Student Spotlight: Anuki, Blending Ancient Wisdom with Modern Tech
I’m Nishini, an Invention Convention Worldwide Youth Ambassador, and I recently had the privilege to sit down with one of this year’s incredible innovators, Anuki, whose invention NeuroBreath earned the prestigious Invention Award for Societal Benefit, presented by The Lemelson Foundation, at the 2025 RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals. During our conversation, Anuki shared her thoughts on innovation, culture and the future of AI.
Meet NeuroBreath
When asked about her award-winning invention, Anuki lit up. NeuroBreath is an AI-powered wearable device designed to help people reduce stress and practice mindfulness more effectively. The device straps around the stomach, monitoring both breathing patterns and brainwaves. Paired with a companion app, it turns meditation into an interactive experience using levels, achievements and even a chatbot that answers questions about mindfulness.
What makes NeuroBreath especially innovative is its blend of ancient breathing techniques with cutting-edge technology. Instead of simply guiding users through meditation, it analyzes whether they’re doing each technique correctly and gives real-time feedback. “I wanted to make mindfulness not just more effective, but something people actually want to practice,” Anuki explained.
Rooted in Tradition
The spark for NeuroBreath came during a visit to Sri Lanka, where Anuki watched her grandparents meditate every morning. “They were so calm and peaceful,” she recalled. “It made me realize how something so simple could have such a big impact.”
As she learned more about mindfulness breathing, an ancient practice with modern scientific backing, she began noticing how stressed people around her were. Students. Teachers. Friends. Everywhere. “We all hear ‘take a deep breath,’ but a lot of people don’t know how to breathe effectively,” she said. That realization drove her to design a device that makes stress reduction more accurate, and engaging. “Today everyone looks toward AI and modern tech. But sometimes you have to look back,” she said.
Overcoming Obstacles
Inventing NeuroBreath was anything but straightforward. One of the hardest tasks? Finding a breathing sensor. Commercial options were either limited or ineffective.
Anuki’s first prototype used a water-flow sensor built into a COVID mask to track airflow. But, after testing, she realized it wasn’t reliable. So, she pivoted and eventually found a flexible rubber material that could detect the chest’s expansion and contraction during each breath.
Persistence was key in every stage, from designing neural networks to distinguish breathing patterns to troubleshooting sensor accuracy. “Every part of the way was a challenge,” she said. “But each failed prototype moved me closer to the final solution.”
A Serial Inventor Inventing for Societal Good
Though still a student, Anuki is quite the serial inventor. She’s already built multiple inventions ranging from a system that brings outdoor sunlight into dark indoor rooms to Sensora, a wearable device to support deaf and deaf-blind individuals. Her inventions often center on accessibility, sustainability and improving daily life.
“I’ve always wanted to make something that truly helped others,” Anuki said. “Even if it was just one person.” Being recognized for the societal impact of NeuroBreath made that goal feel even more meaningful. “I’ve been surrounded by people affected by stress,” she said. “And not all solutions are accessible. I want to make life easier for people.”
Inventing has also reshaped how she sees the world. “When I walk around, I notice everyday problems and start visualizing solutions,” she explained. Through the process, she has developed skills in communication, coding, design and time management — along with the confidence to keep pursuing new ideas.
“For me, the mantra of ‘promoting the greater good,’ was instilled by a mentor, and one I try to carry in my life,” Anuki added. “My inventions are shaped by wanting to give back. I want to improve society, not just build something convenient.”
Advice for New Inventors
For Anuki, inventing is about curiosity, creativity and patience. “It’s looking at a problem and believing you can make it better,” she said. And through trial and error, that belief becomes something real, and often something that can help others.
Anuki’s biggest piece of advice for new inventors? Start. “You don’t need fancy equipment,” she said. “You just need curiosity and the drive to keep going.” She encourages inventors to view the process as an experiment, not a test. “Every failure brings you closer to the solution.”