From TechCayman Robotics Camper to STEM Mentor: Cayman Student Pursues Engineering Career with Plans to Give Back

TechCayman is celebrating the achievements of Teejhan “TJ” Hansraj, whose path from curious robotics camp participant to dedicated mentor shows the life-changing impact that accessible STEM opportunities can have.

When TJ first attended TechCayman Education’s robotics camp at age 15, he was simply eager to learn about technology. The camps, which give students hands-on experience building and programming robots while fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills, ignited an interest that would set the course of his academic and career ambitions.

Before enrolling in the camp, TJ met TechCayman’s Education Manager, Philip Liu, at a school event. “He spoke to our IT class about his journey from studying physics to transitioning into computer science,” TJ recalls. “That really resonated with me, as I was at a similar crossroads, deciding between physics or IT. His story, paired with my own curiosity about how computers work, started a domino effect that led me to pursue studies in the STEM field.”

Those early experiences also drew him to Hackerspace, TechCayman’s collaborative community space where students, hobbyists and professionals come together to explore technology beyond the classroom. The space provides access to tools, equipment and mentorship for projects ranging from programming to playing chess, offering a supportive environment where ideas are tested, problems solved and skills developed.

In the years since, TJ has returned to TechCayman Education’s programmes not as a participant but as a mentor, guiding younger students who remind him of himself at his first camp. “Becoming a mentor was a natural step for me,” TJ recalls. “My first robotics camp had such a profound impact on my career path that I wanted to give back. Helping inspire someone else’s passion for STEM, just as mine was sparked, has been my biggest motivation.”

This year, he achieved another milestone when he was invited to serve as a mentor at TechCayman’s Brac robotics camp, the first time the organisation had ever brought a student mentor to the Sister Islands. “It was such a unique experience,” TJ says. “The students were incredibly engaged and it felt meaningful to be part of bringing STEM opportunities to a community that doesn’t always have the same access.”

That spirit of leadership carried into other initiatives. TJ participated in Cayman’s inaugural YouthTek conference in 2024, a student-focused technology forum. His contributions were so well regarded that organisers invited him back this year, this time to take the stage as a moderator. “It was a great chance to ask questions, learn from experts and help create a space where students felt confident sharing their ideas,” he says.

TechCayman’s mission is to build a resilient technology sector by creating meaningful pathways for Cayman’s future talent. Through hands-on programmes offered at no cost to participants, TechCayman Education removes barriers to participation, building skills, confidence and community connections that prepare students for long-term careers in technology. “Stories like TJ’s are why we exist,” says Philip Liu, TechCayman’s Education Manager. “Our goal is to create those moments where curiosity meets opportunity, so Cayman’s emerging talent can see a future for themselves in technology right here at home.”

Now, TJ is preparing for the next step in his journey. This fall, he begins Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering studies at the University of Sheffield. His plan is to return to Cayman, contribute to the growth of the engineering sector and continue mentoring the next wave of innovators.

When asked what advice he would give to others interested in STEM, TJ reflects: “Technology plays a vital role everywhere in the world and Cayman is no different. If you look for opportunities, they will find you. My biggest advice is don’t get overwhelmed, there will be times when things don’t go as planned and that’s okay. Learning how to decompress is a crucial skill in problem-solving. TechCayman’s initiatives give students the hands-on, peer-supported environment they need, planting the seeds of curiosity and providing the space to grow their interest in STEM.”

Learn more about TJ’s path from student to mentor in TechCayman’s latest Q&A.

For more information about TechCayman’s educational initiatives and upcoming programmes, please contact: education@techcayman.com

About TechCayman

TechCayman is a government-enabled, end-to-end immigration and relocation service provider, designed to support the launch and expansion of tech ventures, and the advancement of tech innovation, education, and opportunity across the Cayman Islands.