The Official Top 10 Technology Futurism Keynote Speakers to Hire
What is Technology Futurism?
Technology futurism involves analysing trends, advancements, and shifts to predict future opportunities, challenges, and guide decision-making.
Source: Forbes
In the past, technological change was slow and gradual. By 2024, rapid advancements like the internet, smart devices, and AI have emerged within a few decades, becoming essential to modern life and transforming society quickly.
Source: World Economic Forum
Businesses today need to predict and prepare for the rapidly changing technological advancements now more than ever. The best way to do so is to hire a distinguished technology futurist.
Who are the Top 10 Leading Technology Futurists?
Mark Matthews has put together an official list of the Top 10 Technology Futurist keynote speakers, based on verified customer feedback & reviews from 210 technology events between 2022 and 2024:
- Ayesha Khanna
- Piers Linney
- Anima Anandkumar
- William Higham
- Alison McCauley
- Ben Hammersley
- Tracey Follows
- Tom Cheesewright
- Dave Coplin
- Nina Schick
1. Ayesha Khanna
Dr Ayesha Khanna is a renowned futurist, focusing on how emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and smart cities will shape society. As Co-Founder and CEO of Addo, she advises businesses on future trends, including the evolving workforce and industry disruption. Ayesha’s keynote speeches explore the transformative potential of technologies such as quantum computing and the Internet of Things, helping organisations anticipate and prepare for the future. Her visionary insights make her a sought-after speaker in futurism and innovation.
Official Testimonial for Ayesha Khanna:
"Listen to this woman! The boss of one of the World’s most important artificial intelligence companies wants us to shape our own future." - Focus Magazine
2. Piers Linney
Piers Linney is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and keynote speaker with deep expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and futurism. As Co-Founder of Implement AI, he helps businesses harness AI to drive innovation and efficiency. Named a Top AI Voice by LinkedIn, Piers shares forward-thinking insights on the future of work, the impact of emerging technologies, and the strategies needed for success in an evolving business landscape. His speeches inspire audiences to embrace change and prepare for the future.
Official Testimonial for Piers Linney:
"Piers was invited to speak at our conference. The focus of his content was AI, providing an overview of its current capabilities and how they might evolve over the next few years. The subject area was incredibly current for our business, uncovering a thirst for more insight across the audience. Piers had a deep knowledge of AI, answering surprisingly advanced questions with ease, his delivery was engaging and held the audience right to the end." - Adrian, CEO, Taylor Rose
3. Anima Anandkumar
Anima Anandkumar, Bren Professor of Computing at Caltech, is a leading expert in AI and machine learning, known for her innovative research in AI algorithms and deep learning. As a keynote speaker, Anima makes complex topics like AI, machine learning, and futurism accessible, while addressing their ethical and societal implications. With extensive experience in both academia and industry, including roles at Amazon and NVIDIA, she brings a forward-looking perspective, making her a sought-after speaker in technology and futurism.
Official Speaking Topics for Anima Anandkumar:
- Futurism Technology
- Diversity in Technology
- Can AI be Conscious Too?
- Machine Learning
- Empowering Women
4. William Higham
William Higham is a renowned futurist and CEO of Next Big Thing, specializing in consumer behaviour, innovation, and trends. With clients like Amazon, Disney, and HSBC, he helps businesses create future-proof strategies. As a speaker, he captivates audiences with topics such as adapting to post-COVID trends, reaching Gen Y, Z, and Alpha, and the future of workplaces. His expertise provides valuable insights for organizations preparing for tomorrow’s challenges, making him an ideal choice for corporate events and conferences.
Official Testimonial for William Higham:
Will’s talk was a great way to start our strategy conference. He brought new, provocative insights into evolving consumer behaviours, inspiring the audience to think of new ways to serve tomorrow’s consumer.” - Matt, Director of Strategy & Business Transformation, Primark
5. Alison McCauley
Alison McCauley is a renowned keynote speaker and technology expert, specializing in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital disruption. With over 30 years of experience, she has led numerous initiatives to help organisations integrate transformative technologies. Author of “Unblocked: How Blockchains Will Change Your Business”, Alison is also a Forbes contributor and thought leader in AI. Her dynamic presentations simplify complex technologies, empowering audiences to understand the ethical and practical implications of AI and digital innovation in the modern world.
Official Testimonial for Alison McCauley:
"Alison warmly welcomes her audience into an intimidating topic and makes it not only enjoyable, but inspires them to learn more." - INSEAD
6. Ben Hammersley
Ben Hammersley is a leading expert in technology and futurism, renowned for founding Hammersley Futures, a strategic forecasting consultancy. He is a celebrated speaker and media contributor, known for his work with the BBC and WIRED UK. Ben is credited with coining the term "podcast" and has advised prestigious organisations like the European Commission and Pfizer. His insights focus on the intersection of technology with social, political, and cultural change, making him a sought-after futurist.
Official Testimonial for Ben Hammersley:
"Ben was fantastic. He gave a great keynote that was funny thought-provoking and extremely engaging." - Pfizer
7. Tracey Follows
Tracey Follows is a renowned futurist and keynote speaker, known for her expertise in technology, identity, and foresight. Founder of Futuremade Ltd, she advises global brands on future trends and strategic innovation. Author of “The Future of You”, Tracey has spoken at prestigious platforms such as UN HQ and Financial Times Tech Live. Her engaging presentations leave audiences inspired and prepared for the future of business, technology, and society. She also hosts The Future of You podcast.
Official Testimonial for Tracey Follows:
"In a world where the unthinkable happens more frequently and the pace of direction of change continues to increase, Futuremade (Tracey) is able to present a clear vision of future scenarios based around a wide range of economic, demographic, geo-political, sector and company-specific considerations." - Chair of the Pension Fund, Tesco
8. Tom Cheesewright
Tom Cheesewright is a renowned futurist and technology expert, offering deep insights into future trends across industries. As an Applied Futurist for over a decade, Tom has guided global corporations like BMW, Barclays, and Google in navigating technological advancements. His expertise spans topics like future cities, work, and business, making him a sought-after keynote speaker. Known for translating complex futurist concepts into actionable insights, Tom has appeared on platforms like BBC and authored books like “Future-Proof Your Business”.
Official Testimonial for Tom Cheesewright:
"Having external insight certainly added a huge amount of value and provided a great platform for our sessions and from the questions in the room, the audience was clearly very engaged too" - Ian, CEO, HSBC UK
9. Dave Coplin
Dave Coplin is a renowned technology and futurism keynote speaker, with over 25 years of experience. As the former Chief Envisioning Officer at Microsoft and founder of The Envisioners, he has been a leading voice on innovation, artificial intelligence, and the future of work. Known for his engaging and insightful presentations, Dave inspires audiences to rethink their relationship with technology. His expertise makes him a sought-after speaker for organizations seeking to harness technology's potential for future growth.
Official Testimonial for Dave Coplin:
“Our guests rated your session on The Future of Digital and The Rise of the Humans as excellent." - Vodafone
10. Nina Schick
Nina Schick is a leading generative AI expert and keynote speaker, specializing in the future of technology and artificial intelligence. As the founder of Tamang Ventures and author of “DEEPFAKES: The Coming Infocalypse”, Nina is recognised for her expertise in AI ethics, digital authenticity, and the impact of AI on industries. She has advised global leaders, including President Joe Biden, and speaks internationally on how generative AI will transform business and society, offering invaluable insights for organisations.
Official Testimonial for Nina Schick:
"The highlight of the event" - TEDx Glasgow
Hire a Technology Futurist Today!
Allow a leading technology & futurism expert keynote speaker to help you prepare for the forthcoming digital transformations; hire one today via The Motivational Speakers Agency. Simply contact us on 0207 0787 876 or fill out our online contact form.
This blogpost, authored by Mark Matthews, is based on official customer feedback from 210 technology related events between 2022 and 2024.
