This 13-year-old teen in Oregon has invented a device that could solve one of the biggest problems facing farmers and food security

A 13-year-old student from Oregon has developed a device that can convert moisture from the air into water, offering a potential solution for farmers struggling with water shortages in drought-prone areas. Roy Kim, a student at Whitford Middle School in Beaverton, created the device using a Peltier module as part of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

According to a report by the Young Scientist Lab, Kim's invention aims to provide farmers with a sustainable and reliable water source as climate change continues to put pressure on traditional sources such as groundwater, surface water and rainfall.

According to a report by the Young Scientist Lab, Kim's invention aims to provide farmers with a sustainable and reliable water source as climate change puts increasing pressure on traditional sources such as groundwater, surface water and rainfall.


The device uses a Peltier module, a technology that creates a temperature difference when electricity is applied. One side of the module becomes hot while the other becomes cold, allowing warm air to cool rapidly when it comes in contact with the cold surface. This causes water vapour in the air to condense into liquid droplets.

Explaining how the device works, Kim said air first enters a chamber through the hot side, where a heating element attached to a filter module warms it. A fan then pushes the warm air towards the cold side, where the temperature difference causes water droplets to form. The collected water is then directed through a funnel and released through a valve to irrigate plants.

The system also includes a soil moisture sensor to ensure plants receive the right amount of water. Temperature and humidity sensors monitor environmental conditions and adjust airflow automatically when conditions become extreme to maintain efficient water production.

After several rounds of testing and improvements, Kim's device produced 10 ml of water in two hours, with its highest efficiency recorded at 135.8 grams per kilowatt-hour.

"Through this project, I didn't just create water. I combined natural processes with engineering to develop a sustainable solution for farming," Kim said.

Entry into science competition

Kim, a student at Whitford Middle School in Beaverton, Oregon, developed the device as part of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, an annual science competition in the US for students in grades 5 to 8 that encourages young innovators to solve real-world problems.

Speaking about his participation, Kim said he wanted to showcase his invention globally and raise awareness about water scarcity and possible solutions.

Water availability remains a major challenge for agriculture. According to the US Department of Agriculture, irrigation accounted for 47% of the country's total freshwater withdrawals between 2010 and 2020, while around 212,714 farms rely on natural water sources for irrigation.

Kim believes his invention could help reduce dependence on traditional water sources over time. He hopes to continue developing solutions for environmental challenges and pursue a career in engineering.

The young inventor is currently among the top 10 national finalists of the competition, with the final event and winner announcement scheduled for October 12-13, 2026.