AI-powered pesticide detector wins 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge

9th grader Sirish Subash has developed Pestiscand, a handheld AI device that detects pesticide residues, earning him the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

Sirish Subash, a 9th grader from Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology in Georgia, has been named the winner of the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge. His innovation, Pestiscand, is an AI-powered handheld device designed to detect pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. This earned him the prestigious title of “America’s Top Young Scientist,” along with a $25,000 cash prize.

Sirish competed against nine other talented finalists in the nation’s premier middle school science competition. Over four months, the finalists worked with mentors from 3M to develop their concepts into working prototypes. The final challenge, held at 3M’s global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, evaluated the students on a range of skills, including their ability to apply STEM principles, demonstrate creativity, and inspire others through their presentations.

How Pestiscand works

Pestiscand uses a combination of spectrophotometry and machine learning to detect harmful pesticide residues on the surface of produce. Spectrophotometry measures how light at different wavelengths is reflected from the surface of fruits and vegetables, and the AI model then analyses this data to determine if pesticide residues are present. The device consists of a sensor, a display screen, a processor, and a power supply. In testing, Pestiscand achieved an accuracy rate of over 85% on commonly contaminated produce, such as spinach and tomatoes.

“Finalists in this year’s Young Scientist Challenge demonstrated an incredible ability to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues,” said Torie Clarke, Executive Vice President & Chief Public Affairs Officer at 3M. “Sirish’s Pestiscand is a perfect example of how young minds can use innovation to create solutions for real-world problems.”

Mentorship and final competition

The finalists were paired with 3M scientists for mentorship over the summer, helping them refine their ideas and transform their concepts into fully developed prototypes. Sirish was mentored by Aditya Banerji, Senior Research Engineer at 3M’s Corporate Research Process Laboratory. Banerji guided Sirish through the technical challenges of integrating AI with spectrophotometry to achieve the required accuracy.

The final competition saw the finalists participate in a series of interactive challenges, judged on their ingenuity, use of STEM, and presentation skills. The judges were particularly impressed with Sirish’s ability to translate complex scientific principles into a device that could be useful for consumers and food safety regulators alike.

Recognising the next generation of innovators

Second place was awarded to Minula Weerasekera, a 9th grader from Beaverton, Oregon, for developing a new energy storage system using organic compounds. In third place was William Tan, an 8th grader from Scarsdale, New York, who created an AI-driven artificial reef system to promote marine biodiversity.

The remaining finalists, who all received $1,000 prizes, included students from diverse schools across the United States. These students demonstrated a wide range of innovative ideas, from environmental conservation to health care solutions.

Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education, praised the students, saying, “It is inspiring to see how future generations are tackling real-world problems with creativity and passion. The finalists have shown exceptional talent and a commitment to using science to improve the world around them.”

The future of young science innovators

Now in its 17th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to provide middle school students with a platform to develop their skills in STEM. Many former finalists have gone on to make significant contributions, including delivering TED Talks, filing patents, and being featured in major media outlets. A network of alumni from the competition was established in 2022, fostering collaboration and mentorship opportunities for young scientists to further their careers.

3M and Discovery Education also support STEM education through the Young Scientist Lab, offering free resources for teachers, students, and families. The programme is designed to inspire a new generation of innovators by providing hands-on STEM experiences both in and out of the classroom.

To see more about the 2024 finalists or to learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, visit youngscientistlab.com.