Zabeer Zarif Akhter, a student from St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in Dhaka, has won the Stockholm Junior Water Prize Bangladesh 2025 for the second consecutive year. His award-winning project, ‘AI-Based Rapid Water Testing System,’ uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT technology to enhance water safety monitoring.
The Innovation
Zabeer’s invention is a low-cost, portable device that can monitor water quality in real-time with 97% accuracy within seconds. The device utilizes an ESP32-C6 microcontroller and conducts advanced tests using UV, IR, Raman spectroscopy, and electrical measurements to detect contaminants such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and pathogens.
Addressing Water Safety Challenges
The project addresses the critical issue of unsafe water, particularly in areas with limited access to laboratory facilities. Zabeer explained, “With this system, individuals and organisations can get accurate contamination data in real-time, empowering them to take immediate action.” His invention complements his previous year’s project on water purification using plasma and high voltage to create a purifier from electronic waste.
Global Recognition and Future Plans
By winning the national title, Zabeer will represent Bangladesh at the global Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition during World Water Week in Stockholm. He looks forward to collaborating with other national winners and discussing their projects. Zabeer is working on partnerships with institutions like BUET, NGOs such as WaterAid and UNICEF, and public health departments to implement his system in disaster-prone areas, industrial zones, and rural communities.
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Zabeer’s project is supported by a collaborative ecosystem including House of Volunteers, WaterAid Bangladesh, ITN-BUET, UNICEF, and technical partner ES Tex.
