Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali Rao is a young inventor and scientist who gained recognition for her innovative projects and ideas at a young age. Here is a look at her early life, education, professional life, and achievements.
CEO’s | Actors | Politicians | Sports Stars
Early Life of Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali Rao, an Indian-American prodigy, had an early inclination towards scientific exploration. Born and raised in Lone Tree, Colorado, she attended the STEM School Highlands Ranch. Even as a child, her interests were unconventional, hinting at her future achievements. At the tender age of 4, her curiosity was stoked by a science kit gifted by her uncle, setting the course for her future endeavors in the world of STEM.
Personal Life
Apart from her passion for science, Gitanjali’s life is marked by her love for Indian classical music, a testament to her diverse interests. She has been vocal about her ambition to delve into the fields of genetics and epidemiology. Moreover, as of 2020, she was in the process of acquiring her pilot’s license, showcasing her adventurous side. At the University of Colorado, Gitanjali is actively engaged in research, furthering her scientific pursuits.
Professional Life of Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali’s professional journey, despite her young age, is awe-inspiring. Propelled by a news story about the Flint water crisis, she developed a device named Tethys at just 10 years old. This device, designed to measure lead content in water, earned her the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge award in 2017. Tethys uses carbon nanotubes to send water quality information via Bluetooth, an innovative solution that she formulated after collaborating with a research scientist at 3M.
Her innovative streak didn’t stop there. Gitanjali Rao developed Epione, a diagnostic tool for early detection of prescription opioid addiction, winning the Top “Health” Pillar Prize at the TCS Ignite Innovation Student Challenge in 2019. Her technological prowess was further displayed when she created “Kindly”, an app that uses AI to detect early signs of cyberbullying.
Gitanjali’s commitment to education is evident through her book, “Young Inventor’s Guide to STEM”, which outlines her 5-Step Problem-Solving method for students, educators, and parents. Besides, she regularly conducts innovation workshops globally, partnering with various educational organizations to promote problem-solving curricula for K-12 students.
Awards and Recognitions
Gitanjali’s contributions to science and technology have earned her numerous accolades. Her innovative device, Tethys, brought her the prestigious Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge award in 2017. Her commitment to the environment was recognized with the United States Environmental Protection Agency President’s Environmental Youth Award in 2018. In 2019, she received the Top “Health” Pillar Prize at the TCS Ignite Innovation Student Challenge for her invention, Epione.
Gitanjali Rao became the first-ever “Kid of the Year” by Time magazine in 2020, a milestone that saw her featured on the cover of the renowned publication. Further, she was honored as a Laureate of the Young Activists Summit at UN Geneva in 2021.
Age
As of 2023, Gitanjali Rao is in her late teens.
Salary
Gitanjali’s salary isn’t publicly disclosed, however, her innovation Tethys won her a $25,000 prize in 2017, and she raised an additional $25,000 at the 2018 MAKERS Conference.
Parents’ Name and Family
Information about Gitanjali’s parents and family is limited, however, it is known that she has Indian roots, and her family resides in Lone Tree, Colorado.
Net Worth of Gitanjali Rao
As Gitanjali Rao is still a student and a young inventor, her estimated net worth isn’t publicly available. However, it’s clear that her groundbreaking inventions and global recognition indicate a promising and prosperous future.
FAQ
What are Gitanjali Rao's notable inventions?
Gitanjali Rao, a young American inventor, has developed several impactful innovations:
Tethys: At age 10, inspired by the Flint water crisis, she created Tethys, a device using carbon nanotubes to detect lead in water, transmitting data via Bluetooth. This invention won her the 2017 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
Epione: In 2019, she developed Epione, a diagnostic tool for early detection of prescription opioid addiction, utilizing genetic engineering techniques.
Kindly: She also created Kindly, an AI-based app designed to detect and prevent cyberbullying at an early stage.
What is Gitanjali Rao's net worth?
As of February 2025, Gitanjali Rao’s estimated net worth is approximately $8.2 million. This valuation is based on her achievements, awards, and recognition in the field of science and innovation.
What is Epione, developed by Gitanjali Rao?
Epione is a diagnostic device created by Gitanjali Rao in 2019 aimed at the early detection of prescription opioid addiction. The portable tool analyzes protein levels associated with opioid use through sample imaging. Named after the Greek goddess of soothing and recovery, Epione seeks to facilitate timely intervention for those at risk of addiction.
Why was Gitanjali Rao named Time's "Kid of the Year"?
In December 2020, Time magazine honored Gitanjali Rao as its first-ever “Kid of the Year.” This recognition celebrated her innovative contributions, including Tethys, Epione, and Kindly, as well as her dedication to promoting STEM education globally. Her efforts have inspired many young innovators to address pressing societal challenges through science and technology.
What can be a brief biography of Gitanjali Rao?
Born in 2005 in Lone Tree, Colorado, Gitanjali Rao is an American inventor and STEM advocate of Indian descent. She gained national attention in 2017 after winning the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge for developing Tethys, a lead detection device. Her subsequent inventions, Epione and Kindly, address opioid addiction and cyberbullying, respectively. Recognized on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in 2019 and named Time’s “Kid of the Year” in 2020, Rao continues to inspire through her innovation workshops and advocacy for science education.
How about Gitanjali Rao's early life and education?
Gitanjali Rao was born in 2005 in Lone Tree, Colorado, to parents Bharathi and Ram Rao. Displaying an early interest in science, she attended STEM School Highlands Ranch. Beyond her inventions, Rao is an author, speaker, and active promoter of STEM education worldwide. She has conducted research at the University of Colorado and has expressed interest in studying genetics and epidemiology.
