Built by students, for the planet
Terra2Vita was founded on the belief that the most pressing environmental challenges of our time deserve bold, research-driven, community-centered solutions.
From a science fair to a global platform
Terra2Vita began as a research project exploring how AI and physics-informed neural networks could address global water scarcity, a problem affecting billions of people worldwide. What started as a technical framework grew into something far larger: a nonprofit with real tools, real workshops, and real communities depending on it.
After presenting at ISEF 2026 and receiving the AMS Karl Menger Award, our founder recognized that the research alone wasn't enough. Education had to come alongside the technology. That realization became Terra2Vita: two pillars, one purpose.
Mission and values
Our work is guided by a simple conviction: scientific innovation and accessible education are inseparable tools for environmental justice.
Research-Driven
Every tool and curriculum we build is grounded in peer-reviewed science and validated in real-world conditions.
Globally Minded
WaterWise operates across 50 sites and 10+ languages because water scarcity is a problem without borders.
Education First
Technology without education creates tools without users. We invest equally in both sides of the equation.
Community-Centered
From Louisville libraries to global farming communities, our programs meet people where they are.
The person behind the mission
Advika Rastogi
Founder & CEO, Terra2Vita
Advika is a rising senior in the Math, Science, and Technology magnet program at duPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky. Her research sits at the intersection of applied mathematics, stochastic modeling, and computational science, with a focus on real-world environmental impact.
She uses mathematics and artificial intelligence to work on water and climate problems, and presented that research at ISEF 2026, where she received the AMS Karl Menger Award (3rd place). She is also a Congressional App Challenge winner representing Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District and received congressional recognition from Rep. Brett Guthrie and his team.
Through Terra2Vita, she is building the organization she wished had existed when she first became passionate about water equity and climate education.
Honored to be recognized
Our work has been acknowledged by leading scientific, governmental, and academic institutions.
AMS Karl Menger Award
3rd place special award from the American Mathematical Society for outstanding mathematical research in water scarcity mitigation.
Congressional App Challenge
Winner, Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District. WaterWise recognized by Rep. Brett Guthrie for its impact on water conservation technology.