How an IITian's portable CO2 meter making science more accessible

In a world grappling with environmental challenges, making advanced technology accessible for education and awareness is no longer optional—it’s imperative. A team of innovators, with the support of the Chem-E Tinkerers’ Lab, has developed a portable CO2 measuring device powered by the Arduino, aimed at bridging the gap between scientific learning and affordability. Gayatri Shailendra Moghe, a BTech student in Chemical Engineering at IIT Bombay, Batch 2026, is part of a team of innovators that has developed a low-cost, portable CO2 meter using Arduino to make science education accessible and raise environmental awareness. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS AND REAL-WORLD IMPACT The device has already proven its value in educational experiments, such as tracking CO2 levels during chemical reactions, observing plant respiration and photosynthesis, and monitoring indoor air quality. With its affordable price point, ease of use, and broad applicability, this pocket-sized CO2 meter is more than a scientific tool—it’s a gateway for students to become active participants in understanding and addressing environmental challenges.