They Haven't Graduated Yet, but They're Already Tackling the Big Problems of 2045 - Duncan Kane, SVP at Toshiba

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Duncan Kane, Senior Vice President at Toshiba America, shares insights from nearly two decades of working at the intersection of industry and education. Drawing from his leadership in STEM outreach, Duncan explains why Toshiba sees early STEM engagement not just as a good cause—but as a strategic investment in the future of innovation and the workforce.

One way Toshiba brings this vision to life is through its long-standing partnership with the National Science Teaching Association on ExploraVision, a science competition that challenges K–12 students to design technologies 20 years into the future. But as Duncan explains, the program isn’t really about competition—it’s about creativity, purpose, and helping students see themselves as future innovators. The conversation explores what happens when kids take ownership of real-world problems, the importance of dreaming big (with or without big budgets), and how industry can play a more active role in developing STEM talent.

Listen to learn:

• Why students are more innovative when they don’t know what’s “impossible”
• How choosing personally meaningful problems changes how kids approach STEM
• What happens when students design technology for the year 2045
• Why Toshiba believes building a STEM pipeline starts in your own backyard
• What schools risk losing when STEM programs are first on the chopping block

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Students come up with more creative solutions when they haven’t yet learned what’s “impossible.” Duncan explains that younger students are often more willing to dream big because they haven’t developed the cynicism or constraints that come with adulthood. In ExploraVision, fifth graders have proposed ideas like AI-powered glasses that interpret sign language and wearable devices to predict seizures—solutions rooted in bold thinking, not technical limitations.

2. When students choose problems that matter to them, STEM learning becomes personal and powerful. Many teams in ExploraVision choose issues they’ve encountered firsthand, like a relative’s epilepsy or local environmental concerns. That personal connection drives deeper engagement and creativity, whether it’s robotic honeybees to help pollinate crops or fire-resistant materials inspired by mushrooms.

3. Building a future STEM workforce doesn’t require a billion-dollar initiative—it starts locally. Duncan urges companies to start in their own communities, supporting local students and educators in ways that feel personal and authentic. Toshiba’s partnership with NSTA and the success of ExploraVision demonstrate how consistent, community-rooted efforts can scale to national impact—reaching 450,000 students over 33 years.

Resources in this Episode:

• To learn more about ExploraVision, visit: exploravision.org
• ExploraVision partner NSTA (National Science Teaching Association): nsta.org

Additional resources from this episode

• ExploraVision Winners: See details on this year’s winners + previous years
• Discover more from the Tos

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