During the 2025 edition of European competition of young scientists (Eucys)held in Riga, in Latvia, a very young Canadian talent conquered the jury thanks to an idea as brilliant as it is ambitious. It is Evan Budz15 years old, originally from Burlington, who presented a bionic robot in the shape of Marina turtledesigned for monitor aquatic ecosystems thanks to the use of artificial intelligence. His innovative project was awarded The first prize of the AUCYS 2025establishing themselves between over 130 participants from 37 countries.
An intelligent and bio-inspired robot to safeguard the seas
The robot developed by Evan was designed to move under water by imitating the natural movements of a green turtle. Equipped with Two front fins that push it through water, the device succeeds in perfectly simulate the swimming of the marine animalthus reducing the disturbance to other living beings of the ecosystem. The inspiration for this project was born during a campsite when the young man had the opportunity to observe a turtle swimming in his natural habitat.
The device is not only an engineering prowess: inside it integrates artificial intelligence algorithms that allow him to detect ecological threats like it Coral whitening and the presence of invasive species.
I want to use it to study ecosystems and face concrete problems such as the degradation of corals.
Tested in the pool, the robot shows a precision of 96%
To experience his prototype, Evan used the grandparents’ pool as a test field. The results? The robot managed to Identifying the coral bleaching signs with a precision of 96%demonstrating not only the reliability of the system, but also the potential for use in real scenarios. The young inventor intends to further perfect the project, adding features such as the collection of water samplesto have even more accurate data on the state of health of the oceans.
The prize obtained at the AUCYS – equal to 7,000 euros – it will serve to finance the evolution of the robot, with the aim of making it a fundamental ally in the Protection of marine biodiversity. Together with Evan, three other projects from Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic were awarded.
Recognitions and piles from the scientific world
Evan’s success has not gone unnoticed. Chandra Sharmapresident of Conservation Halton, expressed great admiration for the young inventor:
His commitment to marine conservation and the innovative approach are a source of inspiration. We can’t wait to see where his work will bring him.
Also Reni Barlowdirector of Youth Science Canada, praised the project: “Evan’s victory at Aulys shows that her ideas have international importance. It is a concrete example of the ability of Canadian young people to face complex environmental problems with creativity and competence”.
The 2025 edition of the AUCYS saw the participation of Students between 14 and 20 years oldall united by the passion for science and innovation. Among other awards, the Eiroforum Award He was assigned to the French team formed by the students of the Jacques de Vaucanson high schools of Tours and Jeanne D’Arc of Bastia, with their project J4 robot.
