For most kids, at 12-years old their biggest technological achievement is beating the boss at the end of a video game, or having more songs on their iPod than their peers. Thomas Suarez sees things a little differently. Instead of clocking games he creates them.

Not even out of primary school yet, Suarez has already created several apps, and they’re both doing very well. His first app, Earth Fortune, is a programme which changes the colour of the Earth based on your fortune. However, it was his second app that really put him on the map. Bustin Jieber is an app based on the popular Whack-A-Mole game, which sees players whackin’ Bieber’s head before he can utter another note. Genius.

A self-admitted technology lover, Suarez is adept at coding and programming, and taught himself how to use Python, C, and Java. The ambitious self-starter has already started his own company, CarrotCorp, although he can’t legally own it due his age. Thankfully his father stepped up to take on the role as company president. He’s also started an App club at his school to provide a support structure for other children who also have an interest in technology, but no means to explore it.

At a recent TED event in Manhattan, the wunderkind took the stage and eloquently explained to an intelligent and older crowd how he got to where he was now. From humble beginnings borrowing $99 from his parents to register on the Apple App Store, he has gone from strength to strength. The kid has undeniable stage presence, even throwing in a couple of jokes as he enthralls the audience with his amazing story.

The road ahead? Suarez is currently working with teachers and students to develop educational apps which will be distributed free of charge locally. He also notes that he’d like to build more apps and expand into developing Android.

With his intelligence, ingenuity and infectious charm, all at the tender age of 12, there is no doubt that this won’t be the last time we hear about Thomas Suarez. Watch this space.

[Source: Irish Times/ReadWriteWeb/Daily Mail]