Written by : Saloni Tyagi
May 2, 2025
Source: X
The young innovator created the model to identify seven types of spinal abnormalities.
Visharad Upadhyay, a Class X student from Kendriya Vidyalaya Gomtinagar, has developed an AI model using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to detect and classify spinal lesions.
His innovation won him a cash prize of INR 1.5 lakh at a recently held tech competition jointly organised by the Uttar Pradesh government and IIIT Lucknow.
"Spinal lesions are difficult to detect in X-rays with human eyes and often require an MRI or CT scan. Since there are not many diagnostic centres equipped with MRI and CT scan in rural and semi-urban areas, my AI model prototype can detect lesions in the spine from X-ray images, and it's highly accurate," said Upadhyay.
The young innovator, son of a retired Air Force sergeant, created the model to identify seven types of spinal abnormalities, including osteophytes, disc space narrowing, surgical implants, foraminal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and vertebral collapse.
"I was inspired by my elder sister. I spend considerable time coding and often get checked by my family to focus on the Class X board, but I'm able to manage it," he shared.
Upadhyay began coding at the age of 10.
The aspiring computer scientist hopes to pursue higher studies in the field. "After school, I want to join a university that can help me learn more about computer science and AI," he added.