British Schoolboys’ Innovative Climate Technology Attracts Nasa’s Attention
Two 17-year-old British schoolboys, Thenuk Rodrigo and Simba Shi, have captured the attention of Nasa with their innovative climate technology. The duo, who are pupils at Eton College, founded an environmental start-up called ReefSound last summer. Their goal was to use AI analysis of sound recordings to revolutionize coral reef protection methods. In just over a year, their start-up has garnered interest from Nasa officials and is being considered for use by conservation organizations in seven countries.
The Journey of ReefSound: From Concept to Global Impact
Thenuk and Simba, along with their teammate Bonnie Liu, developed a remote-controlled underwater vehicle (ROV) that can navigate and diagnose coral reefs. The technology they created is not only advanced but also cost-effective, claiming to be 60% cheaper and five times more efficient than current manual diver surveys and satellite image analysis methods. Their AI model, which analyzes sound recordings from coral reefs with 99.4% accuracy, has already been utilized for coral preservation efforts in Malaysia and Cozumel, Mexico.
The young entrepreneurs have expressed their excitement at the rapid progress of ReefSound, with Thenuk describing the experience as “really incredible.” He highlighted the motivation they derive from seeing their technology making a tangible difference in coral reef conservation efforts worldwide. The team’s ultimate goal is to see ReefSound implemented in every coral reef across the globe, emphasizing the transformative potential of their invention.
Simba and Thenuk’s passion for coral reef protection was ignited during their time as college dormitory neighbors, where they began discussing the pressing issue. Their shared interest in addressing environmental challenges led them to delve deeper into the topic, eventually leading to the development of ReefSound. Through their collaborative efforts and dedication to innovation, the team has achieved remarkable success, culminating in them becoming the first British team to win the high school stem competition at Space Center Houston.
Future Endeavors and Global Impact
Despite their impressive achievements, Thenuk and Simba remain focused on further developing ReefSound and expanding its reach globally. They aspire to collaborate with governments on a large scale to maximize the impact of their technology in protecting coral reefs. With scholarships worth $298,000 from US universities, the duo has the opportunity to pursue their dreams of pursuing careers in technological and climate innovation. Their dedication to environmental projects and the use of technology to address pressing issues reflects their commitment to creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
In conclusion, the journey of Thenuk Rodrigo and Simba Shi exemplifies the power of youth innovation and collaboration in driving positive change. Their groundbreaking technology has not only captured the attention of Nasa but also holds immense potential in transforming coral reef protection efforts worldwide. As these young entrepreneurs continue to pursue their passion for environmental conservation, their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring innovators and advocates for a sustainable future.
