(March 11, 2025) Inspired by India’s humble manual rickshaws, Maryland-based Indian-origin teen Ronik Sharma reimagined sustainable transport, and his vision earned him first prize at the 2025 Global Changemaker Challenge. Hosted by the University of Evansville and backed by automotive giant Toyota, this prestigious competition recognized Ronik’s innovative approach to mobility where he competed against 20 outstanding candidates. The high school student bagged the first prize securing a four-year, full-tuition scholarship for an undergraduate program at the University of Evansville, Indiana.
“One Solar Tricycle means a farmer reaches more markets, a vendor doubles deliveries, and a gig worker earns more. Scaled across communities, it becomes both an economic empowerment and climate action solution. Let’s make mobility inclusive, affordable, and sustainable.” With this winning pitch, Ronik Sharma, the high school student at Maryland’s Gilman School, stood out.
For Ronik, however, the true victory extends beyond the scholarship. It’s about the real-world impact of his innovation. His Solar Tricycle is more than just a pitch; it’s a transformative solution designed to help micro-entrepreneurs, farmers, and gig workers reduce transportation costs, increase income, and embrace sustainable mobility.
The Solar Tricycle
“My winning idea focused on developing a solar-powered tricycle — a clean and affordable transportation alternative for farmers and micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries. In many of these economies, transportation costs consume up to 30 percent of a worker’s income, limiting economic growth,” explained Ronik. “The Solar Tricycle is a self-charging, solar-powered electric vehicle that eliminates fuel expenses, increases savings, and provides a sustainable mobility solution.”
Over the past year, the youngster collaborated with a mentor in Nepal to research, refine, and develop this concept. His solar-powered, self-charging vehicle can transport up to 500 pounds over a 15-mile range on a single charge, effectively cutting fuel costs and boosting savings. Designed for affordability through microfinance, the Solar Tricycle offers a sustainable and cost-effective mobility solution. Its funding sources could be angel investors, green mobility incentives, climate grants, and institutional partnerships, with organizations like VISA currently reviewing his funding proposal.
Thrill of competing
“The experience of putting this pitch together was just as valuable as the competition itself,” remarked the excited teen, who highlighted the struggles of small-scale business owners in underserved communities where affordable transport remains a significant challenge.
Selected as one of the Top 14 finalists from a highly competitive pool, Ronik stood out with his storytelling, data-driven impact, and compelling presentation.
“Looking forward to learning more and continuing this journey!” shared Ronik, thrilled to have earned a four-year, full-tuition scholarship.
Finding fulfillment in addressing a challenge
Inspired by his mother’s concern about communities burdened by costly and environmentally damaging fossil fuels, Ronik took on the challenge of providing a sustainable alternative.
However, the project came with challenges. Generating enough power from the limited solar panel space to support mobility for a total load of 550 lbs (including the vehicle and its payload) required significant problem-solving. He also explored lightweight battery options that maximize energy storage while ensuring a practical range.
Balancing reducing the vehicle’s weight while maintaining its payload capacity was tough but rewarding. “Using my Tricycle, a rural farmer like Asha in Nepal can access reliable transportation, keep more of her earnings, and break free from the cycle of poverty,” he remarked.
Image Credit: Ronik Sharma
“Winning this challenge means the world to me. It has strengthened my confidence that I, too, can create solutions that transform lives,” he remarked.
Ronik expressed his deepest gratitude to his parents for their encouragement, his school and teachers for building a strong foundation, his friends for their support, and the University of Evansville and Toyota for creating a competition that inspires young minds to think beyond themselves and drive real change.
Securing the win through data-driven storytelling
Ronik’s journey to the top wasn’t by chance. He knew that big ideas alone aren’t enough—they need to be communicated effectively. He crafted his pitch using three powerful strategies – storytelling to make the problem relatable, data-driven impact to demonstrate real-world potential, and engaging visuals to bring his vision to life.
Back-to-back wins
As Ronik celebrated his Global Changemaker Challenge victory, he made another significant stride with his selection for Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy at its School of Business.
This immersive program includes visits to Fortune 500 companies, discussions on business case studies, interactions with industry experts, team challenges, and a Shark Tank-style competition, where participants collaborate to pitch entrepreneurial ideas.
“The opportunity to meet, interact, and learn from top academic experts and executives is super exciting. It will deepen my understanding of business and leadership. I’m equally enthused about pitching my Solar Tricycle Business Idea in front of top business leaders,” he shared.
Given the academy’s impact on past cohorts, he believes the program will strengthen his foundation in business and leadership.
Ronik Sharma
A multifaceted teen
Beyond his passion for innovation, Ronik is a multifaceted student with a keen interest in finance, sustainability, and storytelling. Fascinated by finance’s power to drive both personal success and societal impact, he is drawn to investment and its role in shaping the future.
He sees innovation as a bridge between ideas and reality, while sustainability ensures progress aligns with environmental responsibility.
An enthusiastic storyteller and debater, Ronik thrives on engaging with diverse perspectives and sharing ideas that spark meaningful discussions. Outside academics, he stays active through sports, particularly golf, and enjoys immersing himself in virtual gaming experiences, out of love for strategy and discovery.
With his recent accomplishments, Ronik is proving that passion for innovation, sustainability, and business isn’t just about winning competitions, it’s about driving real-world impact and shaping a better future. Guided by his mantra, “Learning today, leading tomorrow,” he is turning ideas into action.
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