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In the realm of groundbreaking inventions, age is no barrier. This is evident in the accomplishments of several young inventors who have made significant strides in various fields, even before reaching the age of 20. Here, we highlight a selection of these remarkable individuals, their inventions, and the impact they have made on the world.
One recent example is the Mashouf sisters, Neeka and Leila, who won the Nature Guardians prize at the 2025 Young Inventors Prize. Their innovation, a technology that converts CO₂ waste into essential materials, directly addresses global sustainability challenges. Although their exact ages are not specified, their achievement underscores the potential for youth-driven innovation.
Another notable figure is Deepika Kurup, who at the tender age of 14, invented a photocatalytic composite material that removes 100% of fecal coliform bacteria from contaminated water. This invention earned her several major science awards.
Historically, there have been numerous young inventors who made early breakthroughs. Agnes Pockels, a teenager in the late 19th century, conducted pioneering experiments in surface physics and chemistry from her home kitchen, laying the foundation for modern surface science. Eunice Newton Foote, though her exact age at discovery is unclear, was a teenager when she first demonstrated the greenhouse effect of CO₂ in 1856, even though her work was marginalized due to gender discrimination.
Recognition for young inventors comes from various sources. The Young Inventors Prize, a European initiative, specifically celebrates young innovators under 30, with several “Tomorrow Shapers” recognized each year for technology-driven solutions to global challenges. In the United States, the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge has historically featured winners under age 20, such as Deepika Kurup.
A standout invention from the recent past is the Lollipop Toothbrush, invented by brothers Riyan Kothari (3 years old) and Nevaan Kothari (6 years old). The innovative toothbrush aims to encourage children to clean their teeth immediately after consuming sweets. Their invention was granted U.S. Patent No. 10,021,965 in 2018 and covers practical toothbrush attachments for dinner plates, bottles, and lunchboxes.
Another remarkable invention is the SmartCane, a GPS-navigated, object-detecting white cane for the visually impaired, invented by Riya Karumanchi at the age of 14. Her company, which has helped 285 million visually impaired people and has won 16 awards, continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those affected by visual impairment.
Lastly, Gitanjali Rao, an elementary school student, developed an inexpensive device using nanotube technology to detect lead levels in water. Her invention, named Tethys, is currently being scale tested for mass production. Rao's achievements are impressive, having won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge at age 11, being named on the Forbes' 30 Under 30 list before starting high school, and being recognized as TIME Kid of the Year in December 2020.
In conclusion, the accomplishments of these young inventors demonstrate that age is not a barrier to innovation. With recognition and support from international competitions and awards programs, the potential for under-20 inventors to make significant contributions to society is vast. As these young innovators continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, we can look forward to a future shaped by their groundbreaking ideas.
Science and technology have been major focus areas for young inventors, as evidenced by the Mashouf sisters' development of a technology that converts CO₂ waste into essential materials, and Deepika Kurup's invention of a photocatalytic composite material that removes bacteria from contaminated water. Education and self-development have played crucial roles in their success, with platforms like the Young Inventors Prize and Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge providing opportunities for recognition and support.
