Deng Peijia is awarded first prize at the 2009 Shanghai Philips Youth Innovation Competition.

Shortly after winning first prize at the 2009 Shanghai Philips Youth Innovation Competition, grade three student Deng Peijia at Shanghai Gezhi High School donated her three patents to the Bureau of the Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

Deng's inventions include a solar-powered LBD road sign, an environmentally friendly umbrella, and an "umbrella" caution sign.

"This is the third innovation competition and more young people than ever have joined in the activity. The number of patent applications this year has grown by more than 60 percent," deputy director of Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration, L¨· Guoqiang said, adding, "Students might be surprised at the inspiration they could get from everyday small or inconsequential items."

Deng Peijia successfully applied last year to patent her solar-powered LBD road sign. The sign is installed with dozens of light-emitting diodes that transform solar energy into electricity.

Ten of the 19 patents for which Deng has applied between 2006 and 2009 have been certificated. Her spirit of innovation has been rewarded with a notice of admission from the University of Southern California.

Deng concentrated all her enthusiasm for science in the "scientific invention" course she took as a grade one student.

"I'm so happy and exited to have achieved the patents. They have inspired me to invent even more things that protect the environment," Deng said.