Five Questions with Adam Kovalčík, the Top Winner of Regeneron ISEF 2025

At the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, Adam Kovalčík won the top $100,000 George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award, for developing a faster, more cost-effective way to produce antiviral drugs using corn waste.

Originally from a small village in Slovakia and now studying at Masaryk University in Brno, the second largest university in the Czech Republic, Adam’s work has the potential to significantly reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing treatments targeting RNA viruses such as COVID-19, Ebola and Zika. His research has drawn international attention, with features in Business Insider and Good News Network. By rethinking the chemical synthesis process, Adam demonstrates how innovative thinking can transform both science and industry.

To learn more about Adam’s project, visit: https://isef.net/project/chem005-total-synthesis-of-novel-antivirotics

We caught up with Adam recently to learn more about his experience at Regeneron ISEF, what drives his work and what’s next for him.

What did it mean to you to be a top winner at Regeneron ISEF 2025?
All of the emotions are really hard to describe in words, but it was a huge push forward for me and a sign that it’s still worth it to make scientific discoveries. It taught me not to worry about people who don’t believe in you, because in the end, the people who understand your work will truly appreciate it.

What was your most memorable experience from the competition?
For me, it was the incredible moments after winning, watching the huge crowd applauding and standing at the center of it all. It was truly unforgettable. But, also the inspiring talks we heard from various guests from the industry meant a lot.

What have you been working on or exploring since Regeneron ISEF?
As I said right after winning, my goal is to establish a widely used industrial process for manufacturing various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, dyes and flavorings, starting from corn cob waste materials.

Since my win, I’ve been working day and night to pursue these goals. Getting the necessary practical data for patents takes time, especially while attending university, but I have big plans for 2026. Hopefully, by the end of the year, I’ll have my process working in industry and be able to document that journey along the way.

If you had unlimited resources, what would you invent or pursue next?
With unlimited resources, I would focus on upgrading mineral and fuel extraction methods so we would no longer need to destroy precious habitats to obtain the resources we need.

What advice would you give to inspire the next generation of scientists?
I would advise them to talk with as many people as possible about science and our advancements. Oftentimes, even a small interaction can push our lives forward in a huge way, so go and spread science.

In just a few weeks, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2026 will convene nearly 2,000 young scientists from around the world, each building on years of research, much like Adam Kovalčík did last year. Regeneron ISEF is made possible by a dedicated network of volunteers, judges and supporters. As Phoenix approaches, there is still time to take part. Learn more about how to get involved.