Nashik, Maharashtra, 3rd March 2025 – Vanya Gupta, a young innovator from Nashik and a student of Fravashi International Academy, Grade 11 has developed a groundbreaking assessment tool the Cognitive Assessment through MIDI Drum Technology, an innovative and user-friendly device designed to measure cognitive abilities in individuals regardless of their educational background. Vanya’s innovation gained international recognition in Prague, 2024 by securing second place at International Future Port Awards by Future Port Youth, a global technology conference for students, attended by more than 2000 students across the globe.
This revolutionary device comprises eight sensor-equipped drum pads connected to an Arduino Mega microcontroller. Designed to engage users through rhythm-based interactions, the MIDI drum system measures key cognitive domains, including:
● Processing Speed – Evaluates response times to rhythmic cues.
● Fluid and Logical Reasoning – Assesses adaptability and problem-solving through rhythm pattern recognition.
● Working Memory – Tests short-term recall using rhythm-based memory exercises.
● Perceptual Reasoning – Measures auditory processing and sensory interpretation.
Powered by the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm, the system has an impressive 96% accuracy in predicting cognitive responses, making it a promising tool for both educational and healthcare applications.
The project has received widespread recognition, earning multiple accolades for its innovative approach to cognitive assessment. It was selected for the IRIS National Top 100 (2024) and awarded the Bronze Medal at Eskom Expo ISF (South Africa, 2024). Additionally, it won the prestigious Gold CREST Award (2024), further cementing its impact in the fields of education and cognitive research. Vanya's excellence in innovation stands consistent in 2025 with one of her other projects qualifying for ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair). 2025 also marks the fourth consecutive year that Vanya has been selected as one of the Top 100 finalists at IRIS (Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM), along with receiving a patent for one of her other projects.
Vanya’s journey into robotics and cognitive science has been deeply influenced by community outreach. A key source of inspiration being Signal Shala, a school for underprivileged children. Her interactions with students at Signal Shala reaffirmed her belief that intelligence extends beyond traditional education, inspiring the creation of the MIDI drum system—an inclusive tool designed to empower individuals facing literacy barriers.
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