From Curiosity to National Recognition
The journey of Mohjabin - a young Tajik inventor.
- English
- Тоҷикӣ
Since the third grade, Mohjabin Davlatqadamova has been attending classes at the Innovation Lab established by UNICEF in the Center for Additional Education in Khorog, a city in the south of the Republic of Tajikistan. Here, her passion for science and technology flourished.
Participating in district-level competitions for young scientists, she consistently showcased her inventive spirit and problem-solving skills. Her innovative ideas in developing energy-saving tools including fluorescent head lamps, and a melting and welding machine for heat resistant metals, have won her much national recognition. While attending school at Porshnev Jamoat (village), of Shugnan district, she became a member of the Tajik Junior Academy of Sciences, at only seventeen years of age.
Her journey of innovation and achievement began early and was nurtured by a deep curiosity for science and technology, and the unwavering support of her father.
"At just twenty years old, I look back on my journey and see a path filled with accomplishments, each a testament to my relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. From the early days of curiosity in the sciences to becoming a nationally recognized inventor, my journey has been shaped by a passion for learning and a desire to make a positive impact."- says Mohjabiun.
UNICEF/Tajikistan/2020
Mohjabin Davlatqadamova
Mohjabin’s fascination with science began at an early age. She was intrigued by how she could watch a concert on TV, that was happening in another country, or how information could be transferred from one phone to another.
These questions sparked a desire to understand the underlying principles of how technology works. Mohjabin’s father played a crucial role in nurturing this curiosity. He found the right books, explained scientific concepts, and demonstrated practical applications underlying everyday items.
Mohjabin says that without the support from her family, she wouldn’t be able to achieve her dreams.
“By the fourth grade, I had completed courses in "Radio and Electrical Engineering," "Young Mathematicians," and "Fashion Design, at the GBAO Youth Supplementary Education Center, earning several certificates. Inspired by the works of great scientists, and so, I began dreaming of my own inventions.”
The Birth of an Inventor
On April 26, 2013, after hearing a message from the President of Tajikistan during his annual address to the parliament, she joined the national contest "Young Technicians", where she presented her own invention, a "Wireless Alarm System for Natural Disasters," and won first place.
Mohjabin’s journey continued with participation in the television competition "Bozeft" (Rediscovered) in 2015-2016, where she emerged as the winner. In 2016, she competed in the "Youth are the Future of the Nation" contest at the National Patent Center, receiving a second-degree diploma. Representing the National Patent Center at the 2017 International forum "Young Entrepreneurs," she was honored as the youngest inventor in Tajikistan.
“Every achievement fueled my passion for learning and innovation. In 2019, I became a full member of the Minor Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan. The following year, I led a team from my class to participate in the "Upshift" program organized with support of UNICEF in Khorog (a regional center in the Pamir region). Our project was recognized as the best, and we received mentorship and funding for its implementation.”
During the UPSHIFT training and while completing her research on social challenges related to her community, Mohjabin and her team were inspired to create a device to protect villagers from natural disasters. Reading "The Tesla Prophecy" sparked the idea of developing a wireless system device. The wireless device alerts residents to impeding natural disasters. The device immediately reports avalanches, mudslides, and floods to nearby communities and the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense.
Inspired, and empowered with 21st century skills learned in the Innovation Lab, Mohjabin entered the national contest "Young Technicians", with her solution "Wireless Alarm System for Natural Disasters," and won first place.
In 2021, as a first-year student at the Tajik Technical University named after Academician M. S. Osimi, Mohjabin gained a third place in the national contest "Science is the Light of Knowledge" and received a Presidential diploma. Since 2022, she has been honing her skills in various university laboratories, mastering turning, electric arc welding on metal, and three-dimensional graphic programs for creating and producing robotic parts. She has also mentored fellow students, guiding them to win prizes in national competitions.
Professional Experience and Future Aspirations
In 2023, Mohjabin gained her first working experience at the Institute of Geology and Seismology of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. Since 2024, she has been working at the Tajik Technical University in the department of the Preparation of Projects and International Grants, as a specialist. Currently, she is a third-year student at the Faculty of Construction and Architecture, specializing in the construction and operation of hydraulic structures.
Mohjabin also noted that “UNICEF helped me to shape myself in the areas where I am thriving now. This shows how amazing UNICEF’s work is in helping young people like me discover my skills and develop them further.”
Each step of her journey has been driven by a desire to learn, innovate, and make a difference. With the support of her family and the opportunities provided by various educational and professional platforms, Mohjabin is committed to continuing this journey, contributing to the advancement of technology, and inspiring the next generation of young female inventors in Tajikistan.
“I am far from stopping here. This is just the beginning of my career. I am currently preparing for another competition with a new invention: a "Closed Solar Collector System for Testing Electrical Energy Using Water, Geothermal Water, or the Chemical Substance Chloroform,” added Mohjabin.