By Randy Trammell

Winning two top awards at the Raytheon Technologies Invention Convention U.S. Nationals was a surreal moment for ninth-grade inventor Arman Shpuza, another highlight in his self-described journey to make the world a better place.

“It was unforgettable. I wasn’t expecting to win at that high level, so when they called my name, I sprang out of my seat. It felt like everything around me paused for a moment,” he said. “I was just happy being there. I was honored to represent Georgia at Nationals...and getting that recognition after months of hard work just made the experience even more special."

Shpuza, inventor of Ampipe, won the Innovation Process: Best Logbook Award as well as Second Place for Ninth Grade at Nationals after earning the Constellations Energy Award and a patent application award at State Finals at Georgia Tech in March. His invention converts the energy of falling rain into electricity, an idea he got from watching rain fall outside his window during a heavy storm. Something about it reminded him of a hydroelectric plant, and an idea for an invention was born, just like that.

“Growing up, I often ask myself, ‘What does the world need, and how can I fix it?’ And I think when you start to look closely at the world around you, ask questions, and see problems and opportunities, you begin to come up with ideas. So, I think curiosity is where it all starts. Ampipe failed several times, and I went through many different iterations, so I think it's really important to persevere and try on, even when things don't go your way.”

Shpuza credits his teachers and family, near and far, for supporting his invention journey, from Economics for Entrepreneurs and science teachers who sparked his creativity and curiosity to his uncle in Sweden, who inspired Ampipe's AI system, and his mother, who encouraged him to enter the K-12 InVenture Prize competition with Ampipe.

“State Finals was really valuable to help me get ready for Nationals,” he said. “I think the judges’ feedback was very useful to see my project from a different perspective, which I think helped me stand out at Nationals. I kept going through prototype after prototype, testing and improving my design using the feedback. So, when I got to Nationals, I knew what to expect and felt more confident with my improved project.”

With a patent in mind, Shpuza said he is working to make more improvements to his design. “There is no perfect invention,” he said. “There is always something you can improve. So, I'm still trying to test different models to see how I can advance Ampipe's efficiency and impact. So, I'm always going to be trying to optimize it as best as I can.”

Shpuza encourages other young inventors to stay curious and follow their own path, working from their own ideas and inspirations. "It’s such a big part of inventing because you want to find a problem you truly care about and solve it in your own unique way,” he said. “What’s important is to stay curious about the world around you and find something that you have a personal connection to. I learned so much through the invention process, especially to see possibilities in things others might walk right past.”