The 100 Most Influential Kids in the World 2025 – The Tech Edvocate

In an era where youth voices are increasingly shaping global conversations and driving change, we present a list of the 100 most influential kids in the world for 2025. These young changemakers, ranging from environmental activists to tech prodigies, artists to social entrepreneurs, are making significant impacts in their respective fields and inspiring millions worldwide.

This list celebrates the diversity of youth achievement and influence across various domains including activism, technology, arts, sports, and more. Each of these remarkable young individuals demonstrates that age is no barrier to making a difference in the world.

Activism and Social Change

1. Greta Thunberg (Sweden, Age 22)
   While no longer a teenager, Thunberg’s influence continues to grow. Her Fridays for Future movement has inspired millions of young people worldwide to take action on climate change.
2. Licypriya Kangujam (India, Age 14)
   Known as “India’s Greta Thunberg,” Licypriya has been campaigning against air pollution and for climate action since she was six years old.
3. Gitanjali Rao (USA, Age 19)
   Named TIME Magazine’s first-ever “Kid of the Year” in 2020, Rao continues to innovate in fields ranging from water quality to cyberbullying prevention.
4. Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan, Age 27)
   While no longer a teenager, Yousafzai’s influence on girls’ education remains unparalleled. Her Malala Fund continues to break barriers for girls’ education worldwide.
5. Marley Dias (USA, Age 20)
   Founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, Dias continues to advocate for diversity in children’s literature and has become a voice for racial equality in education.
6. Autumn Peltier (Canada, Age 21)
   An Anishinaabe activist from the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, Peltier has been a powerful advocate for clean water and Indigenous rights since childhood.
7. Bana Alabed (Syria/Turkey, Age 14)
   Known for her tweets from war-torn Aleppo, Alabed continues to raise awareness about the plight of Syrian refugees and the importance of education in conflict zones.
8. Mari Copeny (USA, Age 18)
   Also known as “Little Miss Flint,” Copeny continues her advocacy for clean water and environmental justice, expanding her influence beyond her hometown of Flint, Michigan.
9. Amariyanna “Mari” Copeny (USA, Age 18)
   Continuing her advocacy for clean water in Flint, Michigan, Copeny has expanded her influence to address environmental justice issues nationwide.
10. Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (USA, Age 25)
    Though now in his mid-twenties, Martinez’s influence as a climate activist and hip-hop artist continues to inspire youth globally.

Technology and Innovation

11. Tanmay Bakshi (Canada, Age 19)
    A prodigy in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Bakshi continues to push boundaries in tech innovation and education.
12. Samaira Mehta (USA, Age 16)
    Founder of CoderBunnyz, Mehta has expanded her coding education initiatives, reaching thousands of kids worldwide.
13. Reuben Paul (USA, Age 18)
    Known as the “Cyber Ninja,” Paul continues to educate about cybersecurity, expanding his reach to include AI ethics and digital citizenship.
14. Anvitha Vijay (Australia, Age 15)
    One of the youngest app developers to attend Apple’s WWDC, Vijay continues to create apps that address social and educational needs.
15. Adeola Ojewusi (Nigeria, Age 17)
    Founder of TechCycle, Ojewusi’s initiative to recycle electronic waste and provide tech education has expanded across West Africa.
16. Nora Keegan (Canada, Age 18)
    Keegan’s research on the harmful effects of loud hand dryers on children’s hearing has led to policy changes and new product designs.
17. Vinisha Umashankar (India, Age 19)
    Inventor of a solar-powered ironing cart, Umashankar continues to innovate in clean energy solutions for everyday problems.
18. Fionn Ferreira (Ireland, Age 22)
    Ferreira’s method for removing microplastics from water using ferrofluids has gained traction, with pilot projects launching in several countries.
19. Haaziq Kazi (India, Age 17)
    Kazi’s design for a ship that could clean plastic from the ocean has evolved into a broader initiative for marine conservation.
20. Xóchitl Guadalupe Cruz López (Mexico, Age 16)
    Cruz López’s solar water heater design for low-income households has been implemented in communities across Mexico and Central America.

Arts and Entertainment

21. Billie Eilish (USA, Age 23)
    While no longer a teenager, Eilish’s influence on youth culture and music remains significant, with her advocacy for mental health and body positivity resonating with millions.
22. Millie Bobby Brown (UK, Age 21)
    Beyond her acting career, Brown has become a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on youth rights and education.
23. Marsai Martin (USA, Age 20)
    The youngest executive producer in Hollywood history continues to break barriers in the entertainment industry while advocating for diversity and inclusion.
24. Finn Wolfhard (Canada, Age 22)
    Alongside his acting career, Wolfhard has become an advocate for youth mental health and LGBTQ+ rights.
25. Zendaya (USA, Age 28)
    Though now in her late twenties, Zendaya’s influence on young people through her acting, fashion, and advocacy for racial equality remains strong.
26. Alma Deutscher (UK, Age 20)
    The musical prodigy continues to compose and perform, pushing boundaries in classical music and inspiring young musicians worldwide.
27. Quvenzhané Wallis (USA, Age 21)
    The youngest Best Actress Oscar nominee has transitioned into writing, publishing children’s books that celebrate diversity.
28. Marko Calasan (North Macedonia, Age 22)
    Once the world’s youngest certified computer system administrator, Calasan now leads initiatives to bring coding education to underprivileged youth.
29. Nandi Bushell (UK, Age 15)
    The drumming prodigy who famously challenged Dave Grohl has become a symbol of girl power in rock music, inspiring young musicians globally.
30. Zaila Avant-garde (USA, Age 19)
    The first African American winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee has expanded her influence to promote literacy and STEM education among minority youth.

Sports

31. Sky Brown (UK, Age 16)
    The youngest professional skateboarder in the world continues to break records and inspire girls in sports.
32. Coco Gauff (USA, Age 21)
    Gauff has solidified her position as a tennis powerhouse while using her platform to advocate for racial justice.
33. Alena Wicker (USA, Age 17)
    Set to be one of the youngest people to graduate from medical school, Wicker continues to inspire young people, especially girls, to pursue STEM careers.
34. Youssoufa Moukoko (Germany, Age 20)
    The youngest player to appear in the Bundesliga continues to break records in football while advocating for youth development in sports.
35. Skai Jackson (USA, Age 20)
    The actress and author has become a powerful voice against cyberbullying and for racial equality.
36. Alysa Liu (USA, Age 19)
    The figure skating prodigy continues to push boundaries in her sport while advocating for mental health awareness among athletes.
37. Rayssa Leal (Brazil, Age 17)
    The skateboarding sensation who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics continues to inspire young girls to take up the sport.
38. Lydia Ko (New Zealand, Age 27)
    While no longer a teenager, Ko’s influence in golf and her advocacy for women in sports continues to inspire young athletes.
39. Hend Zaza (Syria, Age 16)
    The table tennis player who was the youngest Olympian at the Tokyo Games continues to inspire resilience and determination.
40. Bukayo Saka (UK, Age 23)
    The football star uses his platform to advocate for youth mental health and against racial discrimination in sports.

Science and Environment

41. Boyan Slat (Netherlands, Age 28)
    Though now in his late twenties, Slat’s Ocean Cleanup project continues to inspire youth involvement in environmental conservation.
42. Ridhima Pandey (India, Age 15)
    Pandey’s climate activism has expanded to include advocacy for sustainable development in rural India.
43. Aidan Dwyer (USA, Age 22)
    Dwyer’s solar tree design, inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, has evolved into a broader initiative for biomimicry in sustainable technology.
44. Sophia Kianni (USA, Age 20)
    Founder of Climate Cardinals, Kianni continues to break language barriers in climate education.
45. Lesein Mutunkei (Kenya, Age 18)
    Mutunkei’s “Trees for Goals” initiative, planting trees for every goal scored, has spread to football clubs across Africa.
46. Autumn Peltier (Canada, Age 21)
    The “water warrior” continues her advocacy for clean water rights, particularly for Indigenous communities.
47. Greta Thunberg (Sweden, Age 22)
    Thunberg’s influence in the climate movement continues to grow, inspiring millions of young people worldwide to take action.
48. Xiye Bastida (Mexico, Age 21)
    Co-founder of the Re-Earth Initiative, Bastida continues to advocate for climate justice and Indigenous rights.
49. Haven Coleman (USA, Age 18)
    Co-founder of US Youth Climate Strike, Coleman has expanded her activism to include intersectional environmentalism.
50. Leah Namugerwa (Uganda, Age 18)
    Namugerwa’s climate strikes in Uganda have evolved into a national movement for environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Social Entrepreneurship

51. Mikaila Ulmer (USA, Age 20)
    Founder of Me & the Bees Lemonade, Ulmer has expanded her business while advocating for bee conservation and youth entrepreneurship.
52. Jahkil Jackson (USA, Age 16)
    Founder of Project I Am, Jackson continues to provide “Blessing Bags” to homeless individuals while inspiring youth volunteerism.
53. Cory Nieves (USA, Age 19)
    The young CEO of Mr. Cory’s Cookies has expanded his business while advocating for youth financial literacy.
54. Moziah Bridges (USA, Age 21)
    Founder of Mo’s Bows, Bridges has grown his bow tie company while promoting youth entrepreneurship and fashion design.
55. Yash Gupta (USA, Age 23)
    Founder of Sight Learning, Gupta’s initiative to provide eyeglasses to students in need has expanded globally.
56. Daniella Benitez (USA, Age 18)
    Benitez’s work building homes for families in Mexico has inspired a movement of youth-led construction projects for those in need.
57. Khloe Thompson (USA, Age 17)
    Founder of Khloe Kares, Thompson continues to provide essentials to homeless women while inspiring youth philanthropy.
58. Lual Mayen (South Sudan, Age 27)
    Though now in his late twenties, Mayen’s work developing video games that promote peace continues to inspire youth in conflict zones.
59. Zach Hartman (USA, Age 18)
    Founder of Zach’s Planet, Hartman’s environmental education initiatives have expanded to schools across the United States.
60. Nawaf and Maryam Al Refai (Kuwait, Ages 16 and 14)
    The sibling duo’s “Protect Kuwait’s Environment” initiative has grown into a national movement for environmental conservation.

Education and Literacy

61. Erin Byrnes (USA, Age 18)
    Founder of Crayons for Change, Byrnes continues to promote art education and creativity among underprivileged children.
62. Bellen Woodard (USA, Age 14)
    Woodard’s “More than Peach” project, promoting diversity in art supplies, has expanded to schools nationwide.
63. Sidney Keys III (USA, Age 17)
    Founder of Books n Bros, Keys continues to promote literacy among young African American boys.
64. Marley Dias (USA, Age 20)
    Dias’s #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign has evolved into a broader initiative for diversity in children’s literature.
65. Cavanaugh Bell (USA, Age 12)
    Founder of the Love is Greater Than COVID-19 Community Pantry, Bell’s philanthropic efforts have expanded to address food insecurity nationwide.
66. Yara Shahidi (USA, Age 25)
    Though now in her mid-twenties, Shahidi’s Eighteen x 18 initiative continues to promote youth civic engagement and education.
67. Khloe Thompson (USA, Age 17)
    Thompson’s Khloe Kares initiative has expanded to include educational programs for homeless youth.
68. Samaira Mehta (USA, Age 16)
    Mehta’s CoderBunnyz initiative continues to promote coding education for children worldwide.
69. Gitanjali Rao (USA, Age 19)
    Beyond her scientific innovations, Rao has launched global workshops to inspire young innovators in STEM fields.
70. Orion Jean (USA, Age 15)
    Jean’s “Race to Kindness” initiative has expanded to include literacy programs for underprivileged children.

Health and Wellness

71. Rishab Jain (USA, Age 19)
    Jain’s AI tool for improving pancreatic cancer treatment has entered clinical trials, while he continues to promote STEM education.
72. Anika Chebrolu (USA, Age 18)
    Chebrolu’s work on a potential COVID-19 treatment has expanded to research on other viral diseases.
73. Gitanjali Rao (USA, Age 19)
    Rao’s innovations in water quality testing and opioid addiction detection continue to make waves in the health sector.
74. Adeola Ojewusi (Nigeria, Age 17)
    Ojewusi’s TechCycle initiative has expanded to include health tech solutions for rural communities.
75. Samaira Mehta (USA, Age 16)
    Mehta has expanded her coding initiatives to include health education games for children.
76. Vinisha Umashankar (India, Age 19)
    Umashankar’s clean energy innovations have expanded to include solar-powered medical equipment for rural areas.
77. Nora Keegan (Canada, Age 18)
    Keegan’s research on hand dryers has expanded to other aspects of environmental health in public spaces.
78. Khloe Thompson (USA, Age 17)
    Thompson’s Khloe Kares initiative now includes mental health support for homeless youth.
79. Jahkil Jackson (USA, Age 16)
    Jackson’s Project I Am has expanded to include health and hygiene kits for homeless individuals.
80. Alena Wicker (USA, Age 17)
    Set to be one of the youngest medical school graduates, Wicker advocates for diversity in healthcare professions.

Technology and Digital Influence

81. Tanmay Bakshi (Canada, Age 19)
    Bakshi continues to innovate in AI and machine learning while promoting youth involvement in technology.
82. Reuben Paul (USA, Age 18)
    Paul’s cybersecurity advocacy has expanded to include AI ethics and digital citizenship education for youth.
83. Anvitha Vijay (Australia, Age 15)
    Vijay continues to develop apps addressing social and educational needs, inspiring young girls in tech.
84. Samaira Mehta (USA, Age 16)
    Mehta’s coding education initiatives have expanded globally, reaching thousands of children.
85. Adeola Ojewusi (Nigeria, Age 17)
    Ojewusi’s TechCycle initiative has grown to address e-waste management and tech education across West Africa.
86. Gitanjali Rao (USA, Age 19)
    Rao’s innovations continue to bridge technology and social issues, inspiring young innovators worldwide.
87. Fionn Ferreira (Ireland, Age 22)
    Ferreira’s microplastics removal method has gained traction, with his influence extending to global environmental tech initiatives.
88. Marko Calasan (North Macedonia, Age 22)
    Calasan now leads initiatives bringing coding education to underprivileged youth across Eastern Europe.
89. Nora Keegan (Canada, Age 18)
    Keegan’s research has expanded to other aspects of environmental health technology.
90. Xóchitl Guadalupe Cruz López (Mexico, Age 16)
    Cruz López’s solar innovations have expanded to other sustainable technologies for low-income communities.

Cultural Influence and Representation

91. Zendaya (USA, Age 28)
    Though now in her late twenties, Zendaya’s influence on youth culture, fashion, and racial representation remains significant.
92. Millie Bobby Brown (UK, Age 21)
    Beyond acting, Brown’s influence extends to youth rights advocacy and fashion.
93. Marsai Martin (USA, Age 20)
    Martin continues to break barriers in Hollywood while advocating for diversity and inclusion in media.
94. Yara Shahidi (USA, Age 25)
    Shahidi’s influence extends beyond acting to youth civic engagement and education.
95. Billie Eilish (USA, Age 23)
    Eilish’s impact on music, fashion, and mental health advocacy continues to resonate with youth globally.
96. Skai Jackson (USA, Age 20)
    Jackson has become a powerful voice against cyberbullying and for racial equality.
97. Finn Wolfhard (Canada, Age 22)
    Wolfhard’s influence extends to youth mental health advocacy and LGBTQ+ rights.
98. Storm Reid (USA, Age 21)
    Reid’s acting career and advocacy for girls’ education and racial equality continue to inspire youth.
99. Gaten Matarazzo (USA, Age 22)
    Matarazzo uses his platform to raise awareness about cleidocranial dysplasia and advocate for disability representation.
100. JoJo Siwa (USA, Age 22)
     Siwa’s influence on youth culture and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights continue to impact millions of young fans.

Conclusion

These 100 influential kids represent a generation that is not waiting for the future to make a difference—they are actively shaping it now. From climate activism to technological innovation, from social entrepreneurship to cultural representation, these young individuals are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and inspiring millions around the globe.

Their achievements remind us that age is not a limitation when it comes to creating positive change. These young influencers are addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues with creativity, passion, and determination. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the voices and actions of young people will continue to play a crucial role in shaping our world. These 100 influential kids are just a snapshot of the incredible potential that exists within the younger generation. They serve as an inspiration not only to their peers but to people of all ages, proving that with dedication, innovation, and courage, it’s possible to make a significant impact on the world, regardless of how old you are.

Their stories challenge us all to consider how we can contribute to positive change in our own communities and beyond. As these young influencers continue to grow and evolve, there’s no doubt that their impact will only become more profound, helping to create a more just, sustainable, and innovative world for all of us.