The 14-year-old Indian American, who triumphed over nine other finalists, claimed victory during the final challenge events at 3M’s global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this month.
Sirish Subash, a ninth grader from the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology in Lawrenceville, Georgia, has won the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his innovative creation—a handheld pesticide detector designed for home use. This achievement grants the 14-year-old Indian American the title of America’s Top Young Scientist, along with a cash award of $25,000.
Named Pestiscand, this device measures the wavelength of light reflected off fruits and vegetables and employs machine learning to indicate whether your food is pesticide-free. 3M, which organizes the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge, explained that the tool is user-friendly: simply download the app, point it at the food item, and check if an extra rinse may be necessary. “The primary goal of Pestiscand is to help consumers ensure they are not ingesting pesticides, thereby avoiding related health risks,” Subash shared with MPR News.
Subash revealed to MPR News that his inspiration came from his parents. “They always emphasize the importance of washing produce before eating,” he stated. “I started to wonder about the necessity and effectiveness of this practice. Does washing truly guarantee that your produce is clean? That’s the power of curiosity!”
According to 3M, Pestiscand utilizes spectrophotometry, which measures how various wavelengths of light reflect off the surfaces of fruits and vegetables. A machine learning model then analyzes this data to detect pesticide presence. The device consists of a sensor, power supply, display screen, and processor. During testing, it achieved an impressive accuracy rate of over 85% in identifying pesticide residues on spinach and tomatoes, fulfilling the project’s goals for both effectiveness and speed.
Subash competed against nine other finalists and secured his victory during the final Challenge events at 3M’s global headquarters on October 14 and 15. The finalists faced a series of interactive challenges and were assessed on their creativity, innovative thought, application of STEM principles, passion, research, presentation skills, and ability to inspire others.
Each finalist was paired with a 3M scientist who provided mentorship and guidance throughout the summer to help turn their ideas into prototypes. Subash collaborated with Aditya Banerji, a senior research engineer at 3M’s Corporate Research Process Laboratory.
Subash shared with MPR News that he discovered his passion for science in first grade and aspired to enter the Challenge but nearly missed his opportunity. Applicants must be in grades five through eight when applying. “I skipped fifth grade, so I couldn’t enter that year. In sixth grade, my family was in India for much of the time, preventing me from setting up my project. I entered in seventh grade, but it didn’t pan out,” he explained. “Eighth grade was my last chance to apply, and I wanted to make it count because participating in this Challenge has long been a dream of mine.”
While uncertain about his future, he mentioned to MPR News that he intends to allocate part of his prize money towards higher education. “One thing I’m certain of is my love for physics. My goal is to work on devices that will positively influence everyday lives,” he expressed. “I aspire to leave a positive mark on the world.”
Minula Weerasekera, a ninth grader from Beaverton, Oregon, and William Tan, an eighth grader from Scarsdale, New York, took second and third place, respectively. Weerasekera developed an organic compound solution for extended energy storage, while Tan created an AI Smart Artificial Reef to nurture the growth of coral, seashells, kelp, and other marine life in a safe environment. Both received a $2,000 prize.
Finalists who placed fourth through tenth include Ankan Das from Sanford, Florida; Aakash Manaswi from Orlando, Florida; Prince Nallamothula from Frisco, Texas; Ronita Shukla from Acton, Massachusetts; and Rithvik Suren from Ellington, Connecticut.
