Episode 14: Tech Gladiators: Engineering the Next Generation with Zeo Infinite Robotics

Episode SummaryFounder Thomas James joins the show to discuss Zeo Infinite Robotics, a San Antonio-based nonprofit transforming STEM education through combat robotics. By engaging students in the "Tech Gladiator Challenge," Thomas is bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world manufacturing careers.Host: Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/Guests: Thomas James, Founder of Zeo Infinite RoboticsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeo-infinite-robotics/Find Us: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannelSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHyApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoostChannelWebsite: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/Key Highlights🌟The Mission: Giving students a "first shot" at engineering roles by teaching CAD, mechatronics, and manufacturing before they even reach college.🌟The Tech Gladiator Challenge: A multi-month program where students design, build, and battle robots, learning to troubleshoot mechanical and software errors under pressure.🌟The Power of Teamwork: Thomas emphasizes that robotics is 10% hardware and 90% strategy and collaboration. Students must reconcile different perspectives to build a winning machine.🌟The Pipeline: From Gunpla (Gundam model building) for elementary kids to high-stakes combat for high schoolers, the curriculum scales with the students' development.Current Needs & GrowthThomas is currently in the foundational "building block" phase and is seeking community support for:🌟Board Recruitment: Specifically looking for a Treasurer and members with business or financial expertise.🌟Sponsors & Grants: Funding for robot kits, materials, and travel costs to keep the program accessible.🌟School Outreach: Introductions to districts in San Antonio (Northside/Northeast) and to underserved areas such as the South Side and rural South Carolina.Connect with Zeo Infinite RoboticsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeo-infinite-robotics/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeoinfiniteroboticsFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/466679857200055/ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBTFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069503631464