A young visionary blending advanced scientific research with cutting-edge AI entrepreneurship.
Arick Gaur is an emerging STEM researcher and young innovator from Minnesota known for his accomplishments in physics, applied mathematics, and technology entrepreneurship. During high school, he gained recognition for advanced research on gravitational systems, earning state-level STEM honors and participating in regional science fairs. Beyond academics, Gaur co-founded Benevia, an AI-powered grant discovery platform, and contributed technology research at Contrary Research. His work reflects a thoughtful blend of scientific inquiry, analytical depth, and entrepreneurial ambition within the evolving fields of STEM and artificial intelligence.
Facts About Arick Gaur
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Ritwik “Rick” Gaur |
| Commonly Known As | Arick Gaur / Rick Gaur |
| Birthplace | Maple Grove, Minnesota, United States |
| Age | Approximately 18-19 years old (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Wayzata High School, Minnesota |
| Graduation Year | Class of 2025 |
| Planned University | Harvard University (Class of 2029, publicly referenced) |
| Academic Interests | Mathematics, Physics, STEM Research, Artificial Intelligence |
| Known For | STEM research, science fair recognition, AI startup involvement |
| Major Research Project | “Relative Equilibria of Pinwheel/Point-Mass Systems in a Planar Gravitational Field” |
| STEM Recognition | Minnesota Scholars of Distinction Award (STEM) |
| Science Fair Participation | Twin Cities Regional Science Fair 2025 |
| Startup Involvement | Co-founder of Benevia |
| Benevia Focus | AI-powered grant and funding search platform |
| Research Fellowship | Contrary Research Fellow |
| Notable Research Work | ByteDance business and strategy report |
| Professional Interests | Technology research, AI applications, scientific innovation |
| Public Reputation | Emerging young STEM researcher and entrepreneur |
| Career Focus | Combining science, technology, and entrepreneurship |
| Current Status | Student researcher and early-stage entrepreneur |
Early Life and Background
Arick Gaur was born and raised in Maple Grove, Minnesota, a suburban community known for its strong educational environment and support for academic excellence. From an early age, he reportedly demonstrated a deep interest in mathematics, science, and analytical problem-solving.
He attended Wayzata High School, one of Minnesota’s prominent public schools, where he became actively involved in STEM-related research and academic competitions. During his high school years, Gaur distinguished himself through advanced independent projects that explored complex concepts in physics and applied mathematics.
Unlike many students who focus solely on coursework, Gaur pursued research-oriented learning opportunities that extended beyond the classroom. His academic interests appeared particularly centered on theoretical mechanics, gravitational systems, and mathematical modeling. These areas would later become the foundation of the research projects that earned him state-level recognition.
Beyond academics, his growing interest in technology and artificial intelligence also shaped his early career trajectory. By combining scientific thinking with emerging digital tools, Gaur positioned himself at the intersection of research and innovation.
How Old Is Arick Gaur?
As of 2026, Arick Gaur is believed to be around 18 or 19 years old. While his exact birth date has not confirmed, available educational records indicate that he graduated from Wayzata High School as part of the Class of 2025. Based on the typical graduation age for U.S. high school students, he is estimated to have been born around 2006 or 2007.
Educational Journey and Academic Interests
Arick Gaur completed his secondary education at Wayzata High School as part of the Class of 2025. Throughout his time there, he participated in advanced STEM initiatives and independent scientific studies that highlighted both technical ability and intellectual curiosity.
One of the defining aspects of his educational journey was his focus on high-level physics research while still in high school. Rather than limiting himself to standard academic assignments, he explored topics commonly associated with undergraduate or early graduate-level scientific inquiry.
Publicly available information also indicates that Gaur planned to attend Harvard University as part of the Class of 2029. Although official enrollment records were not publicly confirmed at the time, references across professional and academic profiles suggested an intention to pursue higher education in mathematics, physics, or a closely related discipline.
His academic interests reflect a broader trend among young researchers who seek interdisciplinary learning. Gaur’s work combines elements of physics, computational thinking, and artificial intelligence, suggesting an educational direction that values both theoretical understanding and real-world application.
STEM Research and Scientific Recognition
One of the major reasons Arick Gaur gained recognition was his independent STEM research project involving classical mechanics and gravitational systems.
His project, titled “Relative Equilibria of Pinwheel/Point Mass Systems in a Planar Gravitational Field,” explored advanced mathematical and physical concepts related to equilibrium behavior within gravitational systems. The research demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of mechanics, geometry, and theoretical modeling.
The project attracted attention within Minnesota’s academic community and led to significant recognition. In 2024, the Minnesota Department of Education honored Gaur with a Scholars of Distinction award in the STEM category. The distinction highlighted not only his technical skill but also his ability to conduct independent scientific analysis at a remarkably young age.
In addition to state-level recognition, Gaur also participated in the 2025 Twin Cities Regional Science Fair. There, he presented his physics research alongside other top-performing student researchers from across the region. Participation in such events is often viewed as an important milestone for students pursuing future careers in science, engineering, or academic research.
His achievements illustrate the increasing importance of youth-led innovation in STEM education. Rather than treating scientific research as something reserved for professional laboratories, students like Gaur are demonstrating how advanced inquiry can begin during secondary education.
Arick Gaur and the Rise of Benevia
Alongside his scientific work, Arick Gaur became involved in technology entrepreneurship through the launch of Benevia, an AI-powered grant search platform.
Benevia was designed to help researchers, nonprofits, and organizations identify funding opportunities more efficiently through artificial intelligence. The platform positions itself as a “human-AI grant finder,” aiming to simplify what is often a time-consuming and complicated process.
The startup reflects several broader technological trends, including the growing use of AI in administrative workflows, research funding discovery, and productivity optimization. By participating in the creation of Benevia, Gaur demonstrated an interest in applying technical knowledge to practical challenges faced by researchers and institutions.
His involvement with Benevia also highlights a larger shift in how young innovators approach entrepreneurship. Rather than waiting until after university to enter the startup world, many students are now building technology-driven solutions while still completing their education.
Although detailed information about Gaur’s exact responsibilities within Benevia remains limited publicly, his association with the platform reinforces his reputation as both a researcher and emerging entrepreneur.
Work with Contrary Research
Another important milestone in Arick Gaur’s developing career was his work with Contrary Research, a research and analysis organization focused on technology companies and emerging markets.
As a research fellow, Gaur contributed to a detailed report examining ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. The report explored the company’s history, strategy, market influence, and business growth.
Contributing to such a publication at a young age demonstrated strong analytical and communication skills. Technology research requires more than technical knowledge alone; it also demands the ability to interpret business trends, market behavior, and competitive positioning.
This experience expanded Gaur’s profile beyond academic science and into technology analysis and strategic research. It also reflected an ability to engage with global technology discussions while still early in his educational journey.
His work with Contrary Research suggests a growing interest in the broader relationship between innovation, technology ecosystems, and business strategy.
Conclusion
Arick Gaur represents a new generation of academically driven innovators who are redefining what young researchers can accomplish. Through advanced STEM research, participation in science competitions, technology entrepreneurship, and analytical work in the tech industry, he has built an impressive early foundation.
His accomplishments in mathematics and physics research earned recognition at both regional and state levels, while his involvement with Benevia and Contrary Research demonstrated an ability to connect scientific thinking with practical technological applications.
Although still early in his journey, Gaur’s profile reflects the growing importance of interdisciplinary talent in today’s innovation economy. His story highlights how modern students are increasingly blending science, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and research into a single evolving career path.
As interest in emerging STEM leaders continues to expand, Arick Gaur remains a noteworthy example of ambition, intellectual curiosity, and forward-looking innovation.
