Washington: Seven Indian Americans figure among the 40 finalists for the Intel Science Talent Search 2012, recognised as America`s "most promising high school seniors with the greatest potential to solve pressing challenges in the world". Finalists will gather in Washington, DC in March to compete for $630,000 in awards with the top winner receiving $100,000 from the Intel Foundation.

Two of the Indian-American finalists, Saurabh Sharan and Sayoni Saha are from California, two others Siddhartha Gautama Jena and Nithin Reddy Tumma are from Michigan and three more are Neel S Patel from Florida, Anirudh Prabhu from Indiana and Neil Kamlesh from New York.

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"The US needs these talented innovators to go as far and as fast as they can, solving the world`s most critical challenges, imagining - and creating - a new and better future for us all," said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation.

"Math and science are the language and tools of this innovation - that`s why Intel is so proud to invest in these students, and to advance math and science education for all students," she said. "Tackling real-world challenges from cancer to Internet security to alternative energy solutions, this year`s finalists are a true inspiration," said Society President Elizabeth Marincola.

The independent research projects of this year`s finalists include topics such as photodynamic cancer therapy; breast cancer research; innovative water conservation solutions; fibre optic research related to Internet data security; alternative energy solutions; and landmine detection technology.

Young innovators chosen to participate in the Science Talent Search over the past 70 years have gone on to receive some of the world`s most prestigious honours, including seven Nobel Prizes, two Fields Medals, three National Medals of Science, 11 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and even an Academy Award for Best Actress.

IANS