A Grade 11 student from Belleville is being celebrated nationally for an innovation that could make cycling safer for millions. Surya Narayan Santhakumar of Eastside Secondary School was awarded the prestigious national Ingenious Award at a ceremony in Toronto last Thursday.
His project, SafeRider: AI-Powered Smart Helmet for Cyclist Collision Prevention and Emergency Response, an AI-powered smart bike helmet offering real-time vehicle detection, active collision prevention through turn signals and laser indicators, and automated emergency crash response.
The award, presented by the Rideau Hall Foundation through its Ingenious+ program, recognizes exceptional young Canadians who demonstrate creativity and problem-solving in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
Santhakumar received a $1,000 prize in recognition of his innovation, academic excellence, and commitment to scientific advancement. He was the top project for Ontario among the National Award recipients and represented Ontario at the national ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, Edith Dumont, and Rideau Hall Foundation CEO Teresa Marques.
Santhakumar was one of seventeen young innovators from across Canada celebrated as national finalists and winners of the Ingenious+ challenge.
These finalists gathered in Ottawa on May 12 for a celebration and a day of mentorship, networking, and learning opportunities.
The National Award ceremony included an invitation by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon Governor General of Canada to attend Governor General’s Innovation Awards (GGIA) on Wednesday at the Rideau Hall, Ottawa during the Canadian Innovation Week.
This national accolade adds to a growing list of achievements for the young scientist. Surya also earned a Gold Medal at this year’s Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair and will represent the region at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton, running from May 23rd to the 30th.
“We are proud of all Surya has accomplished and know he will accomplish more in the future,” said Scott Berry, the cochair of the Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair.
The Ingenious+ program, spearheaded by the Rideau Hall Foundation, aims to identify and nurture the next generation of Canadian innovators. Santhakumar’s success highlights the potential of youth-led technology to address real-world safety concerns and paves the way for his continued impact in the fields of AI and public safety innovation.
