Student Innovators Win Big with Eco-Friendly Plastic Bags at TYE Seattle Finals

Kymavi Takes Top Prize with Biodegradable Plastic Innovation

A team of high school students, Kymavi, has won the TiE Young Entrepreneur (TYE) Seattle chapter finals with their groundbreaking biodegradable plastic bags. These bags are designed to not only decompose but also release ocean-healing additives that absorb pollutants and combat ocean acidification.

Accepting the winning check at the TYE Seattle chapter finals competition, team Kymavi, from left: Aadhav Muthukumar, Rajal Maheshwari, Arjun Panpaliya, Ishaan Pathania, and Tayem Keshk, along with judge Pradnya Desh, CEO of Advocate AI. (Alex Studio Photo)

The Winning Idea

The team, consisting of students from Skyline High School and Newport High School, developed their idea after witnessing the plastics pollution crisis during visits to Egypt and India. Their solution? A unique blend of additives, including chitosan and calcium carbonate, which ensures their bags leave a positive environmental footprint.

What’s Next for Kymavi?

With their $3,000 prize, Kymavi plans to invest in certifications and patents as they prepare to represent Seattle at the TYE Global Finals in Washington, D.C. later this month.

Other Notable Competitors

• Key Beauty: AI-driven skin-scanning technology for accurate makeup shade matches (2nd place, $1,500 prize)
• Hydrasmart: Smart hydration and sustainability solutions (3rd place, $750 prize)

Judges Impressed by Innovation

“These students weren’t just simulating innovation — they were living it,” said Aravind Bala, CTO of SeekOut and lead instructor for TYE Seattle. Judges included top executives from SeekOut, Microsoft, and OfferUp, who praised the students for their practical solutions and confident pitches.