National Geographic published a feature profiling Kurup's sunlight-based water treatment research and advocacy.
On March 29, 2016, National Geographic's education blog published a profile on Deepika Kurup, spotlighting her ongoing scientific work developing sunlight-activated water purification technologies and her broader advocacy for global clean water access.
By this point, Kurup had continued to refine her photocatalytic water treatment methods beyond her initial award-winning inventions, pursuing further laboratory research while still in high school and preparing for a future in scientific study. The feature highlighted her journey from a curious teenager troubled by water inequities she observed during visits to India, to becoming a recognized voice in the global conversation on sustainable water technology.
National Geographic's endorsement carried significant weight in elevating young scientists to broader public and educational audiences, and the profile served to inspire other young people, particularly girls and students from immigrant families, to pursue STEM fields and humanitarian-oriented science.
The piece also underscored the increasing role of youth-led innovation in addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and sanitation, positioning Kurup as a model for youth engagement in solving pressing global challenges through accessible science education and grassroots research initiatives.