(February 10, 2025) “I believe technology is the key differentiator that separates us from other species, and is the tool we should embrace ethically to better sustain ourselves. This drives my curiosity and has developed into a passion for futurism,” Rithvik tells Global Indian. At just 14 years old, he is proving that the future belongs to those who dare to innovate.
Selected as one of the Top 10 Young Scientists in the 3M Challenge in the US in 2024, he earned the rare opportunity to work alongside a 3M scientist, an experience that redefined his approach to problem-solving. The 3M Young Scientist Challenge, renowned for bringing the brightest young minds to the forefront, has served as a launchpad for many young innovators, including Rithvik.
Rithvik Suren, 3M Young Scientist
Science is about making impact
For Rithvik, science isn’t just about theories; it’s about impact. One of his most ambitious projects, which secured him a spot in the Top 10 at the 2024 3M Challenge, focuses on earthquake forecasting. With the notion that “30 percent of earthquake casualties can be prevented with an extra 30-60 seconds of early warning,” Rithvik is confident that his research can make a real impact. He has created a method to predict earthquakes using AI technology and identifying sequences that improve future forecasting.
The youngster’s passion for science and technology has driven him to work on various projects in the past that focus on tackling space debris management and alternative energy solutions. Whether it is harnessing AI for disaster prevention or looking for solutions to advance clean energy, his drive to solve real-world problems sets him apart. He is a changemaker in the making.
The genesis of a scientific mind
Born in the United States to parents from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Rithvik was drawn to the world of science and technology through his extensive exploration of knowledge online. A significant influence in shaping his thought process was the Kardashev scale, a theoretical framework that measures a civilization’s technological advancement.
“I loved learning about humanity’s potential to reach the stars by continuing our expansion, solving global problems today, and improving quality of life through technology,” he explains. It was this knowledge that fuelled his passion for futurism and scientific problem-solving. Encouraged by his learning environment at the Academy of Aerospace and Engineering, where he is a Grade nine student, Rithvik loves to immerse in the practical application of ideas.
His projects have spanned multiple disciplines, all unified by his drive to address real-world challenges and translate complex scientific principles into tangible solutions.
Learning from the best: Mentorship at 3M
Innovation drives 3M, a company known for turning bold ideas into real-world solutions. Through the 3M Young Scientists Challenge, it inspires the next generation of problem-solvers by pairing finalists with top industry mentors. As a top finalist in the 2024’s Challenge, Rithvik had the privilege of being mentored by Dr Mark Gilbertson, a robotics and automation engineer in the Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division at 3M. The experience of working with him, Rithvik says, was invaluable.
“Working with Dr Gilbertson was amazing,” he recalls. “He walked me through the corporate process of product development and enhancement with enthusiasm and passion, connecting me with various field experts along the way. He encouraged me to think innovatively and solve problems unconventionally.”
The mentorship helped refine Rithvik’s approach to research and product development of the ongoing project, TektonForecast AI, which uses deep and ensemble learning to improve earthquake prediction. By identifying seismic activity patterns with artificial intelligence, the youngster aims to enhance forecasting models that could potentially save lives and mitigate damage.
Connecticut State Winner: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition
Recently Rithvik and his team at the Academy of Aerospace and Engineering emerged as the Connecticut State Winners in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. “This achievement propels us into the next phase, where we will compete for a spot in the Top 10 National Finalists,” he shares.
As a result of this recognition, their school will be receiving $12,000 worth of Samsung products to support STEM innovation. “Additionally, to aid us in advancing our project, we have been awarded a Samsung Z Flip6 and Galaxy Book4 Edge to assist in our video submission development process,” Rithvik informs.
Rithvik and his team’s project tackles the Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect using a unique CNN-LSTM hybrid AI tool. Selected as one of the Top 50 school teams in the U.S. by Samsung, the team has persevered through multiple competitive rounds to reach this stage. The STEM innovator credits his mentor; math and computer science teacher Dr Chinma Uche for all the guidance.
Rithvik Suren and his winning team of Academy of Aerospace and Engineering, Connecticut
Beyond Science: Community and social Initiatives
Rithvik’s contributions extend beyond scientific research. He is actively involved in community-driven initiatives, demonstrating leadership skills and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Recognizing that curiosity, creativity, and passion are often overlooked in conventional school curriculums, he has launched the Ramanujan Education Camp. The initiative focuses on instilling critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students using a “First Principles” approach.
“I’ve gathered more than 17 students per subject in my area and taken them through the course of learning with a powerful thought process,” says the youngster who has the goal to nurture future innovators by helping them explore and develop their ideas with clarity and direction.
Rithvik Suren is also part of Team Thrive, a volunteer-driven initiative that raises funds and awareness for cancer research. Through programming projects and e-commerce solutions, the organization contributes to supporting those affected by the disease.
Balancing science and personal interests
Despite his packed schedule of research, mentorship, and community work, Rithvik finds time to engage in sports and extracurricular activities. A dedicated soccer player, he competes at state level with the Connecticut Football Club (CFC). Additionally, he holds a second-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate.
With his impressive track record at such a young age, Rithvik Suren has already set his sights on his future career.
“I would love to be a roboticist or a mechatronics engineer,” he says. “Blending the various skill sets of prototyping into a broad range would allow me to explore STEM and rapidly develop solutions to large-scale problems.”
Dreams of a more advanced civilization
Rithvik’s passion for innovation goes beyond just building; he envisions a future where technology pushes the boundaries of human capability and progress. “I hope to one day help pioneer this movement for the betterment of humanity, reaching higher stages on the Kardashev Scale,” says the youngster who has a keen interest in groundbreaking technologies that can take the world to greater heights.
“My current work is titled ‘Developing Autonomous and Adaptive Systems for Space-Exploration Robotics with Neuromorphic Frameworks & Artificial Intelligence’. I truly feel this work is well-oriented with my future interests, and I can’t wait to see where this takes me next,” signs off the youngster who aspires to drive many transformative innovations in the future.
- Follow Rithvik Suren on LinkedIn
