Teen invents device that could save kids’ lives

PHILADELPHIA — Pranavh Joshua Vallabhaneni and his family were preparing for a new addition — Pranavh’s baby brother — and it got his inventive juices flowing.

“My parents were shopping for car seats and other baby products,” said Pranavh, 15, who is entering his sophomore year at Unionville High School in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

He said during that same time, he kept hearing tragic stories regarding babies being left in hot cars.

“I started to think about why, and how to help prevent the issue,” Pranavh said.

His brother, Jayden, is now 4, and Pranavh has worked since before Jayden’s birth to help prevent car deaths among young kids.

“The most tragic part is that over 50% of hot-car child deaths have happened because of parents forgetting their children in cars,” Pranavh said. “Forgetting can happen to anyone. I couldn’t imagine a tragedy like this happening in my family.”

So he began inventing and came up with the Baby Saver — Hot Car Alert Device.

The device sends different automated alerts to parents and local authorities when the temperature inside the car crosses certain thresholds.

Pranavh was among 63 students to receive awards at the Invention Convention Nationals July 2: He scored first place among ninth grade competitors, and first place for the safety award.

“To get recognized is an honor,” he said.“I am really grateful to have an opportunity to showcase my invention on a national level.”