12-year-old wins $2,120 for fire safety invention

Twelve-year-old Kim Ji-on from Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province devised a smartphone grip that can transform into an emergency breathing mask during a fire. Her invention earned her the Presidential Award at the 2026 Youth Invention Festival, outperforming contributions from older middle and high school students. The South Korean Herald reports that Kim plans to donate the prize money of 3 million won ($2,120) to support people in developing nations.

Kim's idea emerged after witnessing a hotel fire in Bucheon that claimed seven lives, which she saw on television two years ago. She was particularly struck by reports of guests making final phone calls to loved ones before the tragedy. During a visit to a local fire station, a firefighter explained that smoke and toxic gases can incapacitate individuals before flames spread. This insight inspired Kim to consider a solution using a commonly accessible object - a smartphone.

Fire-safety guidelines typically advise covering one's nose and mouth with a wet towel in a fire emergency. However, Kim recognized the impracticality of this advice. In an instant, there may not be enough time to locate a towel, dampen it, and use it effectively. She reasoned that a smartphone, which is frequently close to people while sleeping, could serve as a more viable platform to carry protective gear.

Through collaboration with her teachers, Kim engineered the smartphone grip using two crucial filtering materials - activated carbon fiber, which can absorb harmful gases, and a nonwoven filter designed to block fine particles. In the event of a fire, the grip can be unfolded and positioned over the nose and mouth to provide immediate protection.

Kim's invention, while not a substitute for professional firefighting gear or a certified gas mask, serves as a supplementary safety measure. It may not offer protection for as long as a genuine gas mask, but according to Kim, it can provide vital first few minutes to evacuate during an emergency. The smartphone grip's unique appeal lies in its innovative fusion of an everyday object with a potentially life-saving function.