Portrait of Manu Prakash
Photo: TEDSource · CC BY-SA 4.0
Medical & Dental

Manu Prakash

Foldscope paper microscope

India · United StatesEvidence: high confidenceChecked July 2026

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Who is Manu Prakash?

Manu Prakash is an inventor associated with India and United States. Their documented work in medical & dental includes Foldscope paper microscope, the contribution at the center of this evidence-backed profile.

Manu Prakash co-invented and co-founded Foldscope, a foldable paper microscope designed to make microscopy inexpensive and widely distributable. Stanford documents the physical instrument’s use in disease research and education, while a 2025 interview identifies Prakash as a Stanford professor and Foldscope Instruments co-founder.

Known forFoldscope paper microscope
FieldMedical & Dental
Associated withIndia and United States
Evidence reviewed2 sources
01

What did Manu Prakash invent?

Co-invented and co-founded Foldscope, an ultra-low-cost foldable paper microscope.

02

What did Manu Prakash accomplish?

Foldscope turned a microscope into a low-cost printed physical instrument, expanding access to observation and basic diagnostic or educational microscopy.

03

What is known about Manu Prakash today?

A 19 March 2025 Stanford interview records Prakash’s current professorship, active lab, and Foldscope co-founder role.

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