India’s ‘AI Kid’ Raul John Aju Champions Tech for a New Generation
NEW DELHI – Sixteen-year-old Raul John Aju, already being hailed as India’s “AI Kid,” is rapidly becoming a global voice urging young people to embrace the potential of artificial intelligence. From advising governments to building innovative AI tools, Aju’s journey is a testament to the power of self-teaching and a passion for technology.
Aju’s introduction to the world of tech began with video editing, sparked by access to Adobe’s premium tools through his father’s employment. This early exposure quickly evolved into a fascination with AI, leading him to build his first robot, “MeBot,” at the age of 12 for a school science project. Since then, he has developed over 10 AI tools and founded AI Realm Technologies.
His expertise has garnered attention from both the public and private sectors. Aju has advised the governments of Kerala and Dubai on integrating AI into public services. He recently met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the 2026 India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, following a UN-organized panel discussion on AI and children’s safety where he delivered the opening address. He also connected with Amandeep Gill, the UN Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies.
One of Aju’s most promising innovations is “Rescue AI,” a tool designed to provide guidance during emergency situations. The tool not only offers immediate advice but also connects users with legal counsel and assists in building a legal strategy by analyzing past cases. He’s also developed ThinkCraft Academy, a free online platform offering AI education to a global audience, with over seven million learners already benefiting from its resources.
Aju’s decision to hire his father, a veteran of tech giants like Amazon, Adobe, Wipro, and IBM, has drawn attention. He explains the move was driven by a desire to learn from his father’s extensive industry experience, as well as a savvy understanding of marketing.
Beyond his technical achievements, Aju emphasizes the importance of maintaining human connection in an increasingly AI-driven world. “I tell them that I want all of them to start using AI but at the same time not forget the human inside them,” he said in a recent interview with UN News. “I always say that the most important skill in the world of AI is to be as human as possible.”
Looking ahead, Aju hopes to continue developing tools that simplify daily life and expand his learning experiences internationally. He offers a simple philosophy for aspiring innovators: “Be humble or the world will humble you. Second, follow your passion, not money, because if you follow your passion, the money will automatically come.”
