Children Spotlight of the Week: Okezue Bell – Innovator, Entrepreneur, and Changemaker

At just 17 years old, Okezue Bell exemplifies what it means to be a visionary leader and changemaker. A Nigerian-American, Okezue has already made groundbreaking contributions to technology, social equity, and global empowerment. With his unparalleled drive, he is reshaping the world’s understanding of how innovation can create meaningful change, one project at a time.

Okezue’s entrepreneurial journey began with a spark of curiosity and a deep passion for solving real-world problems. From a young age, his creative mind sought ways to make life more efficient, whether by designing better pencils or promoting recycling. However, his first structured foray into entrepreneurship came during a 9th-grade DECA business competition, where he developed a graphic design business incorporating inclusive, ethnic themes. Though he didn’t win internationally, the experience laid the foundation for his future achievements.

One of Okezue’s most notable creations is WeArm, a low-cost, AI-powered prosthetic arm. Designed with 3D-printed parts, the device allows users to regain full, humanlike range of motion, using their brain muscle signals for control. Whether playing a guitar or performing everyday tasks, WeArm empowers amputees with dignity and independence.

This groundbreaking invention has earned international acclaim, winning the prestigious BioGENEius Grand Prize and receiving over $80,000 in funding. Okezue’s work on WeArm is not only a testament to his technical ingenuity but also to his empathy and commitment to improving lives. The device is now being reproduced in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, helping those most in need.

Beyond prosthetics, Okezue is addressing the financial inequities faced by low-income and underbanked communities. Inspired by immigrant friends who struggled to access banking systems, he founded Fidutam, a decentralized banking platform that uses blockchain technology to create accessible, equitable financial systems.
With over 10,500 users, Fidutam has already won first place at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) and accumulated over $50,000 in awards. The project operates through a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), funding operations with crypto donations while empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures.

Okezue’s influence extends beyond entrepreneurship. As a Research Science Institute (RSI) Scholar, he has conducted cutting-edge research in neuroscience at Harvard Medical School and the MIT Media Lab. His work in applied AI has led to collaborations with global institutions such as Microsoft and Boston Children’s Hospital. He has also been recognized for his advocacy in ethical AI development, making him a sought-after voice in forums like COP27 and Congress’ AI Insight Forums.

Okezue’s remarkable achievements have garnered accolades from some of the world’s most influential figures, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and even members of the Royal Family. Named a NASDAQ Face of Entrepreneurship and a SwissCognitive Global AI Ambassador, Okezue’s work has been featured in Bloomberg, Yahoo News, Business Insider, and New Scientist.

At the heart of Okezue’s journey is a belief in using technology and creativity to uplift others. His leadership demonstrates that the intersection of empathy and innovation can spark transformative change, we celebrate Okezue Bell for his exceptional contributions to science, technology, and humanity.