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
Sun Pharma to acquire Organon in $11.75 billion deal at $14 per share
Acquisition to create $12.4 billion pharma giant with global scale and biosimilars push
MUMBAI: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Organon & Co. in an all-cash deal valued at $11.75 billion, marking one of the largest cross-border pharma acquisitions by an Indian firm.
Under the terms of the agreement, Organon shareholders will receive $14.00 per share in cash, with Sun Pharma set to acquire 100 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares. The transaction, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
The deal significantly expands Sun Pharma’s global footprint and strengthens its position across women’s health, biosimilars, and branded generics. The combined entity is projected to generate revenues of around $12.4 billion, placing it among the top 25 pharmaceutical companies globally.
Organon, which was spun off from Merck in 2021, brings a portfolio of over 70 products spanning women’s health and general medicines, with operations across more than 140 countries. Its established presence in key markets such as the US, Europe, and China complements Sun Pharma’s existing strengths and growth ambitions.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited executive chairman Dilip Shanghvi said, “This transaction represents a significant opportunity for Sun Pharma to build on its vision of reaching people and touching lives. Organon’s portfolio, capabilities and global reach are highly complementary to our own.”
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited managing director Kirti Ganorkar added, “This transaction is a logical next step in strengthening Sun Pharma’s global business. Together, we will become a partner of choice for acquiring and launching new products.”
From Organon’s side, Organon & Co. executive chair Carrie Cox noted, “This all-cash transaction offers compelling and immediate value to Organon stockholders, while positioning the business for continued growth under Sun Pharma.”
Strategically, the acquisition gives Sun Pharma entry into the global biosimilars space as a top 10 player and strengthens its innovative medicines portfolio, which is expected to contribute around 27 per cent of combined revenues. The deal is also expected to nearly double EBITDA and cash flow, supporting long-term deleveraging and investment capacity.
Sun Pharma plans to fund the acquisition through a mix of internal accruals and committed financing from global banks, while maintaining focus on disciplined integration and operational continuity post-merger.
If completed as planned, the deal signals a clear shift in India’s pharmaceutical ambitions, from scale at home to leadership on the global stage, with Sun Pharma positioning itself as a more diversified and innovation-led healthcare powerhouse.
