Out-of-Door Academy Student Wins Congressional App Challenge Award

Out-of-Door Academy junior Manav Pulluru has been awarded the 2024 Congressional App Challenge Award for Florida’s 16th Congressional District for his innovative software application, SafeHavenAI. The app assesses fall risks in the homes of older adults, aiming to enhance safety and prevent injuries.

SafeHavenAI analyzes uploaded photos of living spaces using artificial intelligence and image recognition technology. It incorporates an algorithm and a set of medical expert-approved questions to identify potential hazards that could lead to falls. Pulluru’s motivation for developing the app stemmed from a personal experience: his great-grandfather sustained a hip fracture after a fall, profoundly impacting his life.

The app, co-developed with Ashni Singh, a ninth grader at Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut, represents a collaboration that transcends state lines. It has garnered significant recognition and will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ official website for one year. Additionally, Pulluru is eligible for waived copyright registration application fees through the ARTS Act, further supporting his groundbreaking work.

The Congressional App Challenge, established in 2015, encourages students nationwide to explore and innovate in computer science. Participants create apps for various platforms, including mobile, desktop, and web, fostering creativity and technical skill development.

Pulluru’s achievement highlights his commitment to using technology for social good. He provides a potential lifeline for older adults and their families and exemplifies the spirit of the Congressional App Challenge.