At just 14 years old, Sirish Subash from Bengaluru has made headlines with his revolutionary invention, Pestiscand — a portable, AI-powered device capable of detecting harmful pesticides on fruits and vegetables in seconds. What began as a simple curiosity about food safety — “Why do we need to wash our fruits?” — blossomed into an 11-month science project with global impact.
Using spectrophotometry combined with artificial intelligence, Pestiscand scans produce and identifies chemical contamination almost instantly. The device connects to a smartphone app, delivering real-time results, making it accessible for households, markets, and even small-scale vendors. Its design emphasizes portability, ease of use, and precision, making food safety practical for everyone.
Sirish’s groundbreaking work earned him the $25,000 Grand Prize at the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, where judges highlighted the device’s potential to redefine food testing globally. The project demonstrates that innovation does not require a fully equipped lab or significant funding — just curiosity, persistence, and purpose.
Experts believe Pestiscand could play a critical role in reducing pesticide-related health risks, especially in countries where chemical use in agriculture is high. Beyond food safety, it is a shining example of how youth-driven technological solutions can address real-world challenges, paving the way for a healthier and safer future.
