A Grade 11 student from Nashik has developed an innovative cognitive assessment tool that seeks to evaluate cognitive abilities without relying on literacy or formal educational background, potentially opening new possibilities for inclusive assessment.
Vanya Gupta, a student of Fravashi International Academy, has created the Cognitive Assessment through MIDI Drum Technology, a system that combines rhythm-based interactions, sensor technology and artificial intelligence to measure various cognitive functions.
The device comprises eight sensor-equipped drum pads connected to an Arduino Mega microcontroller. Through a series of rhythm-based tasks and interactions, the system assesses key cognitive domains such as processing speed, fluid and logical reasoning, working memory, and perceptual reasoning.
According to the project details, the system uses the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm and achieved an accuracy rate of 96 per cent during testing conducted on 33 participants. The results were validated against existing patient assessment reports, according to the innovator.
The idea for the project emerged from Gupta’s interactions with students at Signal Shala, a school for underprivileged children. Witnessing the challenges posed by traditional assessment methods that often depend on literacy and formal education, she sought to develop a more accessible alternative.
The project has received recognition at several national and international platforms. In 2024, Gupta secured second place at the Future Port Awards in Prague, organised by Future Port Youth, a global technology conference for students. The innovation was also selected among the IRIS National Top 100 projects and received the Bronze Medal at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair in South Africa. Additionally, it was awarded the Gold CREST Award in 2024.
Gupta has also qualified for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2025 with another project and has been selected among the IRIS Top 100 finalists for four consecutive years.
Speaking about the innovation, Gupta said, “Innovation is not just about creating new technologies—it’s about making these technologies accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or education. With the MIDI Drum System, I hope to empower individuals who are often overlooked, showing that intelligence and potential are not defined by literacy, but by creativity and adaptability. I believe we all can make a difference, and technology is the bridge that can help us unlock that potential.”
The project has been supported by OMOTEC (On My Own Technology), an organisation focused on robotics and STEM education. Commenting on the innovation, Reetu Jain, Co-founder of OMOTEC, said, “At OMOTEC, we believe that technology should be an equalizer, not a divider. The MIDI drum system exemplifies this philosophy by proving that cognitive abilities can be measured and nurtured beyond conventional methods.”
The student is also listed among the patentees of a separate invention titled “System for Predicting Occurrence of Seizure in Kids”, for which an Indian patent was granted in February 2025.
While experts note that alternative assessment approaches could hold promise for educational and healthcare applications, wider validation studies and larger sample sizes would be required before such technologies can be adopted on a broader scale.
