Tides & Tales

Deeksha Ravi: Can you describe your innovation and the background to it?

Haaziq Kazi: ERVIS is a large boat with various compartments surrounding it. It uses a multi-stage cleaner which separates different sizes of waste, a compactor, and the concept of centripetal force to draw waste towards it. I was inspired to create this after watching documentaries on how plastic is affecting the ocean. I was contemplating how I could solve this problem when I was washing my hands one day, and I noticed how the water was draining in a whirlpool motion. This was an example of centripetal force and it prompted me to think about how it could be replicated to clean the oceans.

Deeksha Ravi: Can you share a significant hurdle you faced during your innovation journey and how you overcame it?

Haaziq Kazi: People’s attachment to convenience and profit over ethics is a hurdle. As consumers, we’re fine with using single-use plastic products over more sustainable reusable products. As people in industry, we gravitate towards more polluting options because they are cheaper than sustainable alternatives. To tackle these problems, I have been speaking at various forums and promoting my ideas on how we can mitigate damage to the environment. By taking small steps, we can all bring about a larger change in society.

Deeksha Ravi: Who are some people who've inspired you?

Haaziq Kazi: My friends, family, and school have been an immense help in this journey. My parents fostered the values of belief and self-sacrifice in me. My school hosted the TED-ED club where I was encouraged to innovate and present my invention. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by such creative, supportive people who have shaped me and my innovation positively.

Deeksha Ravi: How do you think kids can be better problem-solvers?

Haaziq Kazi: By not procrastinating on solving problems they observe around them. Too often we see something that disturbs us and let it stay that way. Doing something to change that situation is the right way to go about the issue. For instance, the light switch in my room is really far from my work area, and before I would forget to turn the light on when I was really busy, because I couldn’t easily turn it on. So I decided to invent a connecting switch that was closer and so allowed me to easily light up my workspace. Solving small things like this contributes to your ability to solve bigger problems.

Deeksha Ravi: What are some tools for designing, prototyping, and testing innovations that you would recommend?

Haaziq Kazi: In my experience, I’ve often sought the best possible tools to do everything, when sometimes less professional ones would serve the same purpose. Don’t get too caught up in using a high level of equipment, if it compromises on the execution of your idea. For example, if modelling or animating, a free tool like Blender would work fine.

Deeksha Ravi: Any advice for kids who're getting ready to present their innovations?

Haaziq Kazi: Practice, practice, practice! Practice to the extent that you can pitch your idea in your sleep! And don’t cram — my piano teacher has repeated that it’s much more effective to practice 15 minutes a day for a few weeks than 4 hours on the day before a performance. Give your idea the time it needs to blossom into a good pitch that people can appreciate. Also, get feedback from trusted friends and mentors.