In Pokémon lore and official game materials, Pichu is not “discovered” by a real-world scientist but is treated as a known species introduced in Generation II (Gold and Silver).

Short answer

Within the Pokémon world, the character most associated with research that revealed Pichu’s relationship to Pikachu and Pokémon breeding is Professor Elm of the Johto region, whose studies on Pokémon Eggs and evolution underpin how baby Pokémon like Pichu are understood. In terms of real-world creation, Pichu’s design is officially credited to Game Freak artist Ken Sugimori , who came up with Pichu when the team was trying to decide on a “next Pikachu.”

Quick Scoop: Who discovered Pichu?

  • In-universe, Professor Elm is the researcher who discovered that Pikachu is an evolved Pokémon and popularized the study of Pokémon Eggs, which includes baby Pokémon such as Pichu.
  • Out-of-universe, Pichu first appeared in Pokémon Gold and Silver as a baby form of Pikachu, introduced through the game’s new breeding mechanic.
  • Conceptually, Pichu was designed by Ken Sugimori, the main character designer for the early Pokémon games.

Mini sections

In-game “discovery” of Pichu

  • Professor Elm’s research in the Johto region revealed that certain Pokémon, including Pikachu, hatch from Eggs and that some species exist as baby forms, which is how Pichu is framed in the lore.
  • Because of this, many trivia resources and quiz questions treat Elm as the first person to “discover” Pichu’s existence within the Pokémon world.

Creation and design of Pichu

  • Pichu’s official concept and design are credited to Ken Sugimori, who developed it as a cuter, younger counterpart to Pikachu when the team wanted a “next Pikachu” for Generation II.
  • Pichu’s origin notes mention inspiration from small rodents such as squirrels, with its shiny coloration deliberately echoing the normal colors of Pikachu, hence the “Pikachu-colored Pichu” nickname.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.