18-Year-Old Wins $100,000 Thanks to Origami

Hikaru Kuribayashi, an 18-year-old from Japan, won the first prize of $100,000 at the ISEF 2026 international science fair for developing a simulation software that predicts complex folding patterns inspired by nature. The technology could be used to develop solar panels in space and foldable emergency shelters.

Hikaru Kuribayashi, an 18-year-old from Hokkaido, Japan, won the first prize of $100,000 at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026, held in Arizona. His development: an innovative simulation software that predicts complex folding patterns inspired by nature—insect wings, leaves, and petals. The software, written in Julia over six months, uses a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm. Kuribayashi chose not to use artificial intelligence to avoid errors. Potential applications include foldable solar panels for satellites and portable emergency shelters for disaster zones. The project beat over 1,700 high school projects from around the world. Kuribayashi noted that inspiration came from observing nature, and the win fulfilled a childhood dream from 8th grade. He thanked his family and teachers.

18-Year-Old Wins $100,000 Thanks to Origami