At 16, This Prodigy Advises Governments and Builds AI for the Public Good

NEW DELHI – Raul John Aju, a 16-year-old entrepreneur from Kerala, is not your average teenager. Known in Indian tech circles as the ‘AI Kid of India,’ Aju has already built a company, advised state governments, and developed a suite of artificial intelligence tools aimed at solving practical problems. His message to his generation is straightforward: engage with technology, but never lose your humanity.

Aju’s journey began with video editing software, courtesy of his father’s job at Adobe. By 12, he had constructed his first robot. Today, he is the founder of AI Realm Technologies and has created more than ten AI applications. His work has drawn the attention of officials from Kerala to Dubai, seeking his perspective on integrating AI into public services.

Last week at the 2026 India AI Summit, Aju addressed a United Nations panel on AI and child safety, later meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. In a conversation with UN News, he detailed his projects, which blend ambition with social utility.

One innovation, ‘Rescue AI,’ is designed for emergencies. It guides users through immediate steps, connects them with legal counsel, and helps formulate a case strategy by analyzing precedent. Another venture, ThinkCraft Academy, offers free courses that have taught AI fundamentals to over seven million people, empowering them to build their own tools.

Aju made headlines for hiring his father, a veteran of Amazon and IBM, as an employee. “I can access information, but I don’t have his experience,” he explained, adding with a smile that the move was also savvy marketing.

His advice to students reflects a balanced philosophy. “Start using AI,” he urges, “but don’t forget the human inside you. The most vital skill now is to be as human as possible.” Looking ahead, Aju aims to ensure his tools simplify daily life while continuing his own education, possibly spending time in the West.

He summarizes his path with two principles: “Be humble, or the world will humble you. And follow your passion, not money. If you follow your passion, the money will come.”

Source: United Nations