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Sirish Subash, a 9th grader from Snellville, Georgia, has been named “America’s Top Young Scientist” after creating an innovative handheld device that detects pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. His invention earned him the grand prize of $25,000 in the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
The device, called PestiSCAND, uses AI technology and spectrophotometry—a method that analyzes light reflections from produce surfaces—to identify pesticide contamination. Subash developed PestiSCAND after learning that roughly 70% of produce contains pesticide residues linked to health issues like cancer and Alzheimer’s. His device’s AI model achieved an impressive accuracy rate of over 85% in identifying these residues in over 12,000 tests on common produce, including apples and strawberries.
The young scientist hopes to bring his invention to market at an affordable price, targeting a cost of $20 per device, by the time he begins college. Subash, who is passionate about physics and engineering, plans to invest his prize money in tuition and dreams of attending MIT.
Subash was among nine national finalists mentored by 3M scientists over several months to refine their prototypes. In the final round held at 3M headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, his groundbreaking device earned him the top honor. “This year’s finalists have shown an incredible commitment to solving pressing global issues,” said Torie Clarke, 3M’s chief public affairs officer.
The young inventor even had the honor of ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, a momentous recognition for his achievement in science and innovation.
