(April 15, 2025) At just 15, Prince Nallamothula is fast becoming a name to watch in the emerging world of quantum science. A freshman at Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas, he’s already blazed through some of the most competitive science and innovation circuits in the United States. From being named a 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalist in 2024 to winning first place in the Energy and Sustainable Materials category at the 2025 Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TxSEF), Prince is not only innovating for the future, he is building it now.
Next up is the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), scheduled for May in Columbus, Ohio, where Prince will represent Frisco ISD on one of the most prestigious global platforms for high school researchers. “I am really excited but also a bit nervous because after all of these rounds of evaluations, I finally got here and now, I have to compete with the best of the best who reached the final stage,” he shares with Global Indian, reflecting on the journey that brought him this far. The youngster will be competing with finalists from nearly 70 countries. “I am excited to meet fellow finalists and learn about their projects,” he says.
An early milestone came in 2019, when the City of Frisco, Texas, officially declared January 15 as ‘Prince Nallamothula Day’ in recognition of his achievements in innovation and community impact. His growing list of accolades highlights how far the youngster has come in a field that remains a mystery to most—quantum science.
Prince Nallamothula
Decoding quantum science: Prince’s playground
For those unfamiliar, Quantum science is all about studying the tiniest building blocks of the universe—particles so small that they don’t follow the usual rules of physics. It’s a complicated field, but it could lead to big breakthroughs in things like extraordinary compute power, secure communication, and clean energy.
Prince is especially interested in something called quantum computing That means using the ideas of quantum science to model and understand real-world problems like how to make solar panels work better.
“I’ve loved quantum science since I was eight,” says Prince who aspires to be a Quantum Scientist. “It opens up possibilities to solve problems that classical computing simply can’t address.” His latest project, which won a top prize at TxSEF, uses quantum simulations to improve renewable energy, specifically by figuring out how different materials behave at the quantum level to create more efficient solar cells.
Prince Nallamothula
A standout year: From 3M finalist to Raytheon recognition
The past year has been a whirlwind of discovery and growth for Prince. One of his proudest accomplishments was being selected as a finalist in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, where he presented his ideas to improve solar technology using quantum computing. He described the experience as thrilling, both for the opportunity to present his work and for the camaraderie among fellow innovators. “Competing as a national finalist was a rewarding experience,” he says. “Presenting my idea and socializing with student minds across the country was incredibly inspiring.”
Earlier in 2025, Prince also won second place at the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair (DRSEF) and received a special award from Raytheon, one of the world’s leading aerospace and defense companies. These honors not only validated his research but also propelled him into the spotlight ahead of his advancement to the state-level competition at TxSEF.
Prince was also a finalist in the QInnovision Quantum World Challenge at the Quantum Innovation Summit in Dubai, competing against eight other teams, including those from Capgemini and PhD students from leading university labs.
Prince during the Quantum Innovation Summit in Dubai
Building a quantum community through teaching, mentoring, leading
Prince’s brilliance isn’t confined to competitions. He is passionate about sharing quantum science with younger students, demystifying it in a way that makes it fun and accessible. During Spring Break in 2024, he organized workshops to introduce middle schoolers to core concepts in quantum computing. He even launched a quantum-themed competition for students aged 10 to 14 in collaboration with QuantumAstra, a U.S. based organization leading the quantum revolution while advancing sustainable development goals.
“I loved seeing their excitement,” he mentions. “Mentoring younger students reminded me why I began this journey. Their curiosity inspires me every day.”
His public speaking engagements reflect this same commitment to outreach and education. In March 2024, Prince spoke at the ‘Unveiling Quantum Technology’ conference, co-hosted by QuantumAstra and the University of North Texas (UNT), where he engaged with an audience of professors, researchers, and fellow students. Later that year, he also addressed the Chicago Quantum Exchange student event, where he met with quantum tech founders and exchanged ideas with other rising talents.
Prince during the Unveiling Quantum Technology’ conference, co-hosted by QuantumAstra and UNT
From Frisco to the world
Prince’s journey began long before high school. His family moved to the US from India in 2010. Prince was raised in Frisco, where he got his start in innovation at a remarkably young age. In 2018, he won first place in The International Paradigm Challenge, an achievement he considers his scientific turning point. That same year, he also took home the Best Presentation Award at the Young Inventors Challenge in Chicago for a smartphone app–board game hybrid called ‘Happy Family.’
In 2019, the City of Frisco recognized his contributions by proclaiming January 15th as “Prince Nallamothula Day.” That honor was followed by a full-ride scholarship offer from the University of North Texas, granting him access to their cutting-edge incubation center and research labs. “I’m so grateful to the UNT lab scientists who allowed me to conduct hands-on experimentation for my research,” Prince said.
His commitment to the environment also earned him accolades. In 2020, he received the President’s Environmental Youth Award for his recycling-awareness app, “3R,” and was later named a Notable Eco Hero by Action for Nature. His innovation streak continued with victories at the Thomas Edison Pitch Contest and Financial Future Challenge, showcasing a broad skill set that merge environmental awareness, financial literacy, and tech-savvy problem solving.
Prince during the Chicago Quantum Exchange
Grounded and grateful
Despite his long list of accolades, Prince remains grounded in his values and grateful to those who’ve supported him. “I’m thankful to my mentors, amazing friends, and most importantly my wonderful family who have been with me every step of the way,” he says. His parents, Lalitha and Balu, both work in STEM fields and have encouraged his scientific curiosity from a young age. His family is settled in Hyderabad, and they visit every couple of years to stay connected with their roots.
Outside the lab, Prince is a first-degree black belt martial artist, enjoys boxing, playing guitar, and spending time outdoors with his puppy, Audy. “Staying active helps me stay focused,” he mentions. “I think creativity thrives when you have a good balance in life.”
Onward to ISEF, and beyond
As he prepares for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Columbus, Prince knows this is just the beginning. With 2025 designated as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, he is more motivated than ever to expand his research and make meaningful contributions. “My main goal is to further my knowledge within quantum science and find more opportunities to grow academically. I hope to keep inspiring others while leaving a positive mark on the world,” says the teenager.
The quantum future may seem abstract or even intimidating to many, but through emerging young scientists like Prince, its power is beginning to take shape, bringing with it innovations that may change the way we think about energy, information, and our place in the universe.
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