At AI Summit 2026, young innovator Raul John Aju captivated global leaders with humor, storytelling, and sharp insights on children’s safety in the AI age. From his Resq AI tool to Thinkraft Academy, he urged balancing natural intelligence with artificial intelligence, promoting curiosity, critical thinking, and human resilience.
AI Summit 2026: India’s AI Kid Steals the Spotlight
At the AI Summit 2026, a distinguished panel of global leaders gathered to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time - Children’s safety and security in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Among the dignitaries present were Baroness Joanna Shields, Executive Chair of the Responsible AI Future Foundation; Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer at OpenAI; Tom Hall, Vice President and General Manager, International at LEGO Education; and Thomas Davin, Director of the Office of Innovation at UNICEF, alongside Urvashi Aneja, Director of the Digital Futures Lab, who co moderated the session.
A Young Voice Among Global Leaders
Into this esteemed company stepped Raul John Aju, a young innovator and content creator, who quickly won over the audience with his charm, wit, and deep expertise in AI. His talk was not a dry lecture but a lively blend of humour, storytelling, and sharp insights that kept dignitaries and attendees engaged throughout.
“Question Everything”: Lessons From Childhood Curiosity
Raul began with a personal anecdote about his father’s advice to “question everything.” As a curious child, he asked endless questions - why chairs have four legs, why the sky is blue, why birds fly but humans don’t. That curiosity led him to Google, but he noted that in today’s AI era, distinguishing truth from misinformation is far harder than it was before. Even parents struggle, he said, which makes guiding children’s curiosity more important than ever.
Resq AI: Turning Awareness Into Action
Raul illustrated this with the viral Ghibli trend, where millions uploaded personal photos to AI platforms without realizing how their data might be used. Parents warn children not to share pictures with strangers, yet in the AI world, kids are unknowingly doing just that. Few read the lengthy terms and conditions, leaving them vulnerable. To address this, Raul developed Resq AI, a tool that scans contracts and highlights high risk clauses, empowering users to make safer choices.
Natural Intelligence Before Artificial Intelligence
Raul then drew a powerful analogy: just as students only get calculators after mastering basic math, children should only use AI after learning foundational skills. Natural intelligence must come first, with artificial intelligence serving as a complement. He urged schools to shift from teaching “what to think” to “how to think” - critical thinking, communication, and resilience in the face of failure.
Personalized Learning in the AI Era
Personalized learning was another theme. Raul admitted reading bores him, but videos captivate him. Everyone learns differently, and AI can tailor education to those preferences. Tools like NotebookLM and StudyFetch already transform textbooks into podcasts, videos, or games, making learning more engaging. He argued that AI can connect abstract concepts to personal interests.
Thinkraft Academy: Proof of Demand for AI Education
To prove the demand for AI education, Raul shared his initiative, Thinkraft Academy, which offered free courses on AI fundamentals and building large language models. Over seven lakh learners joined, demonstrating the public’s eagerness to understand AI when it’s taught in accessible, engaging ways.
A Final Warning: Stay Human in the Age of AI
Raul closed with a memorable warning: “AI will not take your job, but someone using AI might.” His message was clear - Embrace curiosity, guide it wisely, and balance natural intelligence with artificial intelligence. Above all, remain human in the AI age.
With his mix of humor, storytelling, and practical wisdom, Raul John Aju not only captivated the audience but also left dignitaries reflecting on the urgent need to safeguard children while harnessing AI’s potential for education and empowerment.
Source: Wownews24x7
