Moroti Adegboyega, a soon-to-be Grade 12 student at St. Bonaventure’s College, recently won the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize. Representing Canada in an international competition, Adegboyega impressed the judges with his innovative autonomous robot that utilizes nanoparticles and AI to effectively clean plastic debris from water bodies.
Adegboyega expressed his astonishment at winning the award, stating that he had not anticipated the victory. He walked away with a cash prize of $15,000 along with a water-themed trophy, while his school received $5,000 to support STEM activities.
Competing against students aged 15 to 20 from around the globe, Adegboyega’s project stood out for its scientific excellence and potential real-world impact. His robot’s unique use of ferrofluid, a magnetizable liquid, sets it apart by enabling the removal of plastics from water without harming marine life.
Motivated by the escalating issue of plastic pollution, Adegboyega emphasized the importance of addressing this environmental challenge. He plans to utilize his prize money to further develop his robot, pursue patents for his technology, and save for his education. Adegboyega also aims to inspire other young innovators and advocates for increased opportunities for youth to engage in similar impactful projects.
The aspiring inventor believes that with more access and support, young individuals can create remarkable solutions to global issues.