At just 16, Raul John Aju, India’s youngest AI prodigy, has captured global attention at the AI Impact Summit in Bharat Mandapam. The teenager is winning praise from tech experts and world leaders alike for his insights into artificial intelligence and his vision for India to pioneer technological solutions.

Aju, from Kerala’s Kochi, first rose to national prominence after the AI tools he developed became widely discussed online.

Meeting global leaders and inspiring a nation

Speaking to IANS, Aju described his excitement at being invited to the summit. He said he would highlight both the merits and consequences of AI, emphasising why India should take the lead in global innovation.

Hailed as the “AI kid of India,” Aju also met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the event. “I am still in shock about that. I just managed to say ‘Hi’, and we had like a few minutes of conversation. I was able to learn a lot from him as well. It was an awesome experience,” he said.

Last week, he also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the encounter as “enthusing and highly inspiring,” crediting the Prime Minister’s vision for driving India forward in technology and deep-tech innovation.

Innovations and recognition

Aju has earned acclaim for building advanced AI systems capable of voice processing in Malayalam, Hindi, and Urdu.

Kerala MP Shashi Tharoor praised Aju’s achievements after meeting him on a Vande Bharat train. Taking to X, Tharoor said, “I had the pleasure of meeting Raul John Aju, a 16-year-old tech whiz who is doing incredible work in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Witnessing such ingenuity and drive in our youth gives me immense hope for India’s technological future.”

Aju said he may consider moving abroad to hone his skills but remains deeply connected to India, calling it his “first love.” His story continues to inspire young minds and spark conversations about the country’s role in shaping the future of AI.