16-Year-Old 'AI Kid of India' Teaches 7 Million for Free

Raul John Aju was just 12 years old when he built his first robot for a school science project. Four years later, the Kerala teenager known as the "AI Kid of India" runs his own tech company, advises governments on artificial intelligence policy, and has taught millions of students through his free online courses.

Raul's journey started with video editing software. When his father landed a job at Adobe, Raul got free access to premium creative tools and discovered his passion for AI technology.

Since then, he's created over 10 AI tools designed to solve real problems. His Rescue AI platform helps people navigate emergency situations by connecting them with lawyers and providing legal guidance based on thousands of similar cases. Another tool uses QR codes to make digital payments accessible to people without credit or debit cards.

His most impactful project might be ThinkCraft Academy, a completely free educational platform where anyone can learn to build their own AI tools. More than seven million people have taken courses there, learning skills that were once accessible only to tech professionals or expensive bootcamp students.

At the recent India AI Summit in New Delhi, Raul met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and delivered the opening address at a panel on AI and children's safety. He's also advised both the Kerala and Dubai governments on integrating AI into public services.

Why This Inspires

Raul's story shows what's possible when young people get access to the right tools and follow their curiosity. He didn't wait for permission or formal credentials to start building solutions that help others.

But perhaps his most important message has nothing to do with code or algorithms. "The most important skill in the world of AI is to be as human as possible," he tells students. He wants the next generation to embrace technology without losing their humanity.

His father now works for him at AI Realm Technologies, bringing decades of experience from companies like Amazon and IBM. Raul admits the decision was partly for marketing, but mostly because he values learning from real-world experience.

Looking ahead, Raul wants his tools to make daily life easier for millions more people. He plans to continue learning and expanding his work internationally.

His advice for young people chasing big dreams? "Be humble or the world will humble you, and follow your passion, not money."