Meet the world-renowned experts who deliver our transformative programs and events.
Trusted subject matter experts (SMEs) aligned with our key taxonomy areas. These distinguished professionals are available through our open enrollment program and our Speaker Bureau, offering organizations and event planners the opportunity to engage a Singularity Expert for speaking engagements, conferences, or specialized events.
You'll notice some of our Experts include the title of Fellow. Singularity Fellows are distinguished collaborators within the Singularity Expert community, recognized for their exceptional contributions to their respective areas of expertise. They play a vital role in advancing thought leadership, fostering community engagement, and expanding the network of experts, while also participating in speaking engagements and pro bono initiatives that further Singularity's mission.
As a sought-after speaker, he has given keynote addresses and speeches around the world for organizations including Abbvie, Cisco, Oracle, Roche, E&Y, Accenture, Gilead, ENEL, Intesa, Banca Sella, Mediolanum, Alphabet, Internet Advertising Bureau, European Foundation for Management Development, and H-Farm. He is an author of Something New about the role of artificial intelligence in our society. The book is available in three languages, English, Italian, and Spanish. David is a mentor for the Thiel Fellowship, a Scientific Advisory Board Member for the Lifeboat Foundation, a Founder of the Open Government Data working group, and an Advisor to the Institute of Ethics and Emergent Technologies and numerous startups. He was the Chairman of the Board, and is an Advisor to Humanity+, an organization dedicated to promoting understanding, interest, and participation in fields of scientific advancement and emerging innovation that benefit the human condition. He was an Adjunct Professor at LUISS Business School in Rome, one of Italy’s leading institutions.
I grew up in humble beginnings in Aberdeen, Washington and then lived most of my formative years tending farms in the Nisqually Valley near Lacey, Washington. In my post-secondary years, I received a two Bachelors Degrees from University of Washington in Seattle, WA in Industrial & Systems Engineering and believe it or not, the other in Philosophy. I have a Masters of Science in Engineering and Leadership from Purdue University.
David S. Rose is an Associate Founder of Singularity University, and the founder of SU’s Finance, Entrepreneurship and Economics program. An Inc. 500 CEO and serial entrepreneur, he is an active investor who has founded or funded over 100 pioneering companies, and is the New York Times bestselling author of both “Angel Investing” and “The Startup Checklist”.
Diederick is the Director of the Center for Quantum and Society. Previously he worked for Deloitte’s incubator where he co-founded Fast Ventures, a venture discovery technology to match larger companies with tech ventures, now part of Deloitte Financial Advisory Services.
Dr. Chander is a physician, neuroscientist, and futurist who trained at Harvard, UCSF, UCSD, and the Salk Institute. She is Chair of Neuroscience and Faculty of Medicine at Singularity University, Visiting Scholar in Medicine (Bioinformatics) at Stanford (where she was on the Anesthesiology faculty for 8 years), and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council GeoTech Center. Her postdoctoral research allowed her to use light-activated ion channels inserted in DNA (optogenetics) to study sleep and consciousness switches in brains. Her goal is to understand neural mechanisms of consciousness, the evolution of human consciousness secondary to human augmentation, and how mapping consciousness in humans may help us to understand consciousness and intelligence in other life forms (e.g. animals, non-terrestrials).
Dr. Christyna Serrano is an accomplished educator and entrepreneur affiliated with UC Berkeley and Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. With extensive academic credentials, she integrates technology and educational practices to prepare early-career professionals for the global market. Through Critically Conscious Design, LLC, she designs innovative training programs for ongoing development.
Dr. Robert Muggah is an internationally recognized geopolitical expert with specialization in smart cities, cyber security, digital technologies, and climate resilience. He is the founder of several think tanks, companies, and start-ups and advises leading management consultancy firms, tech companies, and international organizations ranging from the UN to the IMF and World Bank. Based in Brazil, Robert has worked in over 50 countries spanning the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific. In addition to designing award-winning data visualizations and predictive analytical tools, he is a columnist in leading news outlets, author of 8 books and over 100 journal articles, and has PhD from University of Oxford.
Eduardo Ibrahim has a singular background, combining software engineering and behavioral finance in such a way as to enable him to design computational economic models that unifies artificial intelligence techniques and Nobel Prize's theories of behavioral economics. His use of exponential technologies and behavior science aim to implement complex adaptive systems, based on human's interactions in real-time. By using deep learning and different approaches of behavior data collection, including sensors and gamification, these models allow economic sustainability for industries and satisfaction for consumers. Ibrahim wants to show us how machine learning will make machines more intelligent and less biased than us, rebuilding the economy and the world as we know it.
Eleonora Cogo boasts 15 years of expertise in climate change and sustainability, spanning roles in both corporate and government sectors. Notably, she served as Senior Scientific Manager at the Foundation Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) and played a pivotal role in UN climate negotiations that culminated in the Paris Agreement. With a background in Environmental Engineering and an MSc in Environmental Management, Eleonora's impact extends to her board position at the Adaptation Fund. Her career features key roles in emission reduction projects and trading schemes. An MBA from IE Business School and participation in Singularity University's Global Solutions Program showcase her dedication to innovation. She introduced 'Change Game,' a groundbreaking video game that simplifies climate change complexities and earned an Italian Video Game Awards nomination. As an Expert at Singularity, Eleonora is an influential speaker on innovation, technology and climate change, exemplifying her commitment to global transformation.
Elie Losleben is a dynamic speaker guiding leaders in navigating change while preserving well-being. With over a decade of experience leading Code Innovation in global development projects, she's backed by UNICEF, UK Department for International Development and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Elie's insight from post-conflict Liberia emphasized well-being's role in impactful work, inspiring her to teach aid workers to combat burnout. She's empowered thousands in person and online, and rooted in neuroscience and trauma research, Elie teaches evidence-based strategies for personal resilience in the face of stress. Holder of a Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and a BA from the American University in Cairo, she's also integrated well-being into Singularity University programs since 2014. Elie's an Edmund Hillary Fellow, based between the Bay Area and New Zealand, championing effective leadership and well-being amidst rapid change.
Enrico Dini, born in Pisa, Italy, in 1962, is a trailblazer in mechanics, automation and robotics. With a degree in Civil Engineering from Pisa University, he has dedicated his career to advancing manufacturing through automatic machines. Enrico collaborates with esteemed institutions like Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna and high-tech companies, propelling innovation in mechanics and robotics. His work also extends to the Department of Engineering of the Production "Ulisse Dini" of Pisa. Enrico is renowned for his pioneering work in D-Shape 3D Printing Building technology, set to revolutionize architectural design and construction. His expertise spans automation, robotics integration, manipulators, conveyors and prototypes. Enrico's visionary contributions highlight his role in reshaping industries through cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.
Erick Thürmer is the visionary CEO behind Thürmer Tools' transformation from a traditional tool business into a leading digital and purpose-driven 3D company. Known for bold moves like firing his entire board of directors to champion agility and innovation, Erick has repositioned his family's century-old business at the forefront of digitalization in Denmark. An alumnus of Singularity University and a prominent member of The Disruption Council, Erick is deeply engaged in global and political affairs as a substitute member of the Danish Parliament. He continuously explores the intersection of technology, business, and humanity to address global challenges. Erick's leadership has earned him the titles as The Spiritual CEO and advocate for purpose-driven digitalization, making him a compelling voice in the field of exponential technologies.
Esther Wojcicki is a renowned global educator, acclaimed for revolutionizing education through innovative practices. As the founder of the largest scholastic media program at Palo Alto High, she earned recognition as the 2002 California Teacher of the Year. A MacArthur Foundation Research Fellow in 2009, Esther's impact extends to her roles as Chair of Creative Commons and PBS Learning Matters, along with board memberships in organizations like the Freedom Forum and Newseum. She's also authored influential books, including "Moonshots in Education" (2014) and the bestselling "How to Raise Successful People" (2019). With three honorary doctorates, Esther is dedicated to empowering parents, educators and leaders for success at home, in classrooms and in the corporate arena. Her transformative contributions continue to shape global education and leadership paradigms.
Francisco Chico Araújo, Ph.D., is an anthropologist, futurist, systems thinker, and impact catalyst with over two decades of experience at the crossroads of exponential technologies, innovative business models, and anthropological insights. He works across sectors, from corporations and governments to NGOs and grassroots communities, fostering collaboration and systemic change. As the founder of Beypond Tomorrow, Chico advises organizations on strategy, foresight, innovation, and social impact. He specializes in integrating human and machine intelligence, leveraging AI and blockchain to drive transformation across business, finance, and sustainability, aiming to create long-lasting social prosperity within diverse cultural frameworks. He has held leadership roles, including Senior Head of Futures and Innovation Strategy at Banco Santander Brazil and Chief Innovation Officer at Viva Rio. Chico also led impact assessment studies for indigenous communities during the socio-environmental licensing process of the Jirau Hydroelectric Plant, gaining extensive experience working with indigenous populations. A sought-after speaker, Chico has presented at Singularity University, the University of Cambridge, Columbia University, MIT, and various institutions in Brazil. He holds a Ph.D. in the History of Science and Technology & Epistemology (UFRJ) and advanced degrees in Social Anthropology and International Business Management. He is a Singularity University GSP alumnus and has completed trainings in public policies at Harvard and LACEEP, as well as several trainings in innovation and foresight. Chico is passionate about meta-learning strategies and approaches challenges with a beginner’s mindset, always committed to continuous growth. Outside of work, he practices Tibetan Buddhist meditation and is navigating the transformative journey of fatherhood with his daughter, Malu.
Greg Sherwin takes a human-centered approach towards solving complex systems problems at the ecosystem level through collaborative leadership, diverse teams, innovative technology, and experimental data. His career spans executive technology, data, and product leadership roles at startups, global corporates, and academic research laboratories—mostly in Silicon Valley but also Europe, Africa, and Asia. Greg's journey includes co-founding LearnStreet, an award-winning edtech startup backed by Khosla Ventures, serving as VPE at Singularity University headquarters from 2015 to 2018, and most recently co-leading a global Center of Excellence for experimentation and organizational learning at Farfetch in Lisbon. His scientific and academic background includes pioneering work in satellite communication control systems at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and experimental research in high-energy particle physics at Stanford's SLAC Linear Accelerator Center. Greg earned a degree in electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Illinois at Chicago and researched neuroscience in the University of California, Berkeley Bioengineering PhD program. He also co-authored one of the first books on Internet public relations, which became a university textbook. Today you will also find him researching AI policy, mentoring startups and scaleups, and providing advisory board leadership to The House of Beautiful Business, Sónar Lisboa, Planetiers, and the Peace-Led Climate Friendly Sustainable Development Forum in Singapore.
Gregg Maryniak, the Co-Founder of the XPRIZE Foundation and its original Executive Director, is an influential figure in aerospace innovation. He serves as Corporate Secretary, Board of Directors and Board of Trustees member. With accolades like the Tsiolkovsky Medal from Russia and the Vision to Reality Award from the Space Frontier Foundation, he's recognized for groundbreaking work on space energy and resources. Gregg also testified before the US Congress and the President's National Commission on Space about energy and space tech. Maryniak’s roles span from CEO of the Space Studies Institute to Senior Scientist at Futron Corporation, showing his deep involvement in advancing space exploration. He's an Associate Founder of the International Space University, and as Vice Chairman of the Lindbergh Foundation, he promotes innovative thought. At Singularity University, he co-chairs the Space and Energy tracks. His 2017 book, "Fearless Experiments with Microcomputers," introduces microprocessor technology to adults and youth, reflecting his commitment to exponential tech education.
Hannes Sapiens is a biohacker and tech entrepreneur based in Stockholm,Sweden. He is an internationally recognised thought leader, speaker, media commentator, and professional advisor on biohacking, wearables, human augmentation and the impact of exponential technologies on the human condition. Known for his extensive self-experimentation, he shares entertaining stories and generous insight from the biohacking subculture scene. In his role as Chief Disruption Officer at the innovation hub Epicenter Stockholm he advises companies and organizations on how to navigate accelerating technological transformation. He has co-founded and invested in a range of deep tech startups working with generative AI, health logging chip implants, human longevity, and smart wearables.
Hla Hla Win is a longtime educator and social entrepreneur who dares to dream and brings her dream into reality with Augmented Reality. Hla Hla is best known for creating next-generation interactive learning apps for young learners in the most challenging community.
Hod, an expert on AI and robotics, understands both the current and future potential of AI. His work on self-aware and self-replicating robots has captured the world's attention. He has co-authored over 300 papers that have been cited more than 27,000 times.
Isabel is an experienced healthcare technology innovator and purpose-driven entrepreneur, committed to ensuring innovations reach their full potential to improve human health and improve societal outcomes. In 2016, Isabel founded Immersive Rehab, a digital therapeutics startup focused on creating engaging and personalised neurorehabilitation programmes using virtual reality with the aim to improve patient outcomes and to enhance patient assessments by healthcare professionals. Isabel has also led a number of strategic research and technology transfer projects at Imperial College London and University College London, she has been in charge of global innovation and policy projects at several international nonprofits, NGOs and intergovernmental organisations like UNESCO and the Global Disability Innovation Hub, and has worked in academia as a scientist, lecturer and adjunct professor. As an Innovation Consultant and Fractional Executive, Isabel is currently advising purpose-driven organisations of all sizes - with a particular focus on healthcare technology - on their business, innovation and product strategy. With a background in Electro-Mechanical Engineering (MSc) and as a Biomedical Engineering Scientist (PhD), Isabel is passionate about healthcare technologies, digital health, immersive technologies and its applications in healthcare, using tech for good, social entrepreneurship and innovation, and promoting diversity in science & tech.
For over 20 years, Ja-Naé Duane has been on a mission: improving the lives of a billion people. A renowned behavioral scientist, innovator and expert in global systems, she specializes in leveraging emerging technologies like VR/AR, AI and blockchain to shape the future. Ja-Naé collaborates with corporations, governments and universities, guiding them to transcend limitations and embrace exponential innovation. Notable entities such as PWC, Samsonite and Deloitte have benefited from her insights. As a top-rated Singularity University speaker and author of "The Startup Equation," Ja-Naé excels in empowering startups and multinational firms, redefining business models for global impact. Recognized by The Associated Press, NPR and BusinessWeek, she holds degrees from prestigious institutions like Brown University and I.E. Business School. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. with a focus on the future of information systems, Ja-Naé is also a research fellow at MIT's Center of Information Systems Research.
Globally known as Mr Toilet. Serial Entrepreneur with 16 businesses turned Serial Social Entrepreneur with 8 social businesses. Retired at age 40 to devote full time on changing the world. Founded Restroom Association of Singapore in 1998. World Toilet Organisation in 2001. Created UN World Toilet Day 19 Nov. Experienced in Mass Resource Mobilization Movements, Market Ecosystem Building, Media Communication, Motivational Speaker, Teaching at Singularity University, Adjunct Associate Professor of NUS and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Next to mobilize, align and facilitate global stakeholders towards transforming 4 billions low income demography into a massively efficient marketplace. Motto: To Live a Useful Life. Shifting from local advocacy to global impact, Sim overcame bureaucratic challenges to earn a Master's in Public Administration, embodying his expertise. Known as "Mr. Toilet," he founded the World Toilet Organization and the BoP HUB, advocating for sanitation on a global scale. His efforts led to UN World Toilet Day's establishment on November 19, addressing critical sanitation issues worldwide. Sim's influence extends internationally, acknowledged as an Ashoka Global Fellow and Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur awardee. With humor and factual insights, he defies taboos surrounding sanitation, bringing the issue to global attention.
James Ehrlich is the visionary Founder of ReGen Villages, a pioneering company born from Stanford University, focused on creating self-sustaining and resilient communities for the future. Ehrlich holds key roles, including Entrepreneur in Residence at Stanford University School of Medicine's Flourishing Project, Faculty at Singularity University, Senior Fellow at NASA Ames Research Center and former White House Appointee for Regenerative Infrastructure during the Obama administration. In 2016, Ehrlich established ReGen Villages as a European Union-based impact-profit venture. Its unique VillageOS™ operating system employs AI and machine learning to conceptualize, design and autonomously manage regenerative neighborhoods. Collaborating with industrial partners, universities, governments and financial institutions, Ehrlich envisions global replication of ReGen Villages, contributing to a green post-COVID transition.
Guest contributors are industry professionals and thought leaders not formally affiliated with Singularity. While they may be invited to share valuable insights in specific programs, they are not part of Singularity's official Speaker Bureau and cannot be booked through our channels for external engagements.
Dr. Amber Straughn is an astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, where she serves as the Deputy Project Scientist for James Webb Space Telescope Communications.
Andrew Yang is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician known for his 2020 presidential campaign as a Democrat, which was centered on a proposal for Universal Basic Income (UBI) dubbed the "Freedom Dividend."
Anousheh Ansari is an Iranian-American engineer and co-founder of Prodea Systems, a technology firm. She gained fame as the first female private space explorer when she flew to the ISS aboard Soyuz TMA-9 in 2006, a journey she funded herself.
Arianna Huffington is a Greek-American author, syndicated columnist, and businesswoman. She co-founded The Huffington Post, a popular news and blog site in 2005, which quickly became one of the most widely-read, linked, and cited media brands on the Internet.
Caroline Yap is the co-founder of Dryad Networks, an environmental IoT startup aimed at mitigating wildfire risks through ultra-early detection systems installed in forests. She has a background in business administration and has dedicated her career to sustainable environmental solutions through technology.
Cathie Wood is the Founder, CEO, and CIO of ARK Invest, an investment management firm that focuses on disruptive innovation and offers investment solutions to investors seeking long-term growth in the public markets
David Sinclair is a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, known for his research on aging and lifespan extension. His work focuses on understanding why we age and how to mitigate age-related diseases.
Deblina Sarkar is a nano technologist and an Assistant Professor at MIT Media Lab where she leads the Nano-Cybernetic Biotrek research group. Her work innovates at the nexus of technology and biology, creating new ways to interface with the human brain
Elon Musk is a billionaire entrepreneur and business magnate known for founding SpaceX and co-founding Tesla Motors and PayPal. Through SpaceX, he aims to reduce space transportation costs to enable Mars colonization.
Eric Schmidt is best known for being Google's CEO from 2001 to 2011, helping grow the company from a Silicon Valley startup to a global leader in technology. Under his leadership, Google dramatically scaled its infrastructure and diversified its product offerings while maintaining a strong culture of innovation.
Jared Kaplan is the co-founder of Anthropic, an AI safety and research company. Kaplan, who holds a PhD in physics from Stanford University, has focused his career on developing scalable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems.
Kai-Fu Lee is a Taiwanese-born American computer scientist, businessman, and writer, renowned for his work in artificial intelligence (AI). He has been a key figure in shaping the AI landscape in China and globally.
Martine Rothblatt is an American lawyer, author, and entrepreneur. She is the founder and former CEO of SiriusXM Satellite Radio and the current chairman and CEO of United Therapeutics, a biotechnology company she founded to save the life of one of her daughters.
Michael Saylor is an American entrepreneur and business executive who co-founded MicroStrategy, a company providing business intelligence, mobile software, and cloud-based services. Saylor is known for his strong advocacy of Bitcoin, having transformed his firm's cash reserves into a substantial Bitcoin portfolio starting in 2020
After 10 years running Second Life as CEO, I started several experimental new companies with two co-founders, including LoveMachine, Worklist.net, and Coffee & Power. In 2013, after experimenting with the mems gyro chips that would enable the Oculus Rift, we started High Fidelity to build a new open-source virtual world platform for VR Headsets. In 2019, with VR failing to gain wide consumer acceptance, refocused High Fidelity on spatial audio.
Raj Gokal is Co-founder of Solana, a highly functional open source project that banks on blockchain technology’s permissionless nature to provide decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions.