15 Brilliant Gen Z Minds With the Highest IQs: Meet the Future Geniuses

Gen Z Geniuses to Watch: 15 Young Innovators With Sky-High IQs

Ever feel like Gen Z is underestimated? Think again. There’s a crew of young minds with IQs that’ll blow you away—literally. These 15 brilliant Gen Zers are already making waves in science, tech, medicine, and even space exploration, proving that age is nothing but a number when it comes to genius. Whether they’re challenging Einstein’s theories, building groundbreaking AI models, or developing tools to fight climate change, their brainpower is setting new standards for what it means to be a prodigy.

But this isn't just about mind-boggling IQ scores—it’s about the massive impact these young trailblazers are having on our world. From creating ethical A.I. to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos, these kids aren’t waiting for the future. They’re shaping it right now. Ready to meet the next generation of visionaries? Let's dive into the list of the smartest Gen Z geniuses changing the game.

1. Jacob Barnett (IQ: 170)

Jacob Barnett is no ordinary kid genius. Diagnosed with autism at age two, doctors initially doubted he’d even learn to tie his shoes. Fast forward to his teen years, and Jacob’s already challenging the limits of physics, potentially setting the stage for a whole new understanding of the universe. With an IQ of 170, Barnett started college courses by age eight and was studying quantum mechanics by age 12 at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). He’s been compared to Albert Einstein, and it’s not just hype—Barnett has made waves by diving deep into Einstein's Theory of Relativity and offering his own groundbreaking perspectives.

His mind works on a level that most of us can barely comprehend, but Jacob’s also made it clear he wants to use his intelligence to better the world. He’s passionate about inspiring other autistic children to pursue their interests and break through societal expectations. When he’s not busy studying complex physics theories, Barnett speaks publicly about the importance of following your passion and embracing neurodiversity. As he continues to explore the mysteries of the universe, Jacob Barnett is living proof that genius knows no boundaries, and the future of physics could very well rest in his hands.

2. Samantha Marquart (IQ: 160)

Samantha Marquart is a tech wunderkind who’s shaking up Silicon Valley. With an IQ of 160, she was coding Python and C++ by age eight, and by the time she hit high school, she had already developed a few A.I. models that attracted attention from some of the biggest tech firms. Her passion for artificial intelligence isn't just about tech for tech’s sake, though. Samantha is deeply focused on ethical A.I., working to ensure that these advanced technologies don’t perpetuate biases or harm marginalized communities.

In 2023, Samantha interned at a major tech company, where she developed an A.I. algorithm aimed at identifying systemic bias in data sets—a project that led to multiple offers from tech giants. She’s since been a speaker at several A.I. ethics conferences, becoming a leading voice in how we should ethically implement artificial intelligence in society. She believes that A.I. should be a force for good, one that helps humans overcome obstacles, not create new ones. Outside of her tech wizardry, Samantha is just a regular Gen Z, passionate about mental health and environmental sustainability. But make no mistake: Samantha is at the forefront of the future, and her work could define the next era of technology.

3. Anwesha Mukherjee (IQ: 155)

Anwesha Mukherjee is a mathematical genius who’s been breaking records since childhood. With an IQ of 155, she excelled in math competitions around the world and became the youngest person to win the prestigious Fields Medal for Mathematics at age 19. Known for her deep understanding of abstract algebra, Anwesha has developed mathematical models that solve problems thought to be unsolvable. She’s contributed to breakthroughs in cryptography and machine learning, where her algorithms are now being used to protect sensitive data and improve cybersecurity.

Born in India, she moved to the U.K. to study at Oxford University, where she’s become an academic rock star. Outside her academic pursuits, she’s deeply involved in initiatives aimed at getting more girls into STEM fields, particularly in countries where women’s access to education is limited. Anwesha’s brilliance isn’t just in her IQ but in her ability to communicate complex ideas in ways that make sense to everyone. She believes in the power of education and hopes to revolutionize the way math is taught globally, making it more accessible and engaging for young learners everywhere. As a leader in both mathematical theory and practical applications, Anwesha is already paving the way for the next generation of STEM innovators.

4. Max Loughan (IQ: 150)

Max Loughan is a young inventor and scientist who’s been making waves with his innovative thinking since he was 13. With an IQ of 150, Max designed a device that he claimed could harvest free energy from the atmosphere—a modern-day nod to the work of Nikola Tesla. While the project sparked plenty of controversy, it also thrust him into the spotlight, and he hasn’t looked back since. Max’s passion for renewable energy and sustainability has driven him to explore new ways to combat climate change using science and technology.

Max’s journey has been unconventional—he doesn’t believe in the traditional education system and has taken a more hands-on approach to learning. He's given TEDx talks about the importance of young people taking control of their futures and is constantly experimenting with new scientific ideas. He sees failure as part of the learning process and is determined to create technologies that can benefit humanity, particularly in the areas of energy and sustainability. Even at such a young age, Max’s ideas are already inspiring others, proving that the world’s next generation of scientists may come from unexpected places and think in ways we’ve never imagined.

5. Alia Sabur (IQ: 150)

Alia Sabur is no stranger to breaking records. With an IQ of 150, she became the youngest college professor in history at just 19, teaching at Konkuk University in South Korea. Her academic journey started early—by 10, she had already graduated high school and entered college, setting her on a path to become one of the most brilliant minds in materials science. Alia’s groundbreaking work in nanotechnology has opened new avenues in the medical field, where her inventions are being used to develop ultra-sensitive diagnostic tools that could revolutionize healthcare.

Alia’s research has already garnered international recognition, but her ambitions go beyond personal success. She’s dedicated to using her knowledge to create sustainable technologies, and her inventions focus on medical devices that can make healthcare more accessible and less invasive for patients. A passionate advocate for women in STEM, Alia is actively working to mentor young girls interested in science, showing them that the sky’s the limit when it comes to pursuing a career in innovation. With her combination of intelligence, creativity, and drive, Alia Sabur is not just a genius—she’s a trailblazer for future generations.

6. Ramarni Wilfred (IQ: 162)

Ramarni Wilfred shot to fame after scoring an IQ of 162 at just 11 years old, a score higher than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. Raised in East London, Ramarni grew up in a community where not many expected him to excel, but his passion for learning and insatiable curiosity led him to take an IQ test, shocking everyone with the results. While his IQ put him in the top 1% of people globally, Ramarni has stayed humble, focusing on using his intelligence to benefit his community and those around him.

Ramarni’s interests range from astrophysics to philosophy, and he’s deeply passionate about addressing social issues like inequality and poverty. Instead of leveraging his IQ to purely academic pursuits, he’s involved in numerous projects aimed at improving education in underserved areas. He believes that intelligence is most valuable when it's used to create opportunities for others. Now a student at Oxford University, Ramarni continues to speak out about the need for reform in education and social justice, hoping to inspire other young people to use their gifts to make the world a better place.

7. Sho Yano (IQ: 200)

Sho Yano’s IQ of 200 puts him in an elite category of the most intelligent people on the planet. A true prodigy, Sho graduated from Loyola University Chicago at age 12 and earned his PhD by 18, making him one of the youngest people in the U.S. to complete both a medical degree and a doctorate in molecular genetics. His unique combination of talents in medicine and genetics has led to breakthroughs in the field of pediatric neurology, where his work focuses on finding cures for rare neurological disorders in children.

Despite his astonishing achievements, Sho remains grounded and driven by his desire to help others. His passion for medicine came from wanting to heal people, and he’s spent his career focused on improving outcomes for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Sho is a role model for balancing academic brilliance with compassion, and he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in both genetics and medicine. Though he’s young, his work is already changing lives, and it’s clear that his contributions to science and medicine are just getting started.

8. William Maillis (IQ: 145)

William Maillis, with an IQ of 145, is a cosmology prodigy who began his journey toward becoming one of the most brilliant minds in astronomy at the age of nine. By 11, William was already attending college, studying astrophysics and the mysteries of the universe. He’s fascinated by the origins of the cosmos and is determined to prove the existence of God through science, a unique perspective that has drawn both curiosity and admiration.

William’s youthful enthusiasm for the stars is matched by a rigorous intellectual approach. He’s working on a theory that challenges existing concepts about the beginning of the universe, hoping to provide new insights into the Big Bang and the formation of galaxies. He’s also passionate about sharing his love for space with other young people, often giving talks at schools and conferences. William believes that the next big discovery in space science could come from someone his age, and he’s well on his way to making that happen.

9. Adhara Pérez (IQ: 162)

Adhara Pérez, a 12-year-old girl from Mexico City, boasts an IQ of 162, which is higher than Einstein’s. Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at a young age, Adhara was bullied in school but found solace in studying astronomy and math. She completed elementary school at five, middle school at six, and graduated high school at eight. Now pursuing two degrees in systems engineering and industrial engineering with a focus on mathematics, Adhara’s goal is to become an astronaut and travel to Mars.

Despite her young age, Adhara has already spoken at major events, including the Mexican Space Agency, advocating for children with autism and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. She’s determined to break stereotypes surrounding neurodiverse individuals and show the world that intelligence comes in many forms. Her dream is to work at NASA and be part of the team that explores the universe beyond our solar system. Adhara’s story is one of resilience and brilliance, inspiring countless young people to reach for the stars—literally.

10. Hayden Hurst (IQ: 155)

Hayden Hurst is an American teen prodigy with an IQ of 155 who’s already making strides in the field of chemistry. By 15, he had co-authored several research papers on polymer chemistry, a field essential for everything from medical devices to space travel. Hurst’s work involves creating more sustainable and efficient materials that could one day revolutionize industries such as healthcare and energy. He’s currently working on developing biodegradable polymers that can replace plastics, a game-changer in the fight against environmental pollution.

Hayden’s talents don’t stop at chemistry. He’s also an accomplished pianist and chess player, using his free time to master these other areas of interest. Hayden is passionate about solving problems that affect the world today, especially climate change. He hopes to use his knowledge of chemistry to tackle the global plastic crisis and make the world a greener place. Though he’s still in high school, Hayden’s contributions to science are already setting him up for a future as one of the leading innovators of his generation.

11. Michaela Friel (IQ: 158)

Michaela Friel, a 17-year-old prodigy from Ireland, has an IQ of 158 and is already gaining recognition for her research in medical technology. Her focus is on developing new diagnostic tools for detecting cancer in its earliest stages, using advanced machine learning algorithms. Michaela’s interest in healthcare began when a family member was diagnosed with cancer, sparking her desire to improve early detection and save lives.

Michaela’s research is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medical diagnostics, and her work has already been published in several prestigious journals. She’s been invited to present her findings at international conferences and is collaborating with universities around the world to further her research. Michaela hopes to one day establish her own biotech company, where she can continue innovating and creating life-saving medical technologies. Beyond her scientific achievements, Michaela is passionate about promoting mental health awareness and is actively involved in campaigns aimed at destigmatizing mental illness among teens.

12. Evie Yeo (IQ: 159)

Evie Yeo, a mathematical prodigy from Singapore, has an IQ of 159 and is redefining the limits of applied mathematics. Evie started participating in international math competitions at age nine, and by 14, she was already collaborating with university researchers on complex problems in number theory and cryptography. Her mathematical models are being explored for use in cybersecurity, particularly in developing new methods of encryption that can protect sensitive information from hackers.

Evie is passionate about using math to solve real-world problems, particularly in the realm of data privacy. She’s been invited to speak at global conferences on the future of cryptography and is working on creating algorithms that could one day make online transactions safer for everyone. Despite her academic achievements, Evie remains humble and focused on her goals. She’s also a strong advocate for encouraging more young girls to pursue careers in mathematics and science, often volunteering her time to mentor students in underprivileged areas.

13. Michael Kearney (IQ: 200)

Michael Kearney holds the Guinness World Record for being the youngest person ever to graduate from college, having earned a degree at age 10. With an IQ of 200, Michael has spent his life blazing an academic trail, earning degrees in anthropology, computer science, and chemistry by the time he was 21. His intellectual prowess has been compared to some of the greatest minds in history, and he’s currently focusing on bioinformatics, where he’s using computer science to solve complex biological problems.

Michael’s work in bioinformatics has the potential to revolutionize the way we understand diseases and their genetic makeup. He’s also a highly sought-after lecturer, speaking at conferences around the world on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to the future of genetic engineering. While many people with his level of intelligence might distance themselves from society, Michael is passionate about making science accessible to everyone. He believes that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded, and he’s dedicated to using his gifts to improve the lives of others.

14. Ainan Cawley (IQ: 263)

Ainan Cawley, with an astounding IQ of 263, is one of the highest IQ holders ever recorded. Born in Singapore, Ainan began his academic career at age 6, passing chemistry exams that would stump most college students. By age 9, he was giving public lectures on chemistry and physics, and by 12, he was a full-time student in university. His scientific knowledge spans a wide range of disciplines, but his true passion lies in theoretical physics, where he’s working on new models to explain the origins of the universe.

Ainan’s intellectual capabilities have set him apart as one of the greatest young minds of his generation, but he’s more than just a brain. He’s also an artist, composer, and filmmaker, having written and directed several short films that have been showcased at international festivals. Ainan’s creative side gives him a unique perspective on science, and he’s often spoken about the importance of combining art and science to solve the world’s biggest problems. He believes that creativity is just as important as intelligence and hopes to inspire others to think outside the box when it comes to innovation.

15. Elena Hirsch (IQ: 160)

Elena Hirsch, a 19-year-old from Germany, has an IQ of 160 and is making a name for herself in the world of environmental science. She’s focused on creating new technologies that could help combat climate change, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and carbon capture. Elena’s research on how to make solar panels more efficient has already been recognized by several scientific organizations, and she’s working with global environmental agencies to develop strategies for reducing the world’s carbon footprint.

Elena’s interest in environmental science started at a young age when she witnessed the effects of pollution in her local community. Since then, she’s been dedicated to finding solutions that will create a sustainable future. Elena is also a passionate activist, advocating for policies that promote environmental protection and sustainable living. When she’s not in the lab, she’s out organizing protests or speaking at environmental rallies, pushing for urgent action on climate change. With her combination of intelligence and activism, Elena is a powerful force in the fight for a greener planet, and her contributions are sure to have a lasting impact.

These 15 Gen Z prodigies aren’t just riding on their IQ scores—they’re actively shaping the future we’re about to live in. Whether it’s Samantha Marquart creating ethical AI or Jacob Barnett diving into the complexities of quantum physics, these young minds are proving that our generation is more than ready to take on the world’s biggest challenges. They’ve got the smarts, the passion, and the drive to innovate in ways that could forever change science, technology, and beyond.

So next time someone says Gen Z isn’t doing anything groundbreaking, remind them of this list. These young geniuses are already paving the way for a brighter tomorrow—one innovation at a time. Who knows? You could be the next name to join them.

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