World · India Bureau
Teen inventor develops affordable 3D-printed prosthetic hand for national competition
An eighth-grader from West Virginia has created a low-cost bionic hand using 3D printing technology, earning selection as his state's sole representative in a prestigious national science competition. The project will see him compete against 29 other young innovators at the national finals.
LSN India ·
Kianoosh Nawai, a student at West Virginia Virtual Academy, has been selected as West Virginia's only finalist in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge for his work on an affordable prosthetic hand. The project represents a significant achievement in accessible medical technology design, with Nawai's innovation selected from nearly 2,000 entries across the United States.
The eighth-grader's prosthetic hand was constructed using 3D printing technology, with particular emphasis on functionality and cost-effectiveness. Through systematic testing, Nawai evaluated key performance metrics including grip strength and finger movement capabilities, demonstrating both technical competence and practical problem-solving skills.
Nawai will now advance to the national finals, where he will present his work alongside 29 other finalists selected from across the country. The competition will take place in Washington, DC, bringing together young innovators who have developed solutions to real-world challenges.
The Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge recognises exceptional achievement in science and engineering among younger students. Nawai's selection underscores the growing potential of accessible design and 3D printing technology in developing affordable medical solutions for underserved populations.