Linkitz: The Wearable Tech Toy Empowering Girls to Learn Coding
Bridging Fashion and Programming for Young Innovators
MIT PhD Lyssa Neel is revolutionizing how young girls engage with technology through her innovative creation, Linkitz. This wearable electronic toy combines fashion, socialization, and hands-on learning to introduce programming concepts in a fun, accessible way.
How Linkitz Works
- Modular Design: Kids can snap together electronic blocks that light up, buzz, and change behavior based on configurations.
- Play-Based Learning: Teaches foundational programming logic through interactive experimentation.
- Social Focus: Designed for collaborative play, addressing how girls often prefer group activities.
The Inspiration Behind the Invention
As the 10th woman to earn a CS PhD at MIT, Neel drew from personal experience:
“My daughters loved social play, but most engineering toys were solitary. Linkitz integrates technology into the collaborative games girls naturally enjoy.”
Her goal? Combat the middle-school drop-off in STEM interest by making coding feel creative and social.
Recognition and Development
The Linkitz team (Neel, Drew Macrae, and Chris Wallace) achieved significant milestones:
- 2014 N100 Startup Competition Winner: Secured $100K funding from Northumberland CFDC
- HAXLR8R Program: Currently refining manufacturing processes in Shenzhen, China
- Cobourg Headquarters: Partnering with local engineers for prototype development
Why Wearables Matter for Education
“Kids want tech they can wear,” explains Macrae. “Linkitz makes smart, modular toys that teach programming while being fashion-forward.”
The Bigger Picture
This initiative aligns with growing efforts to:
- Close the gender gap in computer science
- Make STEM education more engaging through play
- Prepare children for a tech-driven future
With prototypes nearing completion, Linkitz represents an exciting fusion of education, technology, and inclusive design.
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