The grade 12 learner from Bryanston High School’s research deals with a newer, more creative and less invasive way to test blood glucose levels, making it not just contemporary but also very relevant and significant to the lives of people living with diabetes.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 May 2021) – A young scientist who developed a way to test blood glucose levels without using the time-honoured and painful way of pricking the finger will compete against more than a thousand scientists in the world’s largest science fair – the 2021 Virtual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States.
The brilliant young scientist is Eskom Expo for Young Scientists’ top senior scientist for 2020, Hritik Mitha, a grade 12 learner at Bryanston High School in Johannesburg. His project, “Non-invasive blood glucose level monitoring device, ” aims to mitigate the drawbacks of the invasive glucometer test. He developed prototypes that proved to be practical and effective in measuring glucose levels to a clinical standard.
Eskom General Manager of Risk and Sustainability, Andrew Etzinger, said that Eskom invests in the development of young scientists and engineers through Eskom Expo, which is a platform for learners to develop solutions to everyday challenges.
“Hritik’s research deals with a newer, more creative and less invasive way to test blood glucose levels, making it not just contemporary, but also very relevant and significant to the lives of people living with diabetes. Participating in a prestigious and competitive science fair such as the Regeneron ISEF demands quality research of the highest standards, such as the work done by Hritik, making him a good contender for this competition,” said Etzinger.
Mitha, who had been awarded a partial scholarship by Wits University’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment for his project, was also selected to attend a virtual innovation and entrepreneurship boot camp with 18 other Eskom Expo participants, which was sponsored by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). The Grassroots Innovation Programme aims to help learners take their project or product to market and was held from 26 April to 1 May 2021.
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “Eskom Expo has been participating in ISEF for over 20 years, and our learners have always enjoyed the experience of competing against the best in the world. This year is no different, as the judging and competition standards have been maintained, and our learners can still come away with this feather in their cap.”
The Regeneron ISEF event will run in the week of 16 to 21 May 2021, and learners in grades 9 to 12 will compete for nearly R73 million in awards, prizes and scholarships. Each year, more than 1 800 young scientists from around the world earn the right to compete at Regeneron ISEF by winning a top prize at a Society for Science-affiliated local, regional, state or national science fair.
Registration is open for participation in Eskom Expo’s virtual provincial science fairs. Learners in grades 4 to 12 may register and upload project documents by visiting www.exposcience.co.za.
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