Teen Innovators Triumph at Global Science Olympiad WISPO 2024
Two Bangladeshi teenagers have made the nation proud by winning gold and silver medals at the World Innovative Science Project Olympiad (WISPO) 2024, held in Bandung, West Java Province, Indonesia. Their groundbreaking inventions in life-saving technology earned global recognition on Victory Day, December 16.
The young inventors, Mohammad Twashin Ilahi, an 11th-grade student from Rajshahi’s Kamruzzaman Government Degree College, and Zabeer Zarif Akhter, a 12th-grade student from St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in Dhaka, received the medals at an award ceremony. The event was hosted by Indonesia's Ministry of Education and the country’s Scientific Society. Twashin’s mother, Mosammat Masuma Akhtar, accompanied the team and received the awards from Professor Eri Hardian, a judge from the organizing committee.
The teenagers, representing the team “iSpark,” showcased two innovative projects at WISPO 2024: the Auraguard and the Hydroplasma X. Competing against over 1,000 participants from 30 countries, including strong contenders from the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, China, and Thailand, the team secured gold in the Engineering and Technology category and silver in the Environmental Science category.
The Auraguard
The Auraguard, designed by Tawseen, is a road safety device for vehicles. It integrates a 5x7-inch rectangular box containing a motherboard, CPU, tablet, tachometer, camera, vibrator, and LiDAR sensors. By leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms, the device monitors driver behavior and ensures safety through features such as drowsiness detection, automatic alerts, and even shutting down the engine if the driver is intoxicated or exceeds speed limits. It also scans licenses and ensures vehicle fitness tests are up to date before allowing the engine to start. Explaining its mechanism, Twashin said, “This device integrates multiple sensors and uses AI algorithms to make real-time decisions, protecting drivers and ensuring road safety.”
On development costs, Tawseen shared that the device cost around BDT 30,000 to build, but could be commercially produced for under BDT 25,000. He credited his parents, particularly his father, Ishaq Ali, a sub-district primary education officer, for inspiring his passion for research and innovation since his school days.
The Hydroplasma X
The Hydroplasma X, created by Zabeer, is a water purification device that uses high-voltage plasma technology to generate shockwaves, destroying contaminants such as bacteria and viruses in just 3 to 5 seconds. Zarif explained that the device operates by converting DC power to high-voltage AC current, which is then used to produce shockwaves that purify water. Remarkably, the device can also be made using electronic waste, reducing production costs to as little as $3.50 to $5, depending on the country.
Zarif, inspired by his parents and his interest in science fiction, began experimenting with electronics before entering school. He has previously won the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden and is now a trainee engineer in NASA’s satellite program under the GLEE mission.
WISPO 2024, held from December 13 to 17, brought together some of the world’s brightest young minds in science and innovation. The Bangladeshi duo’s success, achieved through personal funding and self-driven effort, has been hailed as a significant milestone for the nation. Experts believe their achievements will inspire the next generation of innovators and emphasize the need for continued state support to nurture such talent.
Their double-medal victory has illuminated a bright path for innovation and a promising future for the youth of Bangladesh.
