Miller-Meeks Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner from Iowa City West High School

IOWA — Today, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) proudly announced that Kento Sugiyama, a student at Iowa City West High School, is the winner of Iowa's First District 2025 Congressional App Challenge for his innovative application, CoFIS: Community Oriented Flood Information System. 

Kento's app was inspired by the billions of people worldwide affected by flooding and food-related losses. CoFIS is a web-based application for scenario-based flood inundation mapping and impact. Using user-defined scenarios and discharge predictions from the National Water Model, the platform helps communities better understand flood risks in their areas and prepare for future events. 

"Kento's work is an outstanding example of how young innovators are using technology to better their communities", said Rep. Miller-Meeks. "Flooding impacts communities across Iowa and around the world, and this app can better protect lives and property."

The Congressional App Challenge, hosted annually by the U.S. House of Representatives, encourages students to explore computer science and develop real word solutions. As a district winner, Kento will receive an exclusive invitation to a reception in Washington D.C. to showcase his work.