Technology · Activism · Science · Living
Born: 19 November 2005 · Age: 20
Gitanjali Rao is 20 years old as of October 2026. She was born on 19 November 2005.
American young inventor named TIME's first ever Kid of the Year
Did you know?Her lead detector was inspired by the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
Gitanjali Rao became known for using science to solve everyday problems. She designed a device to detect lead in drinking water. She later created an app to help spot online bullying. TIME chose her as its first ever Kid of the Year. She runs workshops to teach other young people how to innovate. She has written a book about her process. She is widely seen as a role model in science.
Gitanjali Rao is an American inventor, author, social activist, and a STEM student and advocate. Rao won the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge in 2017 and was recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30 for her innovations.
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Profile
American inventor and scientist, born 2005
Gitanjali Rao was born in Lone Tree on 19 November 2005.
She was born in Lone Tree, Colorado.
She won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge in 2017.
She was named TIME Kid of the Year in 2020.
Career highlights
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Reviewed by the Who Shares My Birthday editorial team.
Last reviewed: October 2026