Daksh Jain shared a deeply personal and inspiring story about his quest to transform diabetes management. His groundbreaking innovation—a non-invasive, wearable glucose monitoring device—was born out of his father’s struggles with the disease. Watching his father endure the pain and discomfort of constant needle pricks to check blood sugar levels motivated Daksh to find a better solution. With millions of Indians facing the same invasive routine daily and diabetes cases projected to climb from 5 million to 6 million by 2030, the need for change was urgent. Daksh’s solution is rooted in the science of light polarization. Normally, light travels in all directions, but when polarized, it’s restricted to a single plane. Molecules like glucose can twist this polarized light by specific angles, a phenomenon called optical rotation. Daksh used this principle to develop a way to measure glucose levels by analyzing how light interacts with the skin. To bring this idea to life, he designed a compact, wearable device using photonic crystals—special materials that manipulate light with precision. These crystals work together to navigate the challenges of the skin’s complex layers, which scatter and absorb light. Unlike bulky existing systems, Daksh’s sleek patch or wristband offers a painless, consumer-ready alternative to glucometers and needles. The journey wasn’t easy. Finding the right materials was a major hurdle, but Daksh’s perseverance led him to use electro-optic materials, improving the device’s efficiency. His determination and methodical approach turned a heartfelt idea into a practical, revolutionary solution. Daksh’s message resonated with the audience: no problem is insurmountable if approached with curiosity and empathy. Through his innovation, he envisions a future where diabetes management is simple, accessible, and free of discomfort, offering hope to millions. Daksh Jain is a powerhouse & a beacon for achievements. With honours like an All India Rank 4 in the World Robotics Olympiad Nationals & a distinction in the American Mathematics Competitions up his sleeve. He has also conducted research on 1D photonic crystals & founded ‘GlucoSense’ as an extension of the research to bring painless & noninvasive biosensors to Indian markets & has since raised $20,225 in CSR Funding for R&D. Testimonial to his entrepreneurial spirit, he has won numerous awards in the field of entrepreneurship. His leadership and dedication also extends to his active engagement in school. As the STEM head of the school and the president of the Physics club. A versatile individual, He also enacted as the character Portia in reverse gender adaptation of the play ‘The Merchant of Venice’, as is also actively engaged in community service and has provided health insurance to 91 underprivileged people. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx