Indian-American Teen Claims Second Place in America’s Young Scientist Challenge
New York, October 27: Shripriya Kalbhavi, a talented ninth grader at Lynbrook High School in California, has clinched the second spot at the prestigious 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, an esteemed science competition for middle school students in the United States. Kalbhavi’s groundbreaking invention, EasyBZ, is a cost-effective microneedle patch that facilitates self-automated drug delivery, eliminating the need for pills or needles. She was awarded a $2,000 prize for her remarkable achievement.
The coveted title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” and a grand prize of $25,000 went to Heman Bekele from Virginia for his innovative compound-based Skin Cancer Treating Soap.
Kalbhavi expressed her motivation in a blog post on the 3M Young Scientist Challenge website, stating her desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives through her scientific endeavors. She is also the host of a podcast called “Famous Personalities,” where she delves into the lives, accomplishments, and research of women scientists.
“Scientific research and innovations have always interested me, and I find the scientists, especially doctors, all around me to be extremely inspiring because they work to help people every day,” said Kalbhavi, who aspires to become a practicing neurosurgeon. She added, “I want to gain experience and advice from a mentor to help improve people’s lives with my invention, BZ reaction-automated microneedle patches, by making their medication painless and more affordable.”
In addition to Kalbhavi’s remarkable achievement, five other Indian-American teenagers ranked among the top ten finalists, each receiving a $1,000 prize and a $500 gift card.
John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, commended the young innovators, emphasizing the competition’s role in encouraging creativity and applying the power of science to everyday challenges.
Over the years, winners of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge have gone on to achieve significant milestones, including giving TED Talks, securing patents, establishing nonprofits, earning a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and exhibiting at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been recognized in Time Magazine as the first “Kid of the Year” and featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider.
