In a world where millions still lack access to reliable electricity, three brilliant teens from Indore, India—Dhruv Chaudhary, Mithran Ladhania, and Mridul Jain—have stunned the world with a game-changing invention: Thermavault, a refrigerator that runs without electricity.
Their innovation isn’t just cool—it’s life-saving.
What Is Thermavault?
Thermavault uses a salt-based endothermic reaction to generate cooling. When specific salts like ammonium chloride and barium hydroxide octahydrate are mixed with water, the reaction absorbs heat from the surroundings. The result? A compact, portable fridge that keeps vaccines and transplant organs cold for 10–12 hours, with zero power.
The Inspiration
The trio was inspired during the COVID-19 crisis when they saw how difficult it was to store and transport vaccines in rural India. That problem sparked a revolutionary idea—to build a fridge that doesn’t rely on electricity, making it ideal for remote villages, disaster zones, and developing countries.
The Recognition
The invention won them the prestigious 2025 Earth Prize, along with $12,500 in prize money. They’re now gearing up to manufacture 200 units for distribution to over 120 hospitals—a move that could save countless lives.
What’s Next?
Their goal? Global rollout. The team is seeking WHO certification, exploring patent options, and dreaming big—to revolutionize cold-chain logistics and bring reliable refrigeration to every corner of the planet.