2023 winner
Vinaya Sharma
Canada
Vinaya is a Canadian builder, tinkerer, and coder interested in AI and blockchain technology. She has a talent for innovation, having developed NLP systems to streamline 911 dispatch and an electric grid simulation software to build a sustainable grid. Her work has been recognized by the Ingenious+ Regional Award and the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing Honorable Mention. Vinaya has placed internationally at DECA ICDC, won several hackathons, received funding from 1517, and presented projects at SXSW and PUMP+. Her Rise project, "Triage.AI," is an automated chatbot and robust management system created to optimize emergency call centers—specifically 911 hotlines—by answering, assisting, triaging, and streamlining call center processes until a dispatcher becomes available. Vinaya plans to continue building impactful technology projects that help address pressing social issues like climate change, mental health, and racial inequalities.