Top 20 Artificial Intelligence Speakers of 2026

AI is a disruptive force that is changing lives every day. While it was invented to make human lives more manageable, the irony is that humans find it harder every day to keep up with the new changes and trends happening in AI.

AI is shaping the future, and staying up to date is absolutely essential. That is why we bring you our best AI speakers – notable and accomplished entrepreneurs, tech gurus and personalities in this field –  to learn about these emerging technologies and set your organisation apart.

Read further to learn more.

Best 20 AI Expert Keynote Speakers

Explore the top 20 artificial intelligence speakers of 2026, their impact and how their insights can revolutionise your next tech event.

1. Dr. Merritt Moore

Dr Merritt Moore, an established AI speaker, is a quantum physicist, professional ballet dancer and innovator blending art and technology. She earned a physics degree from Harvard and a PhD in Atomic and Laser Physics from Oxford. Alongside her academic achievements, she has performed with prestigious ballet companies, including the English National Ballet and the Boston Ballet.

During the pandemic, Moore combined her expertise by programming robots to dance with her, leading to performances at the World Economic Forum, Forbes Women’s Summit and more. Moore dipped into the AI waters with her revolutionary dancing with the robots. She says, “When dancing with a human, she can see their emotions and personality and it’s hard to imagine anyone or anything else, whereas the robot is like a blank canvas on to which she can project more personal feelings.”

Her groundbreaking work has been featured in TIME, Financial Times, Vogue and BBC and she has also collaborated with renowned brands like Louis Vuitton. Recognised in Forbes 30 Under 30, she was among the final candidates for the DearMoon project and BBC Two’s Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes? Currently an Adjunct Professor at NYU Abu Dhabi, she teaches a course on creative robotics, merging science, technology and entrepreneurship.

2. Shivvy Jervis

Shivvy Jervis is one of Europe’s most trusted AI keynote speakers, renowned for making cutting-edge innovations accessible. Named a Champion of Change and one of Britain’s Women of the Year, she has headlined over 600 stages alongside industry icons, reaching millions globally.

As one of the best AI speakers, Shivvy helps her audience understand Generative AI, the Metaverse, and the connected world, enabling businesses and individuals to use technology effectively. She is a sought-after artificial intelligence speaker, advocating for responsible innovation and prioritising human needs.

With a background in journalism, Shivvy investigates emerging trends in AI, neuroscience and future skills, earning praise from TED Talks and the World Economic Forum. A viral sensation on TikTok, she champions “tech-for-good” and the power of AI to shape a better future. She is known for being the voice of “What’s relevant in the noise?” and for her ability to make complex topics easy. A true AI expert speaker, Shivvy Jervis is dedicated to preparing us for the most pivotal changes.

3. Nicklas Bergman

Nicklas Bergman is a Swedish entrepreneur, venture capitalist and AI expert who helps leaders navigate rapid technological change in AI. With 30+ years as an entrepreneur and 20+ years as a tech investor, he has built and backed businesses across industries, from nanotechnology to automotive and deep tech. As one of six investment committee members at the €5 billion EIC Fund, he invests in 100+ European startups annually, many pioneering AI advancements.

His futuristic outlook stems from living with technology 24/7 and engaging with scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. He acknowledges AI’s potential while warning about ethical concerns and ensuring society is prepared. Bergman’s book ‘Navigating the Techstorm’ explores the business impact of emerging technologies beyond the hype and was listed in Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 10 business books read in 2018. Today, he focuses on AI investments, advising organisations on leveraging AI’s power whilst ensuring responsible innovation. For Bergman, AI must serve humanity, not just show the world what’s possible.

4. Tilly Lockey

Tilly Lockey, one of the youngest AI speakers, combines technology, AI innovation and human empowerment. A bionic arm ambassador and artist from the UK, she took the stage at AI Everything Global 2025 in partnership with GITEX GLOBAL—the world’s largest tech show—to highlight AI’s transformative role in healthcare and prosthetics.

Her story shows how AI-driven innovation is transforming prosthetic design, manufacturing and personalisation. As a co-developer of the Hero Arm with Open Bionics from the age of nine, she is shaping the future of bionic limbs, making them more accessible and functional.

Having lost both hands to meningococcal septicaemia as a baby, Lockey turned her adversity into opportunity. She worked with Open Bionics to develop the AI-powered Hero Arm, which is lightweight, customisable and responsive to muscle signals. Her mission is to empower wearers by merging advanced technology with individuality and confidence.

5. Benjamin Bargetzi

Benjamin Bargetzi is a globally recognised AI keynote speaker and expert in change management, blending neuroscience, digitalisation and business transformation. With a background at Google and Amazon, he is now a successful startup investor and founder across industries such as AI, augmented reality, quantum computing, blockchain and eCommerce.

As one of the best AI speakers, Bargetzi delivers insights on digital transformation, company culture, AI ethics and Generative AI, helping businesses navigate change. His expertise in AI and neuroscience enables leaders to understand the customer of tomorrow, develop future-proof mindsets and optimise collaboration between tech and business teams.

Founder of ACIT Global, an AI and neuroscience research institute, he has advised Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide. Having studied the human brain at Oxford, London, Singapore and Zurich, he offers cutting-edge insights into how the brain handles uncertainty and risk. He applies that to business, making him one of the most sought-after business and AI experts today.

6. Professor Dr. Larissa Suzuki

EUR ING Prof Dr Larissa Suzuki is a multi-award-winning computer scientist, engineer and AI ethics speaker. She is the youngest technical director at Google. She is the Data and AI Practice Lead for Google Cloud and is a Google AI Principles Ethics Fellow in the CTO’s office.

She is also a Visiting Scientist at NASA JPL and an Honorary Associate Professor at UCL. Her 19-year career spans AI, smart cities, ML and neuroimaging for cancer diagnosis. She has held senior roles at Oracle, Founders4Schools and TfL, with experience at IBM, ARUP and the European Commission. A prolific researcher and keynote speaker, Larissa has received prestigious awards from MIT, Intel, Google and the IET. She has contributed to AI ethics, data science and computing advancements, shaping policies and technology development. Passionate about diversity in engineering, she actively supports inclusion initiatives. Her work drives innovation in AI, ethics and emerging technologies.

7. Dr. Mark Van Rijmenam

Dr Mark van Rijmenam, known as The Digital Speaker, is a strategic futurist and leading AI speaker on digital transformation.

A true frontrunner in every sense, he delivered the first TEDx Talk in VR in 2020 and, in 2023, took innovation even further by presenting at TEDx Athens alongside his digital twin, exploring the complex relationship between AI and our perception of reality.

Additionally, he launched a groundbreaking digital twin app, providing interactive, on-demand insights into emerging technologies via text, audio or video in any language—bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds. As one of the leading AI expert speakers, Dr Van Rijmenam simplifies complex tech concepts, empowering organisations to embrace AI-driven transformation. His expertise gives him a stronghold among generative AI speakers, AI speakers focused on ethics and the best AI speakers guiding businesses into the future.

8. Marie Outtier

Marie Outtier went from being an employee to founding an AI startup in the early days of machine learning. As CEO, she built the product alongside her technical co-founder and secured over $2 million in funding, driving global expansion. Twitter acquired Aiden.ai’s software three years later to revitalise its SME market share. Marie then joined Twitter as a senior product leader, witnessing its cultural shift under Elon Musk.

Marie is passionate about changing the investor landscape – only 9% of European investors have operational experience compared to 60% in the US – and has invested in 25+ startups, backing diverse founders. With 56% of her portfolio featuring at least one female founder, she actively roots for “women in tech”. As one of the best AI keynote speakers, Marie shares candid insights to inspire ambitious women. She is amongst the top AI speakers, advocating for diversity and AI ethics worldwide.

9. Steve Wozniak

Who doesn’t know Steve Wozniak? A renowned inventor, electronics engineer and technology entrepreneur, Steve co-founded the famous Apple Computer Inc. and played a pivotal role in the personal computer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s. Despite being expelled from the university for hacking, he later returned to UC Berkeley to complete his electrical engineering and computer science degree. He was further felicitated with the National Medal of Technology and induction into the Inventors Hall of Fame.

As one of the best AI keynote speakers, he prioritises human intelligence over technology. While generative AI can produce impressive content, it lacks emotional depth. He believes AI speakers must address ethics, ensuring technology serves humanity rather than replacing it. A strong advocate for traditional education, he asserts that while AI may augment teaching, it cannot inspire critical thinking — reinforcing his role as a leading artificial intelligence speaker focused on ethics.

10. David Rowan

David Rowan is one of today’s best AI keynote speakers, renowned for his insights into how emerging technologies transform business. As the founding Editor-in-Chief of WIRED UK, he has worked with tech pioneers from Google to Spotify and has delivered over 700 keynotes globally. His bestselling book, Non-Bullshit Innovation, explores 17 proven strategies for future-proofing businesses.

A sought-after AI keynote speaker, David customises every talk, offering real-time analysis of AI, generative AI, quantum computing and more. He explains how businesses can develop a culture of innovation and adapt to disruptive technologies. His expertise spans finance, real estate, healthcare and manufacturing.

Recent topics from this AI expert speaker include AI’s impact on the workplace, the role of AI ethics and how businesses can attract top talent in the age of automation. As one of the best AI speakers, David’s speeches are constantly engaging, insightful and thought-provoking.

11. Kai-Fu Lee

Dr. Kai-Fu Lee is a world-leading AI speaker and tech investor with four decades of experience in the AI revolution. He held senior roles at Apple, Microsoft and Google, where he was President of Google China. Today, he leads Sinovation Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in next-generation AI companies across China and founded 01.AI, which helps businesses deploy practical AI applications.

Through his bestselling book AI Superpowers, Kai-Fu argues that the future of AI will be shaped by competition between the US and China. Drawing on his unique experience across Silicon Valley and China’s tech ecosystem, he offers rare insights into how innovation, entrepreneurship and geopolitics are reshaping technology.

12. Björn Ulvaeus

Björn Ulvaeus, born in April 1945, is a Swedish singer, songwriter and producer best known as a co-founder of ABBA. The band dominated the music scene from 1972 to the early 1980s and Björn later co-wrote hit musicals like Chess and Kristina from Duvemåla. He also produced Mamma Mia! and its adaptations.

As president of CISAC, Björn is a leading voice amongst AI expert speakers, advocating for fair regulations in the industry. He warns that poorly managed AI could severely impact human creators, urging policymakers to protect creative rights. A respected AI keynote speaker, he champions ethical AI use and cultural preservation in music and the creative arts.

In 2021, ABBA returned with its album “Voyage” and the innovative Voyage virtual stage show in London. Björn also co-founded Pophouse, expanding into music catalogue investments. His insights make him one of the best AI keynote speakers and he is sought after for discussions on Generative AI and ethics.

13. Dr. Kitty Yeung

Dr. Kitty Yeung is a physicist, engineer and artist who specialises in AI, fashion and sustainability. She founded Wear It AI to merge technology, fashion and sustainable practices. Previously, she led Microsoft’s fashion-tech incubation and served as Senior Director of AI at Browzwear. A Generative AI speaker and AI expert speaker, she applies generative AI, computer vision and robotics to revolutionise manufacturing and retail.

With a PhD in Applied Physics from Harvard and experience at IBM, Intel and Microsoft, Dr. Yeung bridges science and creativity. Her high-tech fashion brand, Art by Physicist, has gained her the title of one of the top 100 women in fashion tech by Women of Wearables. She also simplifies quantum computing through comics and educational materials featured in Forbes. She is a sought-after AI speakers focused on ethics, inspiring innovation across disciplines.

14. Mo Gawdat

Mo Gawdat is the former Chief Business Officer at Google [X] and bestselling author of Solve for Happy. With a 27-year career at IBM, NCR, Microsoft and Google, he helped launch Google’s global operations and led strategy for moonshot projects like self-driving cars.

After losing his son Ali in 2014, Mo developed a happiness model that became the foundation of his mission to make one billion people happy. As a leading AI speaker, he combines tech expertise with groundbreaking work on AI, happiness and stress management, showing audiences how to maintain wellbeing in a rapidly changing world.

15. Matt O’Neill

Matt O’Neill is a globally recognised futurist who has delivered over 330 talks across four continents. With a background in entrepreneurship and innovation, he helps leaders navigate rapid technological change with practical strategies.

Matt speaks on AI, innovation, human-machine teamwork, future skills and leadership. His two bestselling books, The Future is Now and Future Hackers, have sold over 20,000 copies worldwide. As one of the top AI speakers, he provides audiences with practical tools and frameworks to lead confidently while integrating AI with human creativity and empathy.

16. Avye Couloute

Avye Couloute is a young changemaker championing women in STEM. At just 10 years old in 2018, she founded Girls Into Coding – offering free events where girls aged 10-14 learn coding, robotics and engineering. Her achievements include the Royal Academy of Engineering Excellence Award and UK Young Engineer of the Year.

As one of the best AI speakers for audiences focused on diversity and future talent development, Avye inspires the next generation to embrace technology and innovation.

17. Cassie Kozyrkov

Cassie Kozyrkov is Google’s former Chief Decision Scientist and founder of Decision Intelligence – a discipline that helps organisations use AI and data to make better decisions. At Google, she trained over 20,000 employees and influenced over 500 projects.

Now CEO of Data Scientific, she advises senior leaders at major organisations like NASA, Gucci, HSBC and Vodafone on AI strategy. As one of the artificial intelligence speakers most trusted by Fortune 500 companies, she is recognised as a leading voice on AI decision-making with over 500,000 LinkedIn followers.

18. Butzi

Butzi, whose real name is Johannes Alinhac, is an international keynote speaker and 4x TEDx speaker specialising in generative AI. A former professional magician, he uses magic as an educational tool to simplify AI concepts and inspire solutions.

With over 8 years in creativity and innovation, he has written 2 books and founded a consulting firm helping businesses deploy AI. As one of the best AI speakers, he combines deep technical knowledge with humour and vivid analogies to make AI concepts accessible. He has spoken for companies including Hilton, Total and Airbus.

19. Vladimer Botsvadze

Vladimer Botsvadze is a thought leader and keynote speaker specialising in AI-driven marketing and digital transformation. With over 15 years of expertise, he advises Fortune 500 brands on leveraging AI for innovation, customer engagement and market leadership. As the No.1 Global Marketing and Social Media Thought Leader (Thinkers360), he influences AI advancement through advisory roles at organisations like the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute. A Webby Awards judge and mentor at Techstars and UCLA, he empowers startups and enterprises with AI-driven strategies.

He’s been recognised by Forbes, Bloomberg and Harvard Business Review for delivering insights on AI’s impact on marketing and business growth. He was also recognised as one of the Top 10 Global Generative AI thought leaders by Thinkers360. With 130k+ followers and standing ovations globally, Vladimer helps organisations leverage AI-powered strategies to stay competitive, making him a sought-after speaker on AI-driven marketing transformation. 

20. Sascha Cutura

Sascha Cutura is a respected AI speaker and technology innovator bringing cutting-edge perspectives on artificial intelligence and digital transformation. With extensive experience in the AI landscape, Sascha delivers compelling insights to audiences seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of modern technology.

As one of the top AI speakers, Sascha combines technical expertise with engaging storytelling, making complex AI concepts accessible to diverse audiences. His keynotes focus on practical applications of AI, digital strategy and how organisations can harness technology for competitive advantage. With a commitment to responsible innovation and ethical AI practices, Sascha is sought after by leading organisations for his authoritative and inspiring presentations.

Why Hire an AI Speaker for Your Event

AI is changing the way we work, innovate and make decisions. An experienced AI speaker can help your audience understand what these changes mean, cut through the hype and share practical insights they can actually use. Here are some of the benefits they offer:

• Expert knowledge – AI speakers help demystify complex technologies so your audience actually understands what’s happening in the AI world.
• Practical insights – They don’t just explain AI – they show how to use it in real business situations and solve real problems.
• Inspiration and confidence – A great AI keynote speaker motivates teams to embrace change and tackle new challenges with AI.
• Up-to-date perspectives – The best artificial intelligence speakers stay on top of rapid AI developments and share what’s actually happening right now, not outdated information.
• Tailored presentations – Professional AI speakers customise their talks to match your industry, audience and specific goals.

What Sets a Great AI Speaker Apart

The most memorable AI speakers do more than share facts and trends. They simplify complex ideas, keep audiences engaged and leave people with practical takeaways. Here’s what makes them different:

• Hands-on expertise – They have genuine experience in AI, not just theories. They’ve actually worked on real AI projects and understand practical challenges.
• Clear communication – Top artificial intelligence speakers translate complicated AI concepts into language that everyone understands, whether they’re technical or not.
• Engaging storytelling – Great AI keynote speakers use real-world examples and personal stories to show how AI actually works and what it means.
• A balanced perspective – The best speakers acknowledge both AI’s exciting potential and its real limitations and challenges.
• Adaptable approach – They customise their message to fit your event’s goals and your audience’s needs, not a one-size-fits-all talk.
• Actionable takeaways – Beyond just educating, great AI speakers motivate audiences to actually do something with what they’ve learned.

When Should You Book an AI Speaker

The timing depends on your event size. For small internal training events, book 6-8 weeks ahead. For major conferences or high-profile keynotes, plan 3-6 months in advance. Popular artificial intelligence speakers have busy schedules, especially around major tech events. Booking early secures your preferred speaker and gives them time to customise their talk for your audience. If you’re planning a multi-speaker summit, start your search even earlier to coordinate schedules.

How Speaker Agency Helps You Find the Right Match

Finding the right AI speaker doesn’t have to be complicated. Working with a professional speaker agency like Kruger Cowne makes the process simple and stress-free. Here’s how we help:

• Access to leading AI talent – Agencies have relationships with leading AI speakers and understand who’s best for different needs.
• Time-saving support – Instead of searching endlessly, we listen to your goals and recommend speakers that match your event perfectly.
• End-to-end booking management – We manage all the paperwork, contracts, technical requirements and payments so you can focus on your event.
• Expert speaker matching – We understand whether you need a deep technical dive, a strategic perspective on AI adoption or an inspirational talk.
• Alternative speaker options – If your first choice isn’t available, we have alternative artificial intelligence speakers ready to go.
• Rate negotiation and value – We handle pricing and terms fairly, so you get great value without surprise costs.
• Smooth execution – From confirming details to day-of coordination, agencies ensure everything runs smoothly.

Conclusion

Indeed, the exponential pace at which AI has grown has overwhelmed many. However, you can always book artificial intelligence speakers and technology speakers for your next grand tech event to keep up with the latest trends and changes and recognise how these will impact your organisation. To learn more about speaking fees per hour in the UK or other procedures, visit our website.