Gitanjali Rao

Gitanjali Rao (born 2005) is an American inventor, author, and STEM advocate of Indian descent who gained international recognition for her pioneering innovations and her efforts to inspire young people to engage in science and technology for social good. She is celebrated for combining creativity, empathy, and technical skill to address some of the world’s pressing challenges, from water contamination to cyberbullying.

Early Life and Background

Gitanjali Rao was born in Ohio, United States, into an Indian-American family and grew up in Colorado. Her parents encouraged her natural curiosity and love for science from an early age. She attended the STEM School Highlands Ranch in Colorado, where she was exposed to hands-on learning and experimentation that fuelled her interest in technology and innovation.
Inspired by scientists and inventors such as Marie Curie and her own observations of global problems, she developed a passion for using science as a tool to create positive change. Later, she pursued higher studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), focusing on engineering and innovation.

Early Innovations and Scientific Work

From a young age, Gitanjali Rao demonstrated an exceptional ability to identify real-world problems and develop practical, technological solutions.

• Tethys: At just 11 years old, she designed a portable device called Tethys, which could detect lead contamination in water using carbon nanotube sensors. The device connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and provides real-time results, offering an affordable and efficient solution for communities facing unsafe drinking water. This invention was inspired by the Flint water crisis in Michigan and won her the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge in 2017.
• Epione: In 2019, she developed Epione, an early-diagnosis tool designed to detect signs of opioid addiction using genetic and biochemical markers. The device aims to help healthcare professionals identify addiction risks before symptoms become severe.
• Kindly: Recognising the growing problem of online bullying, she later created Kindly, an artificial intelligence-based mobile app and browser extension that detects and prevents cyberbullying. The platform analyses text messages and social media posts to alert users when their words might be harmful, promoting empathy and digital responsibility among young users.

Advocacy and Outreach

Beyond her scientific work, Gitanjali Rao has become a prominent voice for STEM education and youth empowerment. She travels globally, conducting innovation workshops for students and educators, helping them learn how to identify community issues and develop technological solutions.
Her outreach initiatives promote what she calls the “observe, brainstorm, research, build, and communicate” model of innovation. Through these efforts, she encourages children to see themselves as inventors and changemakers.
She is also the author of A Young Innovator’s Guide to STEM, a practical guidebook that shares her process for problem-solving and invention, aiming to democratise innovation education for young learners worldwide.
Rao frequently speaks at international platforms, including TEDx conferences, UNICEF events, and global STEM forums, advocating for inclusive education, ethical technology, and youth participation in science.

Recognition and Awards

Gitanjali Rao’s contributions have been acknowledged globally through numerous honours and awards:

• TIME Magazine’s “Kid of the Year” (2020) – She became the first person ever to receive this title, highlighting her leadership and innovative spirit.
• Forbes “30 Under 30” (2019) – Recognised in the science category for her impact as a young innovator.
• Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge (2017) – Awarded for creating Tethys, her lead-detection device.
• Multiple national and international awards for youth innovation, STEM advocacy, and community leadership.

These accolades reflect her global influence as a role model for aspiring scientists and technologists.

Philosophy and Approach

Gitanjali Rao believes that science and technology should be guided by empathy and ethical responsibility. Her approach to innovation centres on solving problems that improve lives, with a focus on accessibility and affordability. She often emphasises the importance of diversity in innovation, advocating for equal opportunities for girls and underrepresented communities in STEM fields.
Her projects also highlight the integration of artificial intelligence and biotechnology in socially conscious innovation, combining technical excellence with moral awareness.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite her success, Gitanjali Rao’s journey has not been without challenges. Balancing schoolwork, research, public speaking, and mentorship at a young age required immense discipline and time management. She has often spoken about overcoming the pressure of expectations and learning to view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Her perseverance demonstrates that innovation is not limited by age but depends on curiosity, persistence, and a desire to make a difference.

Legacy and Future Vision

Although still early in her career, Gitanjali Rao has already established herself as one of the most promising young innovators of her generation. Through her inventions, educational outreach, and advocacy, she has inspired thousands of students worldwide to use science as a means of empowerment and problem-solving.
Her future aspirations include pursuing advanced research in science and technology while continuing to mentor young innovators globally. She envisions a world where every young person has access to the tools and confidence to innovate for social change.