Young Inventor Creates Affordable Water Purifier for Rural Communities

Innovation knows no age limits, as demonstrated by Priya Sharma, a 16-year-old student from Rajasthan, India. Her solar-powered water purification device is transforming how rural communities access clean drinking water.

The device, which costs less than $20 to build using locally available materials, can purify enough water for a family of five each day. What makes it special is its simplicity—anyone can build and maintain it with basic instructions.

"I saw my grandmother struggle to find clean water," Priya explained. "I knew there had to be a simple solution that people could actually use."

Her invention has already been deployed in over 50 villages, and she's training local youth to build and distribute the devices. Several NGOs have partnered with her to expand the initiative across South Asia.