Edison High School’s Ishaan Kunwar Named National STEM Champion for Innovative AI Healthcare

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EDISON, NJ – Ishaan Kunwar, a distinguished student from Edison High School, has been named a National STEM Champion and will represent his school at the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C., from March 19-22, 2025. He is one of only 106 students nationwide selected for this honor, which recognizes outstanding young innovators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Kunwar’s award-winning project, CataSight, is an artificial intelligence-powered mobile application designed to detect cataracts at an early stage, offering an affordable and accessible solution for underserved communities. By analyzing fundus images with high accuracy, the app could transform early diagnosis and treatment, particularly in regions with limited access to ophthalmologists and specialized medical equipment. His groundbreaking work has already received national recognition, earning him second place in the Congressional App Challenge in addition to the National STEM Challenge Championship.

Kunwar’s passion for STEM extends beyond research and innovation. As the Founder and Executive Director of Youth for Elders, a nonprofit organization that has served over 500 seniors, he has been dedicated to bridging the generational gap through technology. His firsthand experiences working with elderly individuals suffering from untreated cataracts inspired him to develop CataSight.

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“I started Youth for Elders because I realized how much wisdom the elderly have to offer and how isolated they can feel,” Kunwar shared. “When you give them the tools to connect with others, you also empower youth with empathy and understanding of the older generation. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

A stellar academic performer, Kunwar has achieved a perfect SAT score of 1600 and has been recognized as a National Merit Scholar. He has also excelled in multiple Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Computer Science. At Edison High School, he takes on leadership roles in the Math Team, Science Olympiad, and DECA, demonstrating both his technical acumen and his ability to inspire his peers.

During the National STEM Festival, Kunwar will showcase his project alongside other top young innovators from across the country. The festival, organized by EXPLR, will allow students to present their work to government officials, business leaders, and fellow STEM enthusiasts. Each National STEM Champion, including Kunwar, will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the event.

Jenny Buccos, Founder and CEO of EXPLR, commended the students selected for the festival. “I am incredibly proud of Ishaan and the other National STEM Champions. These students are shaping the future with innovative ideas, and I look forward to seeing them showcase their work in Washington, D.C.”

Edison High School continues to be a hub for young talent, fostering an environment where students like Kunwar can pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to society. With CataSight, he hopes to make early cataract detection widely accessible, ultimately improving eye care for individuals in need and reinforcing the power of STEM in solving real-world challenges.

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