Meet Kiara Nirghin: From Science Fair Winner to AI Pioneer and Forbes 30 Under 30

South African-born tech prodigy Kiara Nirghin has been making international waves with her innovations in science and technology. From winning the Google Science Fair at just 16 to co-founding an AI startup in Silicon Valley and earning a spot on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list, her story is a testament to the power of curiosity, creativity, and determination.

Google Science Fair Champion at 16

Kiara first captured global attention in 2016 when, as a high school student at St. Martin’s in Johannesburg, she won the Google Science Fair grand prize worth approximately R680,000. Her award-winning project, titled “Combatting Drought with a Low Cost, Biodegradable Superabsorbent Polymer”, offered an eco-friendly solution to water scarcity, a major issue affecting agriculture in Africa and beyond.

What set her work apart was her use of organic waste specifically orange peels and avocado skins to create a polymer that could retain moisture in soil. These materials, rich in polysaccharides and pectin, significantly improved water retention, providing a sustainable way to enhance crop yield in drought prone areas.

Launching an AI Company in Silicon Valley

This groundbreaking innovation didn’t just impress the judges; it laid the foundation for Kiara’s future in science and entrepreneurship. Her early success was followed by further academic and professional achievements, ultimately leading her to Silicon Valley, where she and her sister, Nikhara Nirghin, co-founded Chima, an artificial intelligence company.

Now 25, Kiara has earned a coveted spot on the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 North America list in the Artificial Intelligence category not alone, but alongside her sister. Together, the Nirghin sisters are pioneering the development of AI systems that emulate human reasoning for enterprise applications.

Human Reasoning AI for Business

Chima’s platform focuses on automating repetitive business tasks and streamlining operations, enabling organizations to work more efficiently without compromising human oversight. Based in Northern California, the company stands out in a crowded AI landscape by prioritizing explainability and adaptability in its systems. Read more here

Rather than simply replicating existing machine learning models, Chima is building AI tools that can understand context, make logical decisions, and offer transparent reasoning a critical factor for adoption in sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics.

Making the Forbes 30 Under 30 List

Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, published annually, recognizes rising stars across various industries including tech, finance, arts, and science. Making the list is not only a badge of honor, but also a platform that propels young innovators into the global spotlight. For Kiara, it is yet another milestone in a journey defined by bold ideas and a deep desire to solve real world problems.

Inspiring the Next Generation

From recycling food waste to combat drought to redefining how machines think, Kiara Nirghin’s path reflects a rare blend of scientific brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit. As she continues to shape the future of AI, her story serves as an inspiration for young innovators around the world especially those who, like her, dream big and start early.