Namaste,
I am
Gapchoop
Viraj
from Pune, India
I am an observer, architect, artist, and photographer based in Savannah, Georgia, currently pursuing an MFA in Industrial Design at SCAD.
I constantly explore new styles and forms of expression to expand my creative practice. Through photography, travel, and immersive experiences across cities and cultures, I draw inspiration from people, places, and everyday moments. With a deep appreciation for fine art and experimentation, I approach design with curiosity and intention.
I aspire to contribute to the world of design through a thoughtful and sensitive perspective.

Acheivements & Awards
I have earned international awards in product, environmental, and spatial design, along with national recognition for my environmental documentaries.
In 2025, my projects have been honored globally. Quest received the Red Dot Concept Award 2025 in Product Design, IDA Gold 2024 in Family and Children Products, and Indigo Gold 2025 for Social Change and was Highly Commended at the Rookie Awards 2025. Tripple won EPDA 2025 in Home and in Industrial Social Product Design, was a finalist at the Taiwan International Student Design Competition 2025 and received IDA Silver 2024 and Indigo Silver 2025. KA.MAL earned an EPDA 2025 Honorable Mention in Eco Design, a Core77 Student Notable 2025 in Sustainability, and an Indigo Bronze 2025.
Earlier, my invention, the Semi-Automatic Water Pump Controller, was awarded a National Silver Medal and was featured in the Limca Book of Records and the India Book of Records.
Artists' Book Competition
2025

Honored with First Place in the 2025 SCAD Artists' Book Competition for my artist’s book Nothing Butt Nude. This annual juried competition celebrates innovation and craftsmanship in book arts across all SCAD disciplines.
The work explores themes of form, body, and expression through experimental book design. Noted for its gestural, swooping structure and the use of lightweight paper, the book was praised for how its materiality embodied its conceptual intent.
Silver- Indigo Award-Tripple
2025

TRIPPLE redefines home environments by prioritizing health, well-being, and sustainability, offering an innovative climate control system that supports urban living and social well-being. Designed for Generation Y professionals working from home, TRIPPLE fosters healthier indoor spaces while contributing to resilient and sustainable communities.
Gold- Indigo Award- Quest
2025

Quest inspires children to explore and learn from their surroundings. It identifies objects in nature, sharing insights by day, and transforms discoveries into bedtime stories by night, with the child as the hero. Combining technology and storytelling, Quest fosters curiosity, confidence, and a deeper connection to the world.
PCERF BG SHIRKE Vidyarthi AWARD
2019

Designed for kids aged 6-11, Quest is an AI companion that sparks curiosity by blending exploration, learning, and storytelling. By day, it engages kids in nature-driven conversations, and by night, it projects personalized bedtime stories inspired by their adventures.
Silver- International Design Awards, IDA 2024
2025

TRIPPLE redefines home cooling by addressing the shortcomings of traditional HVAC systems, which often lack aesthetic appeal and disrupt the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Tailored for remote-working Gen Y professionals, TRIPPLE breathes air into your home workspace. Inspired by natural elements, TRIPPLE enhances sensory experiences to cultivate a nurturing, comfortable & soothing atmosphere. With customizable aesthetics & sensory elements including sound, smell, and light, TRIPPLE offers a personalized solution to meet diverse user preferences and ventilation needs.
Gold- International Design Awards, IDA 2024
2025

Quest has won Gold at the International Design Awards (IDA) 2024 !
Designed for kids aged 6-11, Quest is an AI companion that sparks curiosity by blending exploration, learning, and storytelling. By day, it engages kids in nature-driven conversations, and by night, it projects personalized bedtime stories inspired by their adventures.
Huge thanks to Professor Jeehoon Shin for his invaluable mentorship and guidance throughout Studio 2 – IDUS 718.
Inspire Award
2012

Viraj Gapchoop, a standard X student from Jnana Prabodhini High School, won a silver medal and 'Inspire Award' at the national science exhibition for his semi-automatic water pump controller. The model, designed to prevent water wastage and protect the motor, earned him recognition and interaction with President Pranab Mukherjee.
National Record for Creating 100 Eco-Friendly Ganesha Idols
2013

In 2011, Viraj Gapchoop from Pune crafted 100 eco-friendly Ganesha idols for Ganesh Chaturthi. His idols, made from natural white clay and colored with organic dyes, dissolve completely in water, unlike those made with harmful chemicals. He also used manual polishing and hand spray techniques, avoiding energy-consuming methods.
National Record for Water-Saving Invention and Fundraising
2011

Viraj Dinesh Gapchoop of Pune, born on July 20, 1998, invented the "Semi-Automatic Water Pump Controller," saving 20% water and electricity. He also created a documentary on this, which was selected for the Vasundhara International Film Festival 2010. Within three months, he raised ₹1.50 lakh in donations by September 1, 2010.
Patent Granted for Semi-Automatic Water Pump Control System
2010

Viraj Dinesh Gapchoop has been granted Patent No. 328496 for his invention, the "Semi-Automatic Water Pump Control System." Filed on August 20, 2010, the patent is valid for 20 years, recognizing his innovation under the Patents Act, 1970.
Young Innovator Sets National Record with Charity Fundraising Effort
2010

At just 11 years old, Viraj Gapchoop set a national record by collecting over ₹1,30,000 for charity on June 30, 2010. He achieved this by presenting and installing his own invention, the 'Semi Automatic Water Pump Controller System,' demonstrating remarkable ingenuity and dedication at such a young age.
Achievements in Documentary Filmmaking:
-
"Save Water" (2010):
-
Won a consolation prize in the open category at the State Government Environmental Film Competition.
-
Screened at the Kirloskar Vasundhara International Film Festival in over 27 cities across India.
-
-
"Wake Up!" (2011):
-
Selected as the inaugural film at the 2011 State Government Environmental Film Festival.
-
Screened nationally at the Kirloskar Vasundhara International Film Festival.
-
-
"It’s Easy" (2012):
-
Nominated for the Rashtriya Vigyan Chalchitra Mela (RVCM) 2012 in Kolkata, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
-
Screened at the Kirloskar Vasundhara International Film Festival.
-
These films have been aired by SAAM TV, Star Maza, and various local TV channels to raise public awareness. Additionally, Zee TV (Education) produced and broadcast a short film highlighting Viraj’s achievements.
Presentations and Recognitions:
-
National Recognition:
-
Viraj’s work received high praise at YASHADA, Pune, where his presentation was recognized as one of the best at the National Level Conference on "Harvest Rain Water and Recycle Water for the Future."
-
Conducted a session on "Easy Filmmaking" at the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune.
-
Delivered over 70+ presentations on environmental issues to various organizations, NGOs, schools, and industries.
-
-
Environmental Advocacy:
-
His films are showcased on "Jagriti," a mobile exhibition bus by the Center for Environment Education (CEE).
-
CEE has incorporated ideas from his films into environmental textbooks.
-
Awarded the Green Warrior (2010) and Srushti Mitra Awards (2011-2013) for four consecutive years by CEE.
-
Inventions and Innovations:
-
Semi-Automatic Water Pump Controller:
-
Won the National Level Silver Medal at INSPIRE-2012.
-
Patent application is in progress.
-
Through film presentations and marketing of this invention, Viraj raised ₹2.0 lakhs in donations for an orphan's school at the age of 12.
-
Recognized by the Limca Book of Records and the India Book of Records for this achievement.
-
Featured in the theme pavilion "Success Stories of Indian Technology" alongside projects from DRDO, NCL, and CW&PRS at the Government Engineering College in Pune.
-
Photography:
-
Awards:
-
Gold Medal at the State Level Junior Photography Championship, Pune.
-
2nd Runner-Up in a national photography competition by Max New York Life Insurance.
-
"Photographer of the Year 2010" award in the open category by the International Boulevard of Photographers, USA.
-
Media Coverage and Public Recognition:
-
Featured in various news media, magazines, and souvenirs as an inspiration to students across India.
-
Limca Book of Records recognized Viraj for a second time for his eco-friendly Ganesh idol initiative and his efforts in donating stationery and medical supplies to needy students.
Guidance and Support:
-
Received personal guidance and appreciation from Dr. Rajendrasinh Rana, the Waterman of India and Magsaysay Awardee.
