Anirudh Rao

About

Anirudh Rao, is an 8th-grade student at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Colorado. His nationally and internationally recognized inventions include Revere, an early tornado detection system; Semmelweis, a wound management solution using hydrovoltaic technology; Asbolus, a CO detector and purifier based on a magnetite catalyst; and Mirai, an alternative battery solution using nanomaterials.

Passionate about world art, history, and culture, Anirudh has reached over 6,000 elementary and middle school students through 85+ workshops across the U.S. (including urban and rural schools) as well as classrooms and museums around the world. His sessions explore the intersection of history, innovation, and science, encouraging young learners to see how creativity and technology can drive social change.

Beyond the classroom, Anirudh collaborates with nonprofits in Kenya, India, and Colombia to implement a Digital Wellbeing Curriculum and create educational videos for students. He was selected for the National History Colorado Philanthropy Initiative to advance youth engagement in history and communication, and recognized as one of 30 global scholars receiving support grant for education and research.

Anirudh’s art and writing have represented Colorado in international art and national writing contests for several consecutive years. Outside of academics, he plays piano, performs Indian classical music, swims, and holds a junior black belt in Tae Kwon Do. As a volunteer with the Children’s Kindness Network, he helps lead U.S. and international kindness essay contest. He also served as President of his local 4-H chapter, promoting cultural understanding and global citizenship through leadership and community service.

National/Local Media

National 4-H Recognition on National STEM Day

El Español news outlet in Spain

Technology News

MSN - Colorado 12 year old

Kids with Capes Segment:

Colorado teen

World Youth Skills Day United Nations event blog: The day highlights the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.

https://www.pmi.org/blog/project-management-youth-stem

https://happyeconews.com/the-12-year-old-reimagining-tornado-safety/

Biomimetic Surfaces

Toshiba Explora Vision Winning Team

May 2025 International CBS - The Visioneers with Zay Harding Show

Introduction Clip

May 2025 National Weather Channel

Weather Channel Interview 1

Weather Channel Interview 2

April 2025 Fast Company Article:

A new way to detect tornadoes

Sep 2024 Jennifer Hudson Show feature: