15-Year-Old Invented A Soap To Potentially Treat Skin Cancer

At just 15 years old, Heman Bekele is already making history. The teen from Virginia has been named TIME Magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year for an invention that could change the way we treat one of the world’s most common forms of cancer—skin cancer.

Bekele created a low-cost soap designed to potentially treat skin cancer, combining innovation, compassion, and science in a way that few his age—or any age—have achieved. His groundbreaking idea was inspired by his early years spent in Ethiopia, where he witnessed firsthand how many people, particularly outdoor laborers, were exposed to intense sunlight with little to no protection.

Determined to create something both affordable and accessible, Bekele got to work developing a product that could make a real difference in underserved communities. The result? A powerful soap that doesn’t just cleanse—but could save lives.

A Mission with Global Impact

Skin cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers globally, yet treatment can be costly and out of reach for many. Bekele’s soap, still in the development phase, represents a major step toward democratizing health care access, particularly for communities in sun-intense, lower-income regions.

His project isn’t just about invention—it’s about empathy and impact. Bekele hopes to use the momentum from this recognition to further research, improve the product, and eventually distribute it widely.

A Rising Star in Science and Humanity

Being named TIME’s Kid of the Year places Heman Bekele among a new generation of youth leaders who are using their talents and platforms to address real-world problems. At just 15, he’s not only showing the power of youth innovation but also how personal experience and compassion can drive life-changing ideas.

With his soap potentially on the path to clinical trials and broader development, Bekele is a shining example of what’s possible when purpose meets potential.

The future looks bright—and thanks to Heman Bekele, it might also be a little healthier.