Mauro Ernesto García Ramírez

Mauro, a high school student in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, is redefining what it means to innovate with purpose. Raised by a single mother in a humble home, he understood from a young age that education was his most powerful tool. Despite facing extreme situations - such as caring for sick family members, losing several loved ones to illnesses and accompanying his mother through cancer treatment - Mauro has channeled those experiences into innovations with social impact that are now helping his community and beyond.

His journey as an agent of change began in middle school with the creation of Clean Bag, a UV light and ozone disinfection chamber that sanitizes school bags and detects weapons. Developed in response to post-pandemic concerns and rising school violence, Clean Bag earned him regional and national awards, including participation in the 24th Certamen Estatal de Creatividad e Innovación Tecnológica and Mexico's National ExpoCiencias 2022.

Next came Radar Sens, a wearable system with artificial intelligence for the visually impaired. Inspired by the accident of a blind colleague, Mauro designed an AI-powered headband and bracelet that detects and describes obstacles, especially above the waist, where traditional canes do not reach. This innovation earned him first place nationally in the Concurso Ideas con Impacto Social and was acclaimed at multiple regional and state-level tech showcases.

Beyond his technical achievements, Mauro leads with his heart. He tutors classmates at risk of failing, is invited by teachers to lead review classes and is recognized by his peers as someone who helps them to excel. He leads student groups and was appointed a member of Reynosa's Youth Advisory Council, where he meets with local government officials to promote educational equity and youth participation in public policy.

He is also active in his community: he has collaborated in food drives, coordinated campaigns to collect small caps for oncology treatments and contributes to CRAI, an animal rescue NGO. There she helps rescue abused animals, promotes responsible adoption and has worked with political figures to promote animal welfare. Her example has inspired many of her peers to commit to social causes.

In the midst of all this, Mauro continues to excel academically, ranking among the top students in his school. He manages to balance his responsibilities as a family caregiver - including accompanying his mother during chemotherapy - with his studies and his role as a leader. His resilience, humility and resourcefulness have made him a role model for his peers and adults alike.

If he wins the Global Student Prize, Mauro plans to expand Radar Sens with new artificial intelligence features, fund his college education and launch a youth center in Reynosa dedicated to science, empathy and leadership. His dream is that other young people in difficult situations, but with great potential, will have the space and support to flourish.

Mauro’s story is one of transformation: not just of technology, but of mindset – turning struggle into innovation, and personal pain into public purpose.