At the tender age of 1 and a half, Mike Wimmer started playing with an iPad; at 5, he began coding; and by the time he was 10, he had designed an artificial intelligence program capable of recognizing the brand and model of toy cars. Subsequently, his parents received a call from the Pentagon seeking his expertise.
Hailing from Salisbury, North Carolina, Mike Wimmer has consistently demonstrated genius-level intelligence beyond his age range, continually innovating in the fields of artificial intelligence and technology.
In May of this year, just after getting his driver’s license, Wimmer graduated from Carolina University at the age of 16, becoming the youngest Ph.D. recipient in the United States.
During the graduation ceremony, Wimmer, clad in academic regalia, stood at the podium inspiring his peers to innovate and progress in their chosen fields.
Quoting American abolitionist and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, Wimmer spoke about his growth story and sources of inspiration, stating, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Reflecting on iconic innovators who faced criticism, Wimmer mentioned figures like the Wright Brothers, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk, emphasizing that innovation aims to showcase possibilities rather than silence critics.
Stepping down from the podium, Wimmer unveiled a remotely operated underwater vehicle he had designed and built called the “ReefSweeper.” This AI-powered machine is intended to help clear lionfish from the Atlantic. Lionfish, an invasive species, have been wreaking havoc on coral reef habitats. Living at depths divers cannot reach, traditional methods like nets and traps fall short, but the ReefSweeper can withstand deep-sea pressures and hunt lionfish remotely with AI technology.
Wimmer shared his vision for the machine’s future, envisioning it not just as a technological breakthrough but also as a commercial platform to protect coral reefs and coastal communities, ushering in a new era of underwater technology.
In an interview before the graduation ceremony, Wimmer elaborated on his vision, emphasizing the need to produce thousands of such machines as part of his next venture.
He highlighted the economic value of his entrepreneurial plan, noting the delicious taste of lionfish meat and the potential medical and fashion applications of lionfish venom and leather respectively.
Wimmer’s latest underwater entrepreneurial project is one of several robotics and artificial intelligence initiatives he has undertaken, dating back to when he started founding companies at the age of 10, including “Next Era Innovations.”
Talking about his AI system that distinguishes toy cars, Wimmer mentioned his collaboration with the United States Special Operations Command, signing contracts with them due to the military’s need for such technology.
When asked about what drove him to become the youngest Ph.D. recipient in the U.S., Wimmer highlighted his relentless thirst for learning and understanding the principles behind how things work.
Having started engaging with his first iPad at 1 and a half, Wimmer’s curiosity led him to learn programming from kindergarten, gradually mastering various coding languages.
Desiring to innovate and solve complex challenges with new technologies, Wimmer’s academic excellence blossomed. By the age of 14, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, followed by Master’s degrees in Data Science and Business Administration at the age of 15. Despite the academic rigor this year, he persevered, submitting the ReefSweeper project along with his thesis, ultimately earning his Ph.D.
Wimmer is also a member of MENSA, the high IQ society.
At only 16 years old, Wimmer has achieved so much, but when will he show his youthful side?
In reality, he is also a “supercar enthusiast.” To unwind, he indulges in driving a racing simulator at home and competing online with friends. His own racing seat setup includes a clutch, throttle, steering wheel, and gear stick, allowing him to drift around corners like a professional racer.
Wimmer also owns a real car, treating himself to a sports car to commemorate his efforts.
“This is a limited-edition 70th Anniversary Corvette from 2023 – pearl white,” he said. Upon receiving his new driver’s license, he takes every chance to hit the road.