Maker of the Month — March ’25: Nadec Biju // Where Hardware Meets Hustle

“Most people build projects to learn. I learned because I wanted to build.”

That pretty much sums up Nadec Biju — a builder since childhood, a maker by heart, and a mechanical engineering student at CUSAT who’s redefining the boundaries of student-led hardware innovation.

This is the story of how someone who once set up a metal melting unit in 8th grade is now building industrial-grade robotic arms, leading All India Rank 1-winning Baja buggy teams, and helping shape the maker ecosystem at TinkerHub’s TinkerSpace.

Building From the Ground Up

Nadec’s journey started early. By 8th grade, he was experimenting with molten metals and scratch-built models of cars and guns. In 10th, he designed and built an engine that ran on hydroxy gas. These weren’t science fair projects — they were raw, ambitious experiments fueled by time, curiosity, and a deep urge to create.

“I always had ideas and time. That combination meant I just kept building.”

Fast forward to college, and he found himself trying out electronic projects despite being a mechanical engineering student. His gear was at home, the fablab closed by 5 PM, and his peak productivity started after 10 PM. That’s when he discovered TinkerSpace — and everything changed.

The Birth of a Maker Station Intern

Early in 2023, during his second semester, Nadec stumbled into TinkerSpace and found it perfect for his late-night maker energy. He spent hours building, learning, and hanging out with fellow hardware enthusiasts. One project even had him co-building a mechanical Ouija board with seniors like Rohit TP and Vaishnav — an experience that led him to meet Kurian, COO of TinkerHub.

Kurian was looking for someone to manage TinkerSpace’s hardware zone, the Maker Station. Recognizing Nadec’s passion, he handed him the reins. From there, Maker Thursdays was born — a weekly meet-up where makers gathered to tinker, teach, troubleshoot, and prototype.

“I’ve done 1000+ hours of 3D printing through TinkerHub, and taught so many students how to use the machines. I’ve helped students with their final year projects, because I know how important that one build can be.”

Projects That Speak Volumes

From running workshops to doing hands-on work with others, Nadec has always led with action. A few highlights from his recent work:

▪ Industrial-Grade Robotic Arm — Not your usual mini project. Nadec is building a 1m tall robotic arm, using custom-designed, 3D-printed BLEC motors, motor drivers, bearings, bolts, and wires. The entire build is being prototyped from scratch.

▪ Cycle Design from Scratch — Designed and built an entire bicycle, working through the structural mechanics and custom fabrication.

▪ BAJA Buggy — National Champions — He was part of the hydrogen-powered off-road buggy team that scored All India Rank 1 in 2024, and again in 2025. He now leads the team as captain for 2026.

Beyond Campus: Working with the Big Leagues

Currently, Nadec works with a startup founded by Amod Malviya, the ex-CTO of Flipkart and co-founder of Udaan. Despite the opportunity to operate in elite startup circles, his roots are still deeply tied to the student builder community at TinkerHub.

What Keeps Him Going?

“When you love what you build, you’ll stay up all night. TinkerHub gave me the tools, space, and people to build more. That made all the difference.”

Whether it’s 3D printing a bracket at midnight, building hydrogen engines, or teaching a fresher how to slice a model, Nadec represents what it means to be a true maker — someone who turns ideas into impact.

Words for Aspiring Builders

“Start with what you have. Build when no one’s watching. And find your people — because the right community can push you further than you thought possible.”