I can still recall myself entering 10xTechClub for the first time, excited but scared. At that point, I had no idea how this space would transform me. I believed it would be all about learning some basics of coding or listening to a couple of lectures, but it became a journey of actually creating, testing, and finding out what I could do.
A little bit about myself - My name is Geet, and I've been a very aware person for most of my life—constantly overthinking, constantly worrying about what others would say about me. That mentality generally kept me held back. But once I became a part of 10xTechClub, something shifted. Gradually, I became freer, more confident, and expressive.
If I look back at my experience, I'm nostalgic and want to go back in time and relive everything over again. Whether it was the hackathons or the constant conversations with friends, all of it was just so great. The atmosphere, the energy, that feel of being at 10xTechClub was just something else—something that will never be forgotten.
Discovering My Passion
The first stage on hardware didn't really capture my attention, but everything that followed—AI, Python, Data Science, NLP, Entrepreneurship, and SpaceTech—was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Hardware was good too, but since I've always been more of a coder, it didn't grab me the way the other fields did.
The LaunchPad Experience: Learning from "Failure"
I had a truly life-changing mini-Shark Tank experience (10xTC LaunchPad). Despite not receiving the funding, I left with clarity, which is far more valuable. I gained knowledge of how to develop business and financial models, but more significantly, I learned how to express concepts clearly and concisely. The most important lesson I learned was to keep things simple, concentrate on what I know, and let the ideas worth speak for itself.
Not getting funded isn't always a sign of failure; it can sometimes serve as motivation to get stronger, sharper, and more ready for the next pitch. Despite what Sharks felt, YOUVA (Wearable for Cancer Management), my startup idea, is designed to go against the grain.
Tech Mahindra Makers Lab: A Quantum Leap
The visit to Tech Mahindra Makers Lab, Hinjewadi, Pune on World Quantum Day was truly an eye-opener for me. I finally had my first real look into the intriguing world of quantum computing and how it's poised to transform the future of tech. Hearing experts dissect complicated issues into easy-to-understand concepts made me understand that quantum isn't merely theory—it's the foundation of the next era of tech.
Aside from the learning, the vibe of being surrounded by industry professionals, meeting fellow peers, and experiencing cutting-edge innovations left me thoroughly inspired. It wasn't a visit—it was an experience that broadened my imagination of what can be done.
Beyond Tech: Life Skills That Matter
In addition to the TechM Makers Lab visit, 10xTechClub also organized a series of expert sessions and workshops that defined my journey in ways that were both novel and influential. From Financial Literacy workshops that educated me about the importance of money management, to Public Speaking workshops that encouraged me to come out of my shell, every experience made its mark.
Mentors Who Became Friends
The 10xTechClub mentors were truly more than instructors—they were like friends. We could go to them at any time without fear, and they would never reprimand us even if we bothered them with non-stop questions. Instead, they would very graciously dispel all doubts and explain each lesson so profoundly that it really sunk in. What I enjoyed most was the autonomy they granted us—we never felt judged, only encouraged. That comfort made learning not only easy, but super fun.
The Magic of Success Frameworks and Passports
One of the most awesome and groundbreaking things 10xTechClub brought was the Mindset Cards (Success Frameworks) and the 10xTC Passport. The Success Framework Cards weren't dull flashcards—they were cheat codes for life. They taught me life skills like time management, decision-making, and problem-solving in such a fun, hands-on manner that I didn't even know I was learning.
And then there was the Passport. The initial time I received it, it felt like I had been issued a "tech traveler's visa." Each hackathon, workshop, and milestone got stamped within it, and it gradually became a scrapbook of growth and memories. Now when I browse through it, it is as if I am time-traveling back to each and every moment spent at 10xTC.
Building Bridges to My Future
10xTC is also going to benefit me a lot in my future life. I wish to be a CA as well as a lawyer, and what I learned here will actually count. Besides coding, I learned communication, problem-solving, timely engineering, and analytical mind, which will benefit me in nearly everything I do. It really feels like I'm a mini engineer + CA already!
My father has a CA firm and frequently deals with startup founders on pitch decks, and due to 10xTC, I now know their world better and can identify with their business struggles. I also saw how startups think and operate, something that will ease me in guiding or working with them in the future.
In addition, studying data analysis, NLP, and Python has made my mind more logical and analytical. Although all these are not part of law or CA directly, they've conditioned my thinking towards problem-solving and critical thinking—abilities that I know will be extremely handy for my profession.
Finding Home in 10xTechClub
In retrospect, 10xTechClub wasn't merely a space in which I learned tech—it was where I discovered myself. It taught me skills, confidence, and experiences that I'll take with me for a lifetime. Beyond coding or AI, it taught me to think bigger, dream bigger, and believe in what I can do.
To me, 10xTechClub will never be merely a club—it will forever be home. I will always miss 10xTechClub.
Signing off
Geet Valecha
