The US Consulate in ChennaiGitanjali, a 16-year old inventor based in Colorado, United States, was given a platform to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This allowed her to share her journey towards becoming a global innovator in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The event also addressed the environment in schools and higher education institutions that can foster innovation among young minds.
Rao, who was named TIME Magazine’s Kid of Year as well as the Top Young Innovationator in 2020, among many other awards, has been using technology to provide simple solutions for some of the most pressing problems facing the world. Rao, a 10-year old, saw the Flint water crisis unfold on television and was inspired to create Tethys (an app that measures lead content in water). In addition to this, she is also an inventor in areas like cyberbullying or opioid addiction. She organizes workshops on innovation around the globe to encourage other young women and girls in STEM.
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Rao was interviewed for the event by Garvita Gulati who is India’s youngest prodigy in environmental activism and protection. Why Waste, founded by Rao, focuses on India’s water waste. Rao addressed questions on how to foster innovation in young minds. Rao also addressed the topic of failure. She said that while people are often scared to fail, it can lead to better solutions.
Rao is also the author Young Innovator’s Guide To STEM. Rao also spoke out about the expectations and burden that comes with recognition. She added that the exchange between ideas is an important part of the process.
