Anousheh Ansari is a trailblazer whose remarkable journey from an Iranian-American immigrant to a pioneering entrepreneur and space explorer makes her an extraordinary speaker for any event. As the first Iranian to travel to space and the first self-funded woman to reach the International Space Station, her story is one of resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers. Beyond her historic spaceflight, Ansari is a highly successful engineer, business leader, and philanthropist. She co-founded and led Telecom Technologies, Inc., spearheaded Prodea Systems, and currently serves as CEO of the XPRIZE Foundation, driving global innovation through incentive competitions.
With a deep passion for space and technology, Ansari has championed the privatisation of space exploration and has played a crucial role in commercial spaceflight development. She and her family were instrumental in funding the Ansari X Prize, which catalysed the modern private space industry by awarding $10 million to the first non-governmental entity to launch a reusable crewed spacecraft. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire entrepreneurs, scientists, and young dreamers to pursue ambitious goals in science, technology, and beyond. As an advocate for women in STEM, she empowers audiences with her message of perseverance and limitless possibilities.
Ansari’s achievements extend beyond business and space. She is a recipient of numerous accolades, including the Horatio Alger Award, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. She has been featured in Fortune’s “40 under 40” and has received honorary doctorates for her contributions to science and technology. Additionally, she has served on the boards of various philanthropic organisations, including the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Her memoir, "My Dream of Stars", co-written with Homer Hickam, shares her inspiring journey, proving that no dream is too big.
Hire Anousheh Ansari today to captivate and motivate your audience with her extraordinary experiences. Whether she’s discussing innovation, entrepreneurship, women in STEM, or the future of space exploration, she brings a wealth of knowledge and an inspiring perspective that will leave a lasting impact on any event. With her compelling storytelling and first-hand insights, Ansari is the perfect speaker to inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
