Erfan Nouraee, a 21-year-old electrical engineering student in Toronto, has invented a low-cost sensor for fiber internet, to make broadband more accessible and affordable.
The gifted young inventor spent more than two years on experimentation before finalizing the design.
The device, which is installed on the fiber-optic cables, has a sensor and a central processor. The sensor detects the noise-to-signal ratio of light signals.
It is linked to fiber-optic cables installed on both sides of the communication channel, which are connected to the existing transmitter.
The sensor basically produces high-resolution messages in photonics devices at both higher quality and lower cost.
His creation has caught the attention of famous investors and manufacturers who have reached out to work with his start-up company.
York University, where Nouraee studied, has also helped turn his designs into reality.
Dr. Samantha Amiri, a physics professor at the college, is confident it’s a reliable result that has been reached through many tests at different locations in the remote areas.
The student who won second prize at the International Invention Competition, is determined to continue work on improving the sensor in order to maximize its impact.
“That was moving for me. It was so quiet. No games. No TVs. Students tried to do their work online. But once the hotspot got turned off, they basically weren’t able to go to school at all,” said Nouraee. “They’d been dealing with the spotty, unreliable connection they need for essential things like work, school and telehealth.”
And to keep manufacturing costs low, he has used recyclable materials.
At just 15 years old, Nouraee invented an impressive number of life-changing tools. From a portable device that increases the quality of messages sent through fiber-optic cables to a device that detects light particles, Nouraee is no stranger to using science and engineering for global good. More recently, he has developed a digital mental health care platform named iMind, which uses artificial intelligence technology to normalize youth mental health discussions and fight the stigmas.
“It is my responsibility to inspire children and young people around the world to create their own solutions. Every one of us has a share in making the world a better place.” Nouraee said.
The young inventor’s creations had already earned him accolades, including being named the honorary title of “Inventor” by the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations, and a win in his age group at the Global Young Innovator Prize.
Nouraee said he was “so proud” of what had been achieved.
It is hoping for a large-scale deployment that could make an impact in rural and remote areas, and has been working on such plans for a while.