini is expanding her creative horizons. She recently hosted Hedy Lamarr: Untold Legends, a BBC Radio 1 series being released this March about the Hollywood actress and inventor behind WiFi and Bluetooth. Andini also directs music videos, including projects for sitarist Anoushka Shankar and indie-pop artist Cati Landry.

Andini is currently finalizing The Inventor’s Mindset (for Knopf Canada), a book exploring how thinking like an inventor can help positively shape one’s professional and personal life. Andini dabbles in stand-up comedy and is represented by Play Management for her acting endeavors, continuing her mission to bridge science and storytelling in unexpected ways.