Afghan artificial intelligence researcher Fereidoun Farzad has won a gold medal at the 2026 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival in California for developing an AI-powered platform designed to improve wound healing and reduce scarring.
Farzad, a PhD researcher specializing in artificial intelligence, received the award in Santa Clara on August 15 for his invention, “AI-Driven Digital Twin Platform for Scar-Free Precision Wound Regeneration.”
The project combines artificial intelligence and digital twin technology to create virtual models of the wound-healing process. The platform is designed to help researchers and medical professionals study tissue regeneration and evaluate more precise treatment approaches before applying them in clinical settings.
Farzad said the project began with a question about whether AI could make wound treatment more accurate while reducing permanent scars. After months of research, testing and collaboration, the idea developed into a platform capable of digitally modeling complex tissue regeneration processes.
Farzad and his team were unable to travel to California because of visa restrictions and political circumstances affecting Afghan researchers. They instead presented their project remotely and participated in the competition online before receiving the gold medal.
The award is Farzad’s second major international innovation prize. He previously received a gold medal at the ArshMedis International Invention Festival in Russia for another research project.
Farzad said he hopes the recognition will encourage more Afghan students to pursue science, artificial intelligence and advanced technology. He dedicated the award to the people of Afghanistan and said he wants the country to be recognized not only for conflict and crisis but also for science, innovation and research.