Annual STEM Scholarship Winner 2023 Anya Tiwari

Ultimation Awards Fourth Annual STEM Student Scholarship

An entry that combines biology with technology is the winner in Ultimation’s annual STEM student scholarship program. For the past four years, Ultimation has awarded a $1,500 stipend to the U.S. college student with the best idea for improving material handling.

University of Utah student Anya Tiwari is the 2023 winner for her idea to create a dynamic conveyor system that optimizes both indoor and outdoor spaces for vertical farming. Her submission outlines a conveyor system that automatically adjusts to changing environmental conditions, ensuring the best possible growth conditions for a variety of plants.

“During daylight hours, plants will bask in natural sunlight and air, while during nighttime or inclement weather, they will be sheltered indoors, offering them protection and stability crucial for their growth,” said Anya. “Temperature and solar sensors will autonomously decide the most suitable location for the plants, based on real-time environmental data. This will ensure that the plants are neither subjected to harsh conditions nor deprived of essential growth opportunities.”

Annual STEM Scholarship Winner 2023 Anya Tiwari

“I continue to be impressed with the creativity of today’s students as they apply unique perspectives to resolving real-world challenges,” said Richard Canny, president of Ultimation Industries. “Ideas such as Anya’s rethink traditional approaches and harness new and emerging technologies for better productivity and business outcomes.”

Anya’s entry was chosen by the judges from more than 200 applications from around the country. Entries for the 2024 scholarship are now being accepted. Students have until December 15, 2024 to submit their ideas for conveyors for innovative systems and ideas for the use of conveyors within automated loading and unloading for semi-trucks and trailers.