Likitha Chundru, 19, is reimagining the future of agriculture through the lens of science, sustainability and systems thinking. A first-year information engineering student at the University of the Witwatersrand, she is already making a measurable impact in agricultural innovation and environmental resilience. Her research into Rhizobium bacteria as a bio-fertiliser offers a scalable alternative to chemical inputs, improving maize and pumpkin yields. By drying and preserving bacterial cultures, Likitha created a solution accessible to smallholder farmers — a breakthrough that earned her national and global recognition. Among her honours: the Top Senior Scientist Award, the Wolfram Research Prize at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (USA), and a R75 000 first prize at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair. Beyond the lab, she is a committed science communicator. Through green incubators, school outreach, and climate-smart agriculture platforms, Likitha champions access to science and practical innovation for food security. Inspired by her teachers and family, she sees setbacks as part of progress. “Failure is feedback,” she says. “What matters most is what you build next — and who you build it for”.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Information Engineering, University of Witwatersrand (*first year)
I greatly admire my parents for encouraging and supporting all my endeavours and professional aspirations. They have served as my role models and mentors, motivating me when I was feeling down or under pressure from work. Their strong work ethic has inspired me to work hard and develop multitasking skills during high school. My high school teachers also played an important role by evaluating my research and offering constructive corrections. Both my parents and teachers have positively influenced my journey by always pushing me forward and making me believe that I can achieve anything in life if I truly believe in it.