Heman Bekele Biography, Age, Soap, Parents, and Net Worth

Heman Bekele is a young Ethiopian American boy who invented a soap that can cure and prevent skin cancer. He made this discovery at a very young age, making it go viral around the world.
Name | Heman Bekele |
Date of Birth | August 15, 2009 |
Age | 16 years old (as of 2025) |
Place of Birth | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
Nationality | Ethiopian, American |
Country of Residence | United States |
Parents | Wondwossen and Muluemebet |
Occupation | Scientist, Programmer |
Invention | Skin Cancer Treating Soap |
Net Worth | $60,000 |
Heman Bekele Biography
Heman Bekele was born on August 15, 2009, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Bekele and his family migrated to the United States when he was four years old.
His mother, Muluemebet, is a teacher, while his father, Wondwossen, is a human resources specialist at the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Heman Bekele grew up in Annandale, Virginia, with his two sisters and parents.
Education
Heman Bekele started his education in the United States after moving from Ethiopia. He attended Wakefield Forest Elementary School and Robert Frost Middle School and proceeded to Carter G. Woodson High School.
As a young student, Bekele was already fascinated by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Bekele began learning programming languages like Python, Lua, JavaScript, and C at a young age, gaining some level of proficiency.
Heman Bekele’s Parents
Heman Bekele owes his early success to the hard work and dedication his parents have put in over the years. Muluemebet Getachew, his mother, is a special education teacher at Lynbrook Elementary School in Fairfax County Public Schools.
His father, Wondwossen, is a human resources specialist. Both parents have been an inspiration and role models, helping him achieve his goals at a young age.
Heman Bekele Career
Although Heman Bekele is just 16 years old, he has already made a significant mark on the world. His soap invention is meant to provide a cheaper alternative to get rid of skin cancer without the need to spend thousands of dollars.
The soap, which is named Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS), has been recognised at different science competitions like the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.
Heman Bekele earned the title of America’s Top Young Scientist after he won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. A prize of $25,000 was awarded to him after delivering a mind-blowing pitch to the judges.
Bekele believes that one day the whole world will be able to purchase his soap at an affordable price.
Heman Bekele Soap
Heman Bekele’s Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS) is a unique product with the sole aim of treating skin cancer. The soap works by reactivating dendritic cells in the skin, thereby boosting the body’s immune response.
Some of the components of this soap include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tretinoin, and other ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. The combination of these ingredients heals the skin internally, treating and preventing skin cancer.
Although the soap is not yet in circulation, Bekele hopes to make it available worldwide through a nonprofit organisation by 2028.
Heman Bekele Net Worth
Heman Bekele is still young, so his net worth, although not public, is not huge. As of 2025, Heman Bekele’s net worth is estimated to be around $60,000.
Bekele still has a promising future and the potential to become one of the top millionaires in America.
FAQs
Is Heman Bekele Ethiopian?
Heman Bekele is of Ethiopian descent and was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He moved to the US with his family at the age of 4.
Who are Heman Bekele’s parents?
Heman Bekele’s parents are Muluemebet and Wondwossen. His mother, Muluemebet, is a teacher, while his father, Wondwossen, is a human resources specialist.
Where does Heman Bekele go to school?
Heman Bekele is enrolled at Carter G. Woodson High School in Fairfax County, Virginia.