14-YEAR-OLD WINS 'US TOP YOUNG SCIENTIST' FOR INVENTING PESTICIDE DETECTOR FOR FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Last updated on 11 JUN 2025

In a groundbreaking achievement, 14-year-old Sirish Subash from Snellville, Georgia, has revolutionized food safety with his innovative invention. Subash won America’s Top Young Scientist competition and secured a $25,000 prize for creating a device that could transform how millions of people ensure their produce is safe to eat. His winning invention, PestiSCAND, is a handheld pesticide detector that connects to smartphones and identifies harmful chemical residues on fruits and vegetables. During extensive testing, Subash’s device used advanced spectrophotometry and artificial intelligence to achieve an impressive 93% accuracy rate in detecting various pesticides. Most remarkably, Subash developed PestiSCAND with a clear vision: making food safety accessible to everyone. Setting a target price of just $20 per unit, he aims to put reliable pesticide detection within reach of average consumers, potentially preventing numerous health issues linked to pesticide consumption.

Background and Inspiration

Like many great inventions, PestiSCAND started with a simple daily moment – Subash’s mother reminding him to wash fruits before eating them. Rather than accepting this routine advice, young Subash asked himself: “Does washing fruits and vegetables make them safe?” Research led him to alarming discoveries about produce safety. Studies revealed that 70% of fruits and vegetables carry pesticide residues, which remain even after standard washing methods. Mounting evidence links these chemical residues to severe health conditions, including brain cancer, leukemia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease. Subash found it most concerning to learn that conventional washing methods barely reduce pesticide levels. Scientific data showed that people who eat non-organic produce have significantly higher urinary pesticide levels, proving that these chemicals make their way into our bodies despite washing routines. “If we could detect them, we could avoid consuming them and reduce these risks,” Subash explained, highlighting how his curiosity transformed into purposeful innovation. His determination to solve this widespread health concern drove him to develop PestiSCAND’s sophisticated detection system.

Development of PestiSCAND

After rigorous development for over 11 months, Subash engineered PestiSCAND to use spectrophotometry, which analyzes light waves reflected from produce to identify chemical residues. By integrating artificial intelligence into his device, he created a system capable of detecting pesticides with 93% accuracy. Testing involved four batches of typical produce: apples, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes. Subash conducted thorough experiments by spraying three groups with pesticides – azoxystrobin, imidacloprid, and cypermethrin – while keeping one group pesticide-free as a control. Each piece underwent multiple scans across different locations, generating over 800 test samples. Modern technology allows PestiSCAND to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to smartphones, making it portable and user-friendly. Once connected, users simply point their device at produce and tap a scan button. When pesticides appear, PestiSCAND notifies users to rinse their produce again, as multiple washes may be needed to reduce chemical residues significantly. Under guidance from a 3M mentor, Subash refined his prototype to ensure effectiveness and practicality. “My project is called PestiSCAND. What it is, is the device that allows everybody to check for pesticide residues on their produce at home,” Subash told USA TODAY. By targeting a $20 price point, he aims to make food safety accessible to average consumers.

The Competition Experience

For over 17 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has been pivotal in nurturing young innovators who demonstrate a keen ability to solve complex problems creatively. As Torie Clarke, 3M’s EVP and Chief Public Affairs Officer, puts it, “At 3M, we are all about finding amazing people who bring innovation and creativity to producing products that really change lives.” Hundreds of students vie to become one of the ten finalists each year. These select few collaborate virtually with 3M scientists over four months, honing their projects and sharpening their communication and problem-solving skills. The finalists then compete in Minnesota, where their projects undergo rigorous evaluation based on creativity, communication skills, and ingenuity. The competition showcases groundbreaking ideas and catalyzes future opportunities for these young scientists. Past participants have secured patents, started companies, and have been recognized on platforms like Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and TIME Magazine’s Kid of the Year. In this year’s challenge, alongside Sirish Subash’s groundbreaking PestiSCAND, other remarkable projects included Minula Weerasekera’s energy storage solution using organic compounds and sulfur-based thiophene, which earned her second place. William Tan, an eighth grader from Scarsdale, New York, won third place with his AI Smart Artificial Reef that supports marine life growth in a controlled environment. The prizes reflect each finalist’s placement: $25,000 for first place, $2,000 for second and third, and additional prizes for fourth through tenth. This structure acknowledges their achievements and invests in their potential to further impact the scientific community and beyond.

Impacts and Future Plans

PestiSCAND aims to evolve beyond its current capabilities, with Subash planning to expand its detection range to hundreds of potential pesticides. Future versions will estimate remaining pesticide levels after initial washing, helping users determine if additional rinsing becomes necessary. Motivated by his interest in physics and engineering, Subash plans to attend MIT and invest his $25,000 prize money in his future education, demonstrating his commitment to continued innovation in science and technology. Before heading to college, Subash shared valuable insights at the New York Stock Exchange, where he rang the opening bell, bringing national attention to food safety innovation. His advice to other young innovators remains clear: “Anything that you want to work on in life, just find something you’re really passionate about. Because if you care about what you’re working with, you can do a lot better and it just drives you to put effort in.”

Broader Implications and Industry Feedback

PestiSCAND offers an efficient way to detect pesticide residues, which experts in food safety and technology say could revolutionize the food industry and personal health. According to Gilles Benoit, a 3 M Young Scientist Challenge judge, the device has the potential to shift consumer habits and industry standards significantly. Sirish Subash’s invention addresses a critical need and brings advanced technology into everyday use. Food industry professionals see PestiSCAND as a catalyst for increased production and supply chain transparency. Empowering consumers to test their food easily enables them to make informed decisions about their eating. This capability could pressure producers to adopt cleaner farming practices, as public demand for pesticide-free produce will likely rise. Health experts underscore the device’s role in reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. Alexis Temkin, a toxicologist with the Environmental Working Group, highlighted in discussions that minimizing pesticide intake could significantly lower risks associated with chronic diseases and developmental issues. With diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s linked to pesticide exposure, tools like PestiSCAND could play a crucial role in enhancing public health outcomes.

The Impact of Young Minds on Science and Health

Sirish Subash’s creation of PestiSCAND marks a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of healthier living through scientific innovation. His achievement illustrates the profound impact that insightful, driven young minds can have on our everyday lives by addressing critical health and safety concerns. Young innovators like Sirish are not just participants in science and technology but are actively shaping the field’s future. Their fresh perspectives and bold approaches are essential for tackling today’s challenges and opening new avenues for advancement. Supporting these young scientists is crucial. Encouragement can come in many forms: attending science fairs, sponsoring STEM programs in local schools, or simply sharing their stories and successes. Each action helps foster an environment where curiosity and passion for science are nurtured. As a community, promoting STEM education among youth supports individual dreams and propels society towards more incredible innovation and understanding.

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