PestiSCAND: The AI-Powered Device Detecting Pesticide Residues in Produce

30 SEC SUMMARY

Sirish Subash, a 14-year-old student from Georgia, developed PestiSCAND, a handheld AI-powered device that uses light-based sensing to detect pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. His project earned him the title of America's Top Young Scientist in 2026, along with a $25,000 prize.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. The Idea Behind PestiSCAND
3. How PestiSCAND Works
4. Early Tests and Results
5. Why Portable Testing Matters
6. Future Prospects
7. FAQs
8. Conclusion
9. Call-to-Action

Introduction

What began as a simple question about food safety on Sirish Subash's kitchen table evolved into an award-winning science project. Subash, a ninth grader from Snellville, Georgia, developed PestiSCAND, a handheld device that uses artificial intelligence and light-based sensing to detect possible pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables.

The Idea Behind PestiSCAND

Subash's curiosity was sparked when his parents repeatedly insisted he wash produce before eating it. He wondered how effective washing really was and how much residue remained. Traditional laboratory testing provides detailed results but requires specialized equipment, trained professionals, and significant time. This led Subash to explore whether a compact device could provide a quicker indication.

How PestiSCAND Works

PestiSCAND uses spectrophotometry, a technique that measures how materials interact with light. The device shines light of various wavelengths onto the surface of a fruit or vegetable and measures the light reflected back. Different substances produce different patterns of reflected light. A machine learning model then analyzes these patterns to identify whether pesticide residue is present. Because the process is optical and does not require physical contact with the produce, the fruit or vegetable remains intact.

Early Tests and Results

Subash tested the prototype across more than 12,000 samples of apples, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes. According to 3M and Discovery Education, the device achieved more than 85% accuracy in detecting pesticide residue on tomatoes and spinach. Early tests showed promising results, but PestiSCAND remains a student-developed prototype rather than a certified commercial testing device.

Why Portable Testing Matters

Laboratory pesticide analysis remains the established method for accurately measuring chemical residues. However, consumers cannot realistically send every piece of produce for laboratory testing. A low-cost portable scanner could eventually offer a quicker way to identify produce that may need further testing. It could also make food-safety information easier to access, particularly if the technology becomes affordable and simple enough for everyday use.

Future Prospects

The current prototype pairs with a smartphone app over Bluetooth. The user points the device at the produce and taps scan, and the app flags whether another rinse is advisable. Subash plans to keep improving the device, with a target price of about $20 per unit and a goal of bringing it to market by the time he starts college. He has since begun work on a separate project, a detector for microplastics in water.

FAQs

What is PestiSCAND?

PestiSCAND is an AI-powered handheld device that uses light-based sensing to detect pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables.

How does PestiSCAND work?

PestiSCAND uses spectrophotometry to measure how materials interact with light, analyzing reflected light patterns to detect pesticide residues.

What are the future prospects for PestiSCAND?

Subash aims to bring PestiSCAND to market by the time he starts college, with a target price of about $20 per unit.

Conclusion

PestiSCAND exemplifies how a school science experiment can evolve into a practical technology concept. It highlights how AI, with the right sensors and models, can become a tool for solving everyday problems.

Call-to-Action

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