Brands
We envision toys evolving with tech for each child’s personalised learning: Blix Education’s Abbas Gabajiwala
Mumbai: As children’s interests and playtime habits evolve, brands like Blix Education are transforming the way they learn, blending creativity and technology to make play more than just fun. Offering a wide range of interactive STEAM-based toys, Blix Education taps into children’s curiosity, allowing them to explore and build through hands-on experiences. The brand doesn’t just focus on entertainment but brings education into the mix in a way that’s both engaging and innovative.
Founded by Abbas Gabajiwala, Blix Education stands out for its commitment to merging play with learning through its STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) toys. Known for its versatile and reusable toy sets, Blix Education’s offerings include everything from robotics kits to modular construction sets, as well as comprehensive STEAM lab setups for schools. Blix Education’s products are available on major platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, and in retail stores like Hamleys. Globally, Blix Education toys are utilized in educational settings from Singapore to Germany, enhancing learning experiences across continents. Gabajiwala, a former CTO and award-winning designer, leverages his expertise to craft toys that nurture creativity and problem-solving skills, making Blix Education a global leader in educational play.
Indiantelevision.com’s Arth Chakraborty in a chat with Blix Education’s founder and CEO Abbas Gabajiwala to gain deeper insights on how STEAM toys are transforming children’s learning experiences, the challenges of promoting STEM products in non-traditional markets, and more…
Edited Excerpts:
On STEM toys being better than traditional toys
STEM toys offer a distinct advantage over traditional toys by integrating education with play, encouraging children to explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. While traditional toys primarily focus on entertainment, STEM toys stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. They provide a hands-on learning experience, enabling kids to grasp complex ideas in an interactive and engaging manner.
STEM toys grow alongside a child’s curiosity, encouraging them to build, experiment, and innovate while developing a deeper understanding of how things work. These toys are designed to accommodate various learning styles, offering a wide range of activities that nurture cognitive development and creative problem-solving skills. By engaging with STEM toys, children are constantly challenged to think critically and explore new concepts, making learning a more interactive and enriching experience.
Ultimately, STEM toys not only entertain but equip children with essential skills for future careers, helping them develop a passion for learning while playing. They bridge the gap between fun and education, making them a more enriching option than traditional toys.
On the challenges that you faced in promoting STEM toys in non-traditional markets
Promoting STEM toys in non-traditional markets presents several challenges. One of the main hurdles is a lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of STEM education. Many parents and educators in these regions may be unfamiliar with the concept, associating toys with entertainment rather than learning. This makes it difficult to convey the value of STEM toys as tools for cognitive and creative development.
Our most popular product is Blix Queaky which is an experimental toy teaching children about electricity and conductivity. The biggest challenge in promoting this, is lack of understanding of the product or why it functions that way. When we sell these toys, parents expect them to work exactly as shown, and are disappointed when they don’t, they don’t understand that actual learning happens with experimentations.
Additionally, there can be cultural resistance to new educational methods, with a preference for more conventional forms of education. Economic factors also play a role, as STEM toys, often perceived as premium products, may be considered too costly for some families.
On technology-driven toys changing the way kids learn science and engineering
Technology-driven toys are revolutionising how children learn science and engineering by transforming abstract concepts into hands-on experiences. These toys, like STEM-based robotics kits or coding games, allow kids to experiment and explore in interactive, engaging ways, fostering deeper understanding. Instead of passively absorbing information, children actively apply principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while building, programming, or solving real-world problems.
Technology is all around us. Children as young as aged one and two know how to use the phones, press buttons, watch their favourite youtube videos and play games. However we need to teach them how this technology has been made – they need to be the future creaters of this technology and instead of just playing and using existing technology, we need to teach children how to learn from it and create more.
Through play, kids develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, essential skills for the future. Technology-driven toys break down complex ideas into manageable, bite-sized challenges that make learning accessible and fun. For example, building a robot or designing a simple circuit can introduce children to the basics of engineering and electronics without the intimidation often associated with these subjects.
These toys also encourage independent learning and curiosity, enabling kids to discover how things work while nurturing their interest in STEM fields from an early age.
On securing funding from Shark Tank India Season 3 impact Blix’s growth trajectory
Blix received the funding in the season but due to some internal reason they did not accept it later. But Blix has been on an upward growth trajectory since being aired on shark tank. We have come into the limelight and have helped educate people on the importance of STEM based learning in India.
On the innovations in toy technology that excite you the most right now
Right now, innovations in toy technology that excite me the most are those that combine artificial intelligence (AI) with hands-on learning experiences. AI-powered educational toys that adapt to a child’s learning pace and preferences can revolutionize how children engage with STEM subjects. These toys personalise the learning experience, making it more interactive and tailored to each child’s strengths, which enhances retention and understanding.
Our award winning – first time in India DIY remote controlled construction set has taken the Indian toy market by storm. For children to now make RC operated structures opens a whole new world of play and a multifold ways of playing with our kits.
Another exciting development is the integration of augmented reality (AR) with physical toys, allowing children to explore virtual worlds while building real-life skills. AR enables dynamic storytelling and immersive experiences, making science, technology, engineering, and math concepts more accessible and engaging.
Finally, modular robotics kits, which allow children to build and program their robots, inspire creativity and problem-solving. These innovations not only make learning fun but also prepare children for future careers in an increasingly tech-driven world, making toy technology an exciting frontier. During Gapanpati puja, Blix used their toys to do aarti. On this Instagram link you can see how even children can make such inspiring toys so easily:
On early exposure to STEM influencing children’s future career choices
Early exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) plays a crucial role in shaping children’s future career choices. When children engage with STEM concepts from a young age, they develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills that are foundational for many careers in technology, engineering, and science fields.
STEM activities and toys stimulate curiosity, encourage hands-on learning, and foster a love for discovery, making complex subjects approachable and enjoyable. As children experiment and explore, they become more confident in their abilities to solve real-world problems, which can ignite long-term interest in STEM-related careers.
This early foundation broadens their understanding of potential career paths, making them more likely to pursue professions in fields like engineering, robotics, programming, or research. Moreover, the ability to adapt and innovate—skills nurtured by early STEM exposure—gives them a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving, tech-centric world.
On balancing fun and functionality when designing new toys
Balancing fun and functionality when designing new toys is key to creating engaging and educational experiences for children. At Blix, we prioritise both aspects by focusing on interactive, hands-on learning that naturally incorporates essential STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) concepts. Our design process begins with understanding how children learn and play, ensuring that every toy captures their attention and curiosity through fun challenges and engaging tasks.
Functionality comes from embedding educational value within the toy, allowing children to explore problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity while having fun. We carefully choose designs that encourage kids to build, experiment, and explore while maintaining simplicity and playfulness. By merging entertainment with STEM-based learning, we ensure our toys not only bring joy but also equip children with the tools to understand and apply complex concepts in real-world scenarios.
This balance keeps children excited about learning and helps parents see the long-term benefits.
On the evolution of toys in the coming years and Blix contributing to the future of play globally
In the coming years, toys are expected to evolve significantly, driven by advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on personalised learning. We envision a future where toys integrate more seamlessly with digital platforms, offering interactive experiences that adapt to each child’s learning style and pace. Emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and IoT (Internet of Things) will play a crucial role in making playtime more immersive and educational.
Blix is committed to leading this transformation by continuously innovating and integrating these technologies into our STEM toys. We aim to create products that not only entertain but also provide valuable educational experiences. Our focus will be on developing toys that enhance problem-solving skills, foster creativity, and prepare children for future careers in technology and engineering. By staying at the forefront of educational toy design, Blix will contribute to shaping the future of play globally, making learning an engaging and dynamic journey for children.
Blix recently launched their RC megastructures set which allows children to develop replicas of transporter and folding bridges, which offers a building challenge and educates on the mechanics of intricate bridge designs. Additionally, to mimic the functionality of heavy operational machinery like mining drills or industrial gantry cranes, this innovative set helps users understand the intricacy of X-Y motion systems commonly used in manufacturing and engineering.
Brands
YES Bank hands the keys to SBI veteran Vinay Tonse as it bets on a new era
Former SBI managing director appointed as YES Bank’s new MD and CEO
MUMBAI: YES Bank is done rebuilding. Now it wants to grow. The private sector lender has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as managing director and chief executive officer-designate, with RBI approval secured and a start date of April 6, 2026 confirmed. The three-year term signals the bank’s intent to shift gears from crisis recovery to full-throttle expansion.
Tonse, 60, is no stranger to scale. Most recently managing director at State Bank of India, he oversaw a retail book of roughly $800bn in deposits and advances, one of the largest in the country. Before that, he ran SBI Mutual Fund from August 2020 to December 2022, a stint that saw assets under management surge from Rs 4.32 lakh crore to Rs 7.32 lakh crore across market cycles. Add stints in Singapore and four years leading SBI’s overseas operations in Osaka, and the incoming chief arrives with a genuinely global CV.
His academic grounding is equally solid: a commerce degree from St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master’s in commerce from Bangalore University.
The appointment follows an extensive search and evaluation process by the bank’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee. NRC chairperson Nandita Gurjar said the committee unanimously backed Tonse, citing his leadership track record, governance credentials and ability to drive the bank’s next phase of transformation.
Non-executive chairman Rama Subramaniam Gandhi was unequivocal. “I am certain that Vinay Tonse, with his vast experience as a senior banker, will propel YES Bank to its next phase of growth,” Gandhi said, adding that the bank remains focused on strengthening its retail and corporate banking franchises and expanding its branch network.
Rajeev Kannan, non-executive director and senior executive at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the bank’s largest shareholder, said Tonse’s experience across retail, corporate banking, global markets and asset management positioned him well to lead the lender. SMBC said it looks forward to working with Tonse and the board as YES Bank pursues its ambition of becoming a top-tier private sector lender anchored in strong governance and sustainable growth.
Tonse succeeds Prashant Kumar, who took the helm in March 2020 when YES Bank was in freefall following a severe financial crisis, and spent six years painstakingly stabilising the institution, rebuilding governance and restoring operational scale. Gandhi was generous: “The bank remains indebted to Prashant Kumar, who is responsible for much of what a strong financial powerhouse YES Bank is today.”
Tonse, for his part, struck a purposeful note. “Together with the board and my colleagues, I remain deeply committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” he said, pledging to build on Kumar’s foundation guided by his personal motto: Make A Difference.
Beyond the balance sheet, Tonse played cricket at college and club level and represented Karnataka in archery at the national championships — sports he credits with teaching him teamwork, situational leadership, discipline and focus. In quieter moments, he reaches for retro Kannada music, classic Hindi songs, and the crooning of Engelbert Humperdinck, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
YES Bank has its steady-handed rebuilder in Kumar to thank for survival. Now it has a scale-obsessed growth banker at the wheel. The next chapter starts April 6.
