Rameez Virji has created innovative tech and medical products
By: Candice Ward for Metro, Published on Mon Oct 26 2015
Born and raised in Calgary, Rameez Virji already has an impressive resume that includes building an award-winning software company, and a revolutionary flu vaccine pill – all before the age of 20.
Virji was named one of Canada’s Top 20 Under 20 in 2012 for his flu vaccine pill (which is still in the patent phase of development) and shared his inspirational story with over 16,000 youth at WE Day Alberta in Calgary on Wednesday.
“I want everyone to know that they can do this kind of thing,” said Virji. “You never know where your knowledge can be applicable – it can surprise you.”
Growing up, Virji said he always loved technology and quickly taught himself how to code.
At the age of 13 he developed a program that rivaled other internet browsers.
A few years later, along with his Shad Valley team, he developed the flu vaccine pill – a pill that will make the delivery and distribution of much need medications to developing worlds simpler and more affordable.
It was an idea that came to him after seeing how his grandfather hated needles and refused the flu shot throughout his life.
Virji never thought the idea would take off the way it did but is proud to apply his knowledge to a real-world need.
“I never thought I would create medicine. I was a tech guy,” said Virji. Virji is currently studying at the University of Saskatchewan and is president and CEO of his own company Big Tree World, and encourages others – especially youth to pursue their ideas.
“Don’t limit yourself – especially if you are young, don’t limit yourself because you don’t think you know enough about something,” said Virji.
“You never know when you have an idea that just has not been thought of – everything is thought of for the first time at one point.”
Via Calgary Metro
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