Two young innovators from India, Sparsh Ranjan and Aashi Goyal from Jayshree Periwal International School in Jaipur, stood out for their groundbreaking research project at the 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park.
The project uses graph neural networks to predict how children respond to medicines. Their work earned them Gold in the Computer Science and Software Development category, a recognition that marked both a personal and scientific milestone.
“I love building human-centred technology,” said Ranjan, a Grade 12 IB student from Noida. “Winning Gold was surreal. It validated years of learning and late nights and, more importantly, showed that student research can move closer to real impact in paediatric care. It’s fuel to keep building.”
For Ranjan, who describes himself as a food lover and mentor to younger students in robotics and coding, science fairs like the Eskom Expo are about much more than competition. “I even danced to Indian songs at the ISF socials, despite not being a dancer,” he laughed. “Joy is contagious!”
Goyal, who combines her love for science with a deep passion for art and music, shared that what drew her to Eskom Expo was its celebration of innovation with purpose. “Eskom Expo felt like the perfect space for someone like me, where ideas meet purpose,” she said. “When I heard the Expo celebrates innovation that creates real-world change, I knew I wanted to be part of it.”
The pair qualified for the Eskom Expo through India’s IRIS National Fair, which selects top projects to represent the country internationally. “The chance to meet global peers and test research in the real world made Eskom the perfect stage,” Ranjan explained.
Both students recalled unforgettable experiences from their time in South Africa, from engaging discussions with international judges to bonding with peers from around the world.
“A Siemens system engineer who judged us dove into our appendix code and told us we were working at ‘varsity level,’” Ranjan recalled. “And yes, the Team India dance at socials was unforgettable. The five days felt like a masterclass in science, humility, and friendship.”
For Goyal, the highlight was the sense of global connection that science encourages. “Meeting young scientists from across the world, all driven by curiosity yet shaped by such different worlds, was inspiring,” she said. “Whether we were discussing our projects or dancing to Afrobeats and Bollywood at the disco night, I realised how science connects people far beyond borders.”
Her visit to South Africa also left a strong impression. “The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome reignited the childlike excitement that first drew me to STEM,” she said. “At the flea market, I was fortunate to get a glimpse of the local craft and culture. Everyone was incredibly welcoming; the judges shared thoughtful feedback and gave us a sense of optimism about the future of innovation.”
When reflecting on what drives them, both Ranjan and Goyal share a belief that science and empathy go hand-in-hand. “Technology should make life simpler and fairer,” Ranjan said. “Whether it’s accessibility tools for the elderly or safer medicines for children, STEM gives me the toolkit to turn concern into action.”
Goyal’s fascination with technology began in her parents’ factory. “Watching machines at work, gears turning, systems coming alive, taught me that technology is deeply human,” she said. “I started wondering how that same precision could be applied to healthcare. That curiosity evolved into a commitment to make medical technology more affordable and accessible.”
Both learners had advice for young scientists preparing for their first fair. “Pick a problem that genuinely bothers you,” Ranjan advised. “Prototype early, welcome tough feedback, and enjoy the people around you, science fairs are as much about community as they are about results.”
Goyal added, “Don’t chase perfection, chase curiosity. Every failed prototype teaches more than a working one ever could. The best discoveries happen not in the final result, but in the moments, you refuse to give up.”
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