Technogear addresses technology inequality | Tri City Voice

High school student Jeffrey Lin upgrades donated computers for those in need

Submitted by Joyce Yin

In Silicon Valley, access to technology is almost a guarantee, but this isn’t the case for the majority of the world. In fact, a third of the world population has never even accessed the internet in their lives. During the modern age, this “digital divide” means that many people miss valuable opportunities for career and social advancement, all while the gap grows wider as more and more technological advancements are made. A recently created initiative headquartered in Fremont has set their sights on solving this issue. Technogear, created by Mission San Jose High School student Jeffrey Li, aims to bridge the digital divide by collecting used electronics, refurbishing them, and donating them to people in need. 

Li was originally inspired by his background in modifying his computers. “During the pandemic, I used an old and slow Lenovo Thinkpad to attend online classes,” Li said. However, after discovering an online community of Thinkpad enthusiasts, he learned that he could make his computer run much more smoothly by switching from Windows to Linux and expanding his laptop’s memory. A few years later, Li’s passion for electronics would be met with his desire to benefit the community when at a food drive, he learned of a woman who couldn’t afford a laptop for her son. Hearing this, Li realized the gap in technology access and decided to create Technogear.

Currently, Technogear has collected over 60 computers generously donated by community members. The organization upgrades each computer’s hardware (i.e. by switching out the hard disk with a solid state drive) while also installing Mint Linux, a free, lightweight operating system. Each computer is also equipped with essential software like web browsers and word processors. People can apply to get a computer using the form on the organization’s website. Along with collecting and donating electronics, this organization aims to increase digital literacy by providing technical skill classes and online resources. Recently, Technogear also set up a booth at the 2024 Fremont July 4th Parade after party, where Li introduced participants to the organization. “This was a great way to interact with the community, and in the future I hope to be able to introduce more people to Technogear at events like fairs and conferences,” Li said. 

However, running this organization has not been withouts its challenges. “One of the biggest challenges right now is finding people to donate to,” Li said. “A lot of the computers are still just sitting around, and it’s hard to contact specific people who need help.” To solve this issue, Li wants to collaborate with organizations, such as homeless shelters and soup kitchens. 

In the future, Technogear hopes to expand operations to different places around the nation and even internationally. In addition, the organization intends to go beyond donating laptops. “I want to establish a computer lab at a homeless shelter or a library using the desktop computers we have. I also want to host events similar to a food drive where people can receive laptops and interact with volunteers,” Li said. This coming fall, the organization is also looking to recruit volunteers to join the organization’s technology, education and outreach teams. 

Technogear can be contacted at [email protected]. Learn more about Technogear on its website, technogear.carrd.co.