Most students in Grade 9 are just beginning to explore science projects. But 14-year-old Akshath Anand from Surrey Academy of Innovative Learning took his idea to Canada's biggest youth STEM competition—and returned home with a gold medal.At the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton, Akshath impressed judges with Veino – IV Safety Monitoring System, a wearable medical device designed to detect intravenous (IV) leaks before they become visible or cause pain. The project earned him a gold medal, along with several other awards, highlighting the growing impact young innovators can have on real-world healthcare challenges.A wearable device for safer IV therapyIV therapy is one of the most common medical procedures in hospitals, but it is not without risks. If an IV line shifts or leaks, patients can experience swelling, bruising and tissue damage before the problem is noticed.Akshath's solution aims to identify these issues at an early stage. His wearable device uses smart pressure sensors to continuously monitor IV flow and detect subtle pressure changes that may indicate a leak. The system can then alert healthcare workers, allowing them to intervene before the condition worsens.The device is designed to improve patient safety while reducing discomfort and helping nurses respond more quickly.An idea with real-world potentialRather than creating a concept for demonstration purposes alone, Akshath focused on solving a practical healthcare problem.Beyond IV therapy, the technology could also be adapted for medical procedures such as endoscopies, where pressure monitoring can help clinicians identify complications earlier. This broader application added to the project's appeal and demonstrated its potential beyond a single use case.The combination of engineering, healthcare and practical problem-solving helped the project stand out at the national competition.From regional winner to national championAkshath secured his place at the Canada-Wide Science Fair after excelling at the South Fraser Regional Science Fair.The national competition brings together some of Canada's brightest students from Grades 7 to 12, offering them a platform to present research and innovations before expert judges.In addition to winning a gold medal and the Excellence Award in the junior category, Akshath also received the Challenge Award in Health & Wellness, the Youth Can Innovate Award, and scholarships from the University of Alberta and Western University.Why the project stands outWhat makes Akshath's achievement particularly noteworthy is the real-world relevance of his invention. IV leaks remain a common challenge in hospitals, and early detection can significantly reduce complications for patients.His project demonstrates how student-led innovation can address everyday healthcare problems with practical, technology-driven solutions. It also highlights the growing role young researchers can play in developing ideas that have the potential to improve patient care.Another Surrey successSurrey Academy was not the only school to shine at the national event. Sreya Kurup of Frank Hurt Secondary also received top honours for her research on staph infections and antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the strength of student-led scientific research from the Surrey school district.A promising young innovatorAkshath Anand's success at the Canada-Wide Science Fair is more than a personal milestone. It shows that meaningful innovation can begin at an early age when curiosity is paired with scientific thinking and a desire to solve real-world problems.His gold-winning invention serves as a reminder that some of the most impactful ideas can come from young minds determined to make healthcare safer and more effective.