Turning Passion Into Impact: Meet the Crimson 18u18 Winners 2024

Today’s youth are not just dreaming about change—they’re making it happen. From
breakthroughs in science and technology to creative solutions for global challenges, high school students worldwide are proving that age is no barrier to ambition, ingenuity, or impact. Crimson 18u18 celebrates these extraordinary individuals, showcasing 18 remarkable teens who are reshaping the world around them. After an extensive selection process, we proudly present the 2024 winners—visionaries who are tackling the world's most pressing issues with unparalleled
passion and creativity.

What is Crimson 18u18?

Crimson 18u18 is a global initiative designed to recognize and elevate the achievements of high
school students who are making a tangible difference in their communities and chosen fields. It aims to showcase their stories, nurture their potential, and connect them with opportunities to
expand their horizons.

Each year, the program identifies students who are pushing boundaries in fields as diverse as
science, technology, arts, social justice, and sustainability. By amplifying their stories, Crimson
18u18 hopes to inspire other teens to harness their potential and make their own indelible mark
on the world.

This year, the response was extraordinary, with an overwhelming number of applications from
across the globe reflecting a stunning diversity of thought, innovation, and impact, showcasing
the extraordinary potential that lies within today’s youth.

Let’s meet this year’s Crimson 18u18 winners, a group of visionaries who inspire us all to think
bigger and act bolder.

Meet 2024 Crimson’s 18 Inspiring teens

Fariza Ginulla, Kamila Kuatova, Nargiza Nurmukhan, Indira Duisembayeva, and Umay Saiyn | Kazakhstan

Advancing Workplace Safety with ResQ

In response to the devastating Kostenko mine explosion, this remarkable team developed ResQ, an innovative workplace safety system that uses IoT sensors and computer vision to monitor gas leaks and ensure PPE compliance in real-time.

Their groundbreaking solution, which earned first place at the Caspian Startup 2024 and the “AI for Social Good” award at Technovation Girls 2024, is setting new safety standards for workers in Kazakhstan and beyond.

Saras Agrawal & Rateb Ajamieh | Canada

Pioneering Early Disease Detection

Tackling cardiovascular disease head-on, Saras and Rateb developed HeartHear, an ear-wearable device capable of predicting heart conditions. Their innovation, poised to save over 1.3 million lives annually in North America, is supported by industry leaders and has the potential to revolutionize early disease detection.

Elijah Im | United States

Innovating Agriculture with Artificial Moonlight

Elijah’s vertical farming system uses artificial moonlight to boost crop yields while reducing costs. With a patented design and global recognition, her innovation is tackling food security challenges and paving the way for sustainable farming solutions.

Aaron Wei | Australia

Driving Youth Voices in Policy and Social Action

When Aaron noticed a lack of youth representation in policy making, he founded the Brisbane Youth Forum, uniting young voices with government leaders. His community festivals now connect 1000+ people, inspiring projects like the Youth Climate Council and empowering young people to shape the policies that affect their future.

Elif Gulce Batgi | Turkey

Cleaning Rivers with Sustainable Innovation

Elif’s initiative, Lignopure, tackles water pollution in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers using rice husks to absorb pollutants. Achieving up to 90% pollutant absorption, her work is not only safeguarding natural water sources but also equipping communities with sustainable water management practices through educational workshops.

Brooklynn Thatcher | United States

Protégé Violinist with Global Acclaim

An extraordinary violinist, Brooklynn has trained under renowned Professor Burkhard Godhoff since age seven and balances school with advanced music studies. She has won prestigious competitions like American Protégé and is set to debut at Carnegie Hall at just 16. Brooklynn’s artistry promises to resonate with audiences worldwide, using music to express where words fall short.

Rassul Abuov & Aissultan Baktygali | Kazakhstan

Transforming Education with Virtual Reality

Rassul and Aissultan are reshaping learning with their Virtual Reality (VR) initiative, which has already digitized over 100,000 square meters for educational institutions and corporate partners.

Their immersive VR tools are revolutionizing both classroom learning and examination processes, opening new doors for thousands of students across Central Asia.

Betania Adane | United States

Transforming Women’s Health with AI

Betania’s groundbreaking research on ovarian cancer biomarkers offers a low-cost, non-invasive alternative for early detection. Recognized as a Top 5 research initiative, her work is redefining diagnostics, empowering women, and challenging norms in the medical field.

Jay Shankarpure | India

Democratizing Access to Venture Capital

Through his initiative, LocalHost, Jay is helping young entrepreneurs secure funding for their startups. In under a year, he’s raised $150K and facilitated millions in additional funding for startups like Glist.ai and Faura.us. With plans to expand his impact, Jay is ensuring the next wave of innovators has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Alexandra Sanchez | Peru

Turning E-Waste into Affordable Prosthetics

Alexandra’s Re.Prosthesis addresses environmental and healthcare challenges by transforming e-waste into affordable prosthetics for underserved communities. Her work not only improves lives but also raises awareness about sustainable e-waste management.

Ellen Li | New Zealand

Breaking Barriers in Women’s Sports

Ellen is championing gender equality in fencing by teaching at her all-girls school and establishing fencing programs in public schools. Her efforts are creating a global movement, proving that sports can empower women to challenge societal norms and achieve greatness.

Xiyun Hu | Canada

Fighting Light Pollution with the Starry Night Initiative

Xiyun’s Starry Night Initiative, is leading global efforts to combat light pollution, reaching over 100,000+ people through campaigns and policy advocacy. Her work is restoring the night sky and fostering awareness about the importance of dark-sky preservation.

Yuri K | South Korea

Advancing Cancer Treatment with Nanotechnology

Yuri’s research on chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) for targeting glioblastoma is a game-changer in brain cancer treatment. Her groundbreaking work offers hope for patients worldwide, potentially revolutionizing cancer care.

Justin Peng | Canada

Enhancing Accessibility with NavAbility Technology

Justin’s innovations in assistive technology are making the world more accessible. His NavAbility device uses vestibular stimulation to help the visually impaired navigate their surroundings, while his other projects focus on inclusivity. Recognized across Canada and the U.S., Justin’s commitment to barrier-free technology inspires a future where everyone has access to independence.

Ronith Lahoti | India

Building Sustainable Infrastructure

Ronith’s Plastic Warriors initiative repurposes plastic waste to build roads in underserved communities. His projects have also raised funds, planted trees, and restored ecosystems. Recognized by the Indian Book of Records, Ronith’s efforts combine environmental protection with practical, community-driven solutions, inspiring youth to take action for a greener future.

Xinying Sui | Poland

Breaking Barriers in Tech Education

Xinying’s app, DeCode, eliminates language barriers in coding education, making programming accessible to non-English speakers. With over 10,000 user impressions and support from major tech companies, her initiative fosters inclusivity and empowers future innovators worldwide, proving that language should never be a barrier to opportunity.

Aziz Akturin | Kazakhstan

Driving Sustainable Farming Solutions

Aziz developed AquaSync, an intelligent irrigation system that optimizes water usage while increasing efficiency by 56%. Controlled remotely via a mobile app, AquaSync benefits farmers across Kazakhstan by promoting sustainable practices. Supported by grants and partnerships, Aziz’s work reflects a commitment to advancing agriculture through innovation.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Crimson 18u18 winners are proof that the future is already being shaped by the vision and determination of today’s youth. Each story is a beacon of hope, proving that no challenge is insurmountable when met with passion and purpose. As we honor their incredible journeys, may their courage and commitment inspire you to think boldly, act compassionately, and make your own impact on the world