NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, February 24, 2025: At just 15 years old, Arya Upadhyay is making a name for herself in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and environmental sustainability. A student at Northview High School in Johns Creek, GA, she is working on real-world problems with innovative solutions. Her work has gained recognition from Microsoft AI, Women in Technology, CareerHaus, and MSN.
Upadhyay became interested in cybersecurity after seeing her classmates struggle with data theft. To help, she created an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) that protects school networks from cyber threats. Her research on IDS has been recognized at a major conference, earning accolades, and is even implemented in schools in India.
She has also founded Plant a Change, an initiative that uses biodegradable nanorobots that remove microplastics from soil, making farming more eco-friendly.
Upadhyay was recently a finalist at the Emory Greenovation Contest, where she presented her project to nearly 1,000 attendees. Her idea was recognized for its impact and scalability in addressing food waste and sustainability challenges.
“My project focuses on using technology to reduce food wastage in Atlanta by creating an app that connects restaurants and grocery stores with surplus food to local shelters and food banks,” Upadhyay explains. “The app streamlines the donation process, making it easier for businesses to notify users about available food in real-time, reducing waste and ensuring that food gets to those in need.”
Regarding the meal distribution, she adds, “My team and I collaborated with local homeless shelters to facilitate the distribution of 10,000 meals to homeless individuals in Atlanta. We worked with shelters and food rescue groups to ensure the food was delivered efficiently.”
The teen innovator has also taken part in research projects at Georgia Tech and Stanford AI initiatives and has interned at tech startups and environmental consulting firms.
She believes AI should be used to solve real problems and make the world a better place. Through her work, she hopes to ensure that technology not only advances but also helps protect the environment and improve lives.
