From Little Elm to Tokyo: Sachchit’s Mission to Fight Cancer with AI

At just 17 years old, Sachchit Balamurugan, an incoming senior at Texas Online Preparatory School (TOPS), is making global waves in medical technology. From his home in Little Elm, Texas, Sachchit developed an AI-powered tool designed to detect adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare and aggressive form of cancer that claimed the life of his grandfather.

His innovation integrates MRI imaging, transcriptomic data, and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to improve early cancer detection. What sets his work apart is its use of interpretable AI, which allows medical professionals to understand how the model reaches its conclusions, which is essential for clinical adoption.

Sachchit’s dedication and ingenuity earned him an invitation to present his research at the International Young Researchers’ Conference at the University of Tokyo in June. There, he joined other young scientists from around the world, sharing his work and learning from global peers.

Beyond his cancer detection app, Sachchit has contributed to NASA’s Space App Challenge, won national STEM competitions, and founded a nonprofit called Youth Opportunities in Tech Innovation, which helps other students access resources and mentorship in technology.

As an avid tennis player, TOPS gives Sachchit the flexibility he needs to excel in the classroom, on the tennis court, and pursue his passion for using science and technology to serve others.  

His story is a powerful reminder that innovation knows no age. Sachchit turned personal tragedy into a mission to help others, proving that empathy and curiosity can drive world-changing solutions. For students everywhere, his journey is an example of what is possible when you combine passion with purpose. 

Your student’s story starts here—join TOPS today and unlock their full potential.