Children are often seen as beings dependent on adults, but their fresh perspectives and boundless creativity allow them to see the world in unique ways. When they identify a problem, they often dive headfirst into finding a solution with impressive results. Here are ten incredible children who are changing the world, one invention at a time.
10. Alexis Lewis
Witnessing the tragic famine in Somalia in 2011, 12-year-old Alexis Lewis from North Carolina invented the Rescue Travois. This collapsible, triangular load-carrying device on wheels, made from bamboo and netting, could be shipped flat and even air-dropped to refugee camps, ensuring the safe transport of malnourished children and assisting with daily tasks in rural Africa.
Lewis didn’t stop there. She also developed the Emergency Mask Pod—a football-shaped canister containing a smoke mask, goggles, and an LED light strip designed to be thrown through windows to aid those trapped during a fire.
9. Leanne Fan
Concerned about the prevalence of untreated ear infections in low-income countries and their potential for causing hearing loss, 14-year-old Leanne Fan from California invented the Finsen Headphones. These low-cost headphones use blue light therapy to detect and treat ear infections, potentially reducing hearing loss by 60 percent. To make the treatment more appealing to children, the headphones also play music during therapy. In October 2022, Fan won America’s Top Young Scientist award for her innovative invention.
8. Kristopher Bayog
Inspired by his grandmother’s struggle with dementia, eight-year-old Kristopher Bayog from California invented “D Shoes.” Modeled after a car key fob, these shoes contain a doorbell-like alert mechanism powered by AAA batteries and speakers in the heels. When a person with dementia wearing the shoes gets lost, a keychain transmitter button can be pressed to sound an alarm, locating them from up to 1,000 feet away. Bayog is also working on a device to convert salt water into drinking water, showcasing his commitment to solving multiple problems.
7. Bishop Curry
After hearing about a local child’s death from being left in a hot car, 11-year-old Bishop Curry from Texas invented “Oasis.” This device can be attached to a car seat and uses GPS technology to detect if a child has been left in a stopped vehicle and if the interior temperature is rising. Once a certain temperature is reached, a fan turns on to blow cold air on the child, and an alert is sent to the parents. If the parents don’t respond, local authorities are notified with the child’s GPS location, preventing a potential tragedy.
6. Kylie Simonds
As a cancer survivor who underwent chemotherapy treatments, eight-year-old Kylie Simonds from Connecticut understood the challenges of immobility during treatment. At age 11, she created an IV pediatric backpack for kids. Transforming a Hello Kitty backpack, she built in an IV controller and protection cage that would allow children to be mobile during their treatment, avoiding the risks and limitations of IV poles. Simonds received the “Patent Award” at the Connecticut Invention Convention, enabling her to submit her invention to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
5. Ann Makosinski
Learning that her friend in the Philippines was struggling in school due to a lack of electricity, 15-year-old Ann Makosinski from Canada invented the “Hollow Flashlight.” This flashlight uses four Peltier tiles and the user’s body heat to generate power, eliminating the need for batteries. The “Hollow Flashlight” won first place in the 2013 Google Science Fair, earning Makosinski a $25,000 prize. She also developed the eDrink coffee mug, which uses the excess heat of a hot beverage to charge a smartphone.
4. Justin Rivard
In response to the growing concern over school shootings, 15-year-old Justin Rivard from Wisconsin created the JustinKase. This device is made from steel plates, rods, and a locking knob, and it’s designed to be placed under a classroom door and latched to the doorjamb. It prevents the door from being opened, even under immense pressure, providing a crucial layer of defense during active shooter threats. Rivard used his welding skills to develop this solution, aiming to enhance school safety.
3. David Cohen
Witnessing the mosquito problem in his state and the destruction caused by a tornado, 12-year-old David Cohen from Texas created a robot that could kill immature mosquitos to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. A year later, he developed a robotic earthworm that could travel underground to rescue and supply victims trapped in rubble. Inspired by earthworms, this device offered a safer and more efficient way to conduct search and rescue missions.
2. Riya Karumanchi
Observing her friend’s visually impaired grandmother struggle with her cane, 14-year-old Riya Karumanchi from Canada developed the Smart Cane. This cane features built-in GPS navigation that guides the user with turn-by-turn directions, using buzzes to indicate left or right turns. It also has the ability to alert first responders and family members if the user falls, enhancing the safety and independence of those with visual impairments.
1. Jack Andraka
After losing a family friend to pancreatic cancer, 13-year-old Jack Andraka from Maryland was determined to improve pancreatic cancer testing. Combining his knowledge of carbon nanotubes and antibodies, Andraka developed a test that can detect pancreatic cancer much sooner than existing methods. His test uses a nanotube network laced with mesothelin antibodies, which bind to proteins believed to be a cancer marker, enabling earlier detection and treatment.
These young innovators demonstrate that age is no barrier to creativity and problem-solving. Their inventions address a range of issues, from medical treatments to disaster relief, proving that even the youngest minds can make a significant impact on the world.
What invention impressed you the most? Leave your comment below!
