Indian-origin boy named America's top young scientist

Washington: An Indian-American student has won ‘America’s Top Young Scientist’ award for his innovative design of an eco-friendly device that seeks to reduce carbon footprint, while offering power for household usage.

Sahil Doshi, a ninth grader from Pittsburg, competed alongside nine other finalists to be declared winner of 2014 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

The award includes $25,000 and a student adventure trip to a destination such as Costa Rica.

“His prototype — the PolluCell — converts carbon dioxide into electricity, ingeniously helping to reduce our carbon footprint, while offering power for household uses and developing nations,’’ Discovery Education and 3M said in a statement.

Inspired by the 1.2 billion people worldwide who lack access to electricity and the rising levels of toxic air pollution, Doshi was determined to create an energy storage device that could help lower harmful greenhouse gases, while generating electricity for those in need, a statement said.

“We are honoured to stand alongside 3M in congratulating Sahil and the rest of this year’s finalists for their dedication and innovative thinking. I am certain that they will make a meaningful impact on society in the years to come,” said Bill Goodwyn, President and CEO, Discovery Education.

Among others, Jai Kumar from Virginia received the third place for his innovative, window-mounted air purification system that prevents harmful pollutants from entering the home.