14-Year-Old Wins ‘America’s Top Young Scientist’ Award For Inventing Pesticide Detector For Fruits & Vegetables

It often takes a young, curious mind to challenge how we see the world—and 14-year-old Sirish Subash from Snellville, Georgia, has done just that. Recently crowned “America’s Top Young Scientist” in the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge, Sirish developed PestiSCAND, a handheld device designed to detect pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables.

This groundbreaking invention goes beyond being just a tool; it’s a wake-up call for how we think about food safety. Current studies suggest that over 30% of produce carries pesticide residues, even after washing, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). These residues pose potential health risks, including neurological disorders, hormonal disruptions, and links to cancer.

Why PestiSCAND Is a Game-Changer

Sirish took on this pressing concern by developing PestiSCAND, a device combining spectrophotometry and artificial intelligence (AI). Here’s how it works:

• Spectrophotometry measures how light reflects off various produce at different wavelengths.
• AI technology processes this data to identify pesticide residues with impressive precision.

Through extensive testing, PestiSCAND achieved 93% accuracy in identifying pesticide residues on common items like spinach and tomatoes. Sirish’s efforts not only showcase the capabilities of integrating STEM principles into real-world solutions but also highlight the growing necessity of smarter food safety tools.

Why Pesticide Detection Matters

Pesticides, while instrumental in increasing agricultural yield, are a double-edged sword. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), improper pesticide regulation poses alarming health risks. Studies from credible sources like MDPI have highlighted how produce from farmers markets often exceeds safe maximum residual limits. Certain pesticides, such as persistent chemicals like DDT, remain deeply embedded in the environment and can linger on food long past harvest, raising even more concerns.

The need for reliable methods to detect these residues has never been greater. Reports show that globally, over 385 million cases of unintentional pesticide poisoning occur each year, leading to approximately 11,000 fatalities, as highlighted by the Journal of Public Health. Sirish’s device provides consumers with the ability to proactively safeguard their health.

A Journey Fueled by Science and Mentorship

Sirish cultivated PestiSCAND through his participation in the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Supported by his mentor, Aditya Banerji, a Senior Research Engineer at 3M, Sirish transformed an initial concept into a fully functioning prototype. This guided process allowed him to integrate critical feedback while adhering to practical, real-world applications. Aditya described Sirish as “a visionary in the making,” shedding light on how mentorship fuels young innovators to thrive in problem-solving at a global scale.

Building the Next Era of Food Monitoring

The potential of PestiSCAND goes far beyond individual households. Sirish envisions refining the device to become an affordable and widely accessible tool for consumers worldwide. If adopted broadly, products like PestiSCAND could not only empower individuals to make safer food choices but also raise awareness about the dangers of over-reliant pesticide use, potentially encouraging a shift toward more sustainable farming practices.

Additionally, such innovations could inspire a new wave of technologies in food safety, spurring more young creators to rise to the challenge of solving global health issues.

“America’s Top Young Scientist” and Beyond

For his groundbreaking work, Sirish was awarded the prestigious title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” and a $25,000 grand prize, which he plans to put toward his higher education. With aspirations to attend MIT and continue addressing pressing environmental and social issues, Sirish is undeniably a trailblazer in the making.

His project is a reminder of the critical role STEM competitions like the 3M Young Scientist Challenge play in nurturing youth talent and delivering impactful innovations.

PestiSCAND Is Just the Beginning

Sirish Subash has offered the world not just a tool, but a vision of how young, inventive minds can tackle globally significant challenges. His AI-powered pesticide detection device could very well become a universal household essential, marking a new era of food safety and awareness.

Sirish’s story is a testament to the incredible change that one individual can spark when guided by curiosity, determination, and innovative mentorship programs. Moving forward, his ambition to solve real-world problems further cements his role as an inspiration to the next generation of STEM leaders.

With food safety and sustainability at the forefront of global conversations, devices like PestiSCAND remind us of the power of combining technology with humanity’s collective sense of responsibility. After all, every small step—every safer meal—counts.