Emily Tianshi, 17, USA

Clearwater Innovation - Solving the global water crisis by imitating nature. Drought has affected more people around the world in the past four decades than any other type of natural disaster. At the same time there is an abundance of moisture in the air, a reserve that could serve millions of people if effectively tapped. Emily Tianshi did just that and discovered a unique micro-pattern on the Torrey Pine tree. She spent years studying the water retaining tree, trying to mimic it's pines that bring water in and pour it out. She has now successfully developed a prototype device that biomimics the needle structure. Her innovation is unique and has recently gained national recognition from the Water Environmental Federation.