She Built a Flying Boat Even After Failing Physics at High School

Summary

This inspiring story follows S Priti, an entrepreneur from India who defied the odds to build a revolutionary electric flying boat. Despite failing physics in high school and lacking internet access until age 20, she persisted, sending 540 internship emails, with one offering her a research assistant role. With determination, she went on to earn a PhD and develop cutting-edge technology for a fully electric, noise-free, and carbon-free boat. Now, as the founder of Navos, she envisions a future where self-driving boats transform water transport, revolutionizing economies and protecting the oceans.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sriti, an entrepreneur from India, is the founder and CEO of Navos, an electric flying boat company based in San Francisco.
• 😀 Despite failing physics in high school, Sriti was determined to build something innovative, like a flying boat.
• 😀 Sriti's early education wasn't at top-tier schools, and she attended a community college in Kolkata, India.
• 😀 Growing up without internet access until the age of 20, Sriti had limited resources but remained determined to create her own path.
• 😀 Sriti's high school teacher even suggested she should focus on becoming a housewife, but she refused to accept this as her fate.
• 😀 At age 20, Sriti took charge of her life by sending out 540 emails seeking internships, with only one response that changed her career.
• 😀 Sriti's first internship was at a research lab in Chicago, where she developed a passion for science and engineering.
• 😀 After gaining experience at NASA and earning a master's degree at Ohio State and a PhD at MIT, Sriti began focusing on innovative projects like the flying boat.
• 😀 The flying boat designed by Sriti is electric, making it ten times more efficient than traditional gas-powered boats, with zero emissions and minimal noise.
• 😀 Sriti envisions a future where self-driving boats travel as quickly as taxis, transforming water transportation and creating a new economy without harming the oceans.

Q & A

Who is S Priti and what is her role?

S Priti is the founder and CEO of Navos, an entrepreneur living in San Francisco. She is known for creating an innovative electric flying boat.

What is significant about S Priti's educational background?

S Priti did not excel in high school, even failing physics. She also did not attend a top college, instead going to a small community college in Kolkata, India. Despite these challenges, she pursued a path in science and engineering.

How did S Priti gain her first internship opportunity?

At age 20, S Priti sent 540 emails asking for internships, with 539 rejections. She eventually secured an internship at a lab in Chicago, marking the start of her journey into science and engineering.

What key event influenced S Priti's career path?

One of S Priti's teachers suggested that she should focus on becoming a housewife instead of pursuing a career in science. This motivated her to take control of her life and prove her teacher wrong.

What educational achievements did S Priti accomplish after her first internship?

After her first internship, S Priti went on to work at NASA, earn a master's degree at Ohio State University, and complete a PhD at MIT, all within less than 13 years.

What is the concept behind S Priti's flying boat?

S Priti's flying boat is an electric vehicle that works like an airplane, with three wings positioned under the water. As the boat gains speed, the wings lift it above the waves, providing a smooth, fast, and efficient ride.

What are the benefits of the flying boat compared to traditional boats?

The flying boat is 10 times more energy-efficient than traditional gas-powered boats, with no carbon emissions and minimal engine noise, similar to electric vehicles like Tesla. It opens up new opportunities for transportation on the water.

How does the flying boat handle waves from other boats?

Because the flying boat is elevated above the water's surface, it doesn't feel the waves from other boats, making the ride much smoother compared to traditional boats.

What future transportation possibilities does S Priti envision?

S Priti envisions a future with self-driving boats that can travel as quickly as taxis, using the water as a highway. This would create a whole new economy without harming the oceans.

How does S Priti view challenges and fear in her journey?

S Priti believes that everyone has fears and insecurities, but if you have a strong sense of purpose and mission, you can overcome them. She encourages people to take risks and go for their goals, no matter where they are from.