How origami inspired 18-year-old Hikaru Kuribayashi to win a $100,000 prize over 1,700 students at a science fair

18-year-old Hikaru Kuribayashi won the $100,000 top prize at the 2026 Regeneron ISEF. He beat 1,700 students by using origami patterns found in nature to build a simulation program. "That ladybug actually uses origami patterns to fold and expand its wings," he said. His work showed how nature inspires engineering.