Rishu Raj

Rishu Raj (17), growing up in a small rural village in Bihar, India, Rishu personally experienced how misinformation, digital risks, and limited opportunities can hold children back. From a young age, he saw technology not as a privilege but as a tool that could level the playing field.

Rishu built child-friendly digital platforms that let young people access information and share their voices safely online, designed with child protection built in from the start. He actively works to educate children about online risks like misinformation, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation, weaving safety-first thinking directly into his tech solutions.

Using digital tools and AI-driven solutions, Rishu has helped make learning resources more accessible for children in rural and underserved communities, working to close the digital divide. He also creates space for children to contribute their own ideas and feedback, making sure they’re active participants — not just recipients — in shaping the platforms built for them.

Through digital media and peer-to-peer engagement, Rishu’s initiatives have reached thousands of children and young people, with his parents’ steady encouragement fueling his work every step of the way.