Che Jingang, a 14-year-old from China, has amazed the world by building a turbojet engine from scratch in his home. With remarkable dedication, he has spent months studying calculus and computer-aided design (CAD), successfully evolving his project into a functional model. The teenager, who documents his journey on Douyin, does not aim to replicate a real aircraft engine but to create a prototype that generates gas flow. “My original intention in building this engine was to learn,” explained Che, who became interested in aerodynamics at a very young age.
Since the third grade, the young inventor has dedicated himself to studying complex concepts, spending three to four hours daily reading scientific materials. In his creation process, he made 2D plans, 3D models, and simulations of airflow, temperature, and pressure. Although his first attempt was not successful, Che has learned from his failures and is preparing for new tests with technical adjustments. The Douyin platform has been crucial in his learning, allowing him to access tutorials and advice from other creators. This self-taught effort and his passion for engineering are an inspiring example of youth innovation, similar to other notable projects in the scientific field, such as the Lyrid meteor shower in 2026.
