Top 15 AI Speakers You Need to Hear in 2024

Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) Keep Revolutionizing Various Industries?

“AI is the new electricity. It will transform industries, create huge economic value, and make our lives profoundly better.” – Andrew Ng.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but an integral part of our daily lives. From self-driving cars to smart assistants, AI is revolutionizing industries and changing the way we live, work, and interact with technology. As we move deeper into the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, staying updated with the latest advancements and insights is crucial for businesses and individuals alike.

One of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve is by listening to and learning from the leading minds in the field of AI. These speakers offer invaluable insights, share their vision for the future, and provide a unique perspective on the present state and potential of AI. This article highlights the top 15 AI speakers you need to hear in 2024, providing an overview of their contributions and influence in the field.

The rapid advancements in AI are shaping the future of industries and society as a whole. To stay informed and prepared for the changes ahead, it is essential to follow the leading voices in the field. This article will introduce you to the top 15 AI speakers who are not only innovators and researchers but also visionaries, shaping the present and future of artificial intelligence. By listening to their insights and understanding their contributions, you will gain a deeper knowledge of the AI landscape and its potential impact on our world.

1. Andrew Ng

Andrew Ng is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in the world of AI and machine learning. As a computer scientist and entrepreneur, he has made significant contributions to the field. He is widely known for co-founding Google Brain, which developed massive-scale deep learning and artificial neural networks. This laid the foundation for much of Google’s AI work and the field of AI as a whole.

Additionally, Andrew co-founded Coursera, a popular online education platform, with the mission of providing accessible and affordable world-class learning. He has also served as the chief scientist at Baidu, leading the company’s AI efforts. Andrew’s insights and teachings have helped thousands of people understand and apply AI, making him a sought-after speaker and educator.

2. Fei-Fei Li

Fei-Fei Li is a renowned computer scientist and educator, known for her pioneering work in computer vision and cognitive neuroscience. As a professor at Stanford University and the co-director of the Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute, she has made significant contributions to the field. Her research focuses on understanding how machines can be taught to see and understand the world as humans do.

Fei-Fei is also the founder of AI4ALL, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in artificial intelligence. She advocates for ethical and responsible AI development and has been instrumental in shaping policies and practices in the field. Her work has had a profound impact on the advancement of AI, making her one of the most influential voices in the field.

3. Yoshua Bengio

Yoshua Bengio is a Canadian computer scientist and a leader in the field of deep learning. His research has focused on understanding the mathematical principles underlying deep learning algorithms and their applications. As a professor at the University of Montreal and a co-founder of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research’s Learning in Machines & Brains program, he has made significant contributions to the field.

Yoshua is also a co-recipient of the Turing Award, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of computing, for his work in deep learning. His research group has developed several widely used machine learning tools and has been instrumental in advancing the field of natural language processing. Yoshua’s work continues to shape the future of AI, and his insights are highly valued by both academics and industry professionals.

4. Demis Hassabis

Demis Hassabis is a British AI researcher, neuroscientist, and video game designer. He is the founder and CEO of DeepMind, one of the world’s leading AI research labs, now owned by Google. Demis’s work at DeepMind has led to groundbreaking advancements, including the development of AlphaGo, the first computer program to defeat a world champion in the complex game of Go.

His research interests include artificial general intelligence, reinforcement learning, and systems neuroscience. Demis’s work in neuroscience has provided valuable insights into memory, imagination, and conscious awareness, contributing to a better understanding of the human mind and its replication in machines. He is a leading voice in the discussion of ethical AI development and the alignment of AI with human values.

5. Kai-Fu Lee

Kai-Fu Lee is a prominent voice in the AI community, both in China and globally. He is the CEO of Sinovation Ventures, a China-focused investment firm, and has been instrumental in driving AI innovation and investment in the country. Kai-Fu is also a bestselling author, with his book, ‘AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order,’ offering valuable insights into the AI landscape in China and its global impact.

He has held leadership positions at Apple, SGI, and Microsoft, and was the founding president of Google China. With his unique perspective on the intersection of AI and business, Kai-Fu provides valuable insights on how AI will shape the future of work, industries, and economies. His talks and writings offer a balanced view of the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.

6. Gary Marcus

Gary Marcus is a well-known AI researcher and author, known for his critical yet constructive views on deep learning and other aspects of artificial intelligence. He is the founder and CEO of Robust.AI, a company focused on building reliable and safe AI systems. Gary has also held positions at New York University, IBM, and Uber, contributing to research in natural language processing and cognitive science.

He advocates for a hybrid approach to AI, combining symbolic AI and deep learning, to create more robust and explainable systems. Gary’s perspectives offer a nuanced view of the strengths and limitations of current AI technologies, and he is a strong voice in the discussion of ethical and responsible AI development. His writings and talks provide valuable insights for both the AI community and the general public.

7. Cynthia Breazeal

Cynthia Breazeal is a pioneer in the field of social robotics and human-robot interaction. As a professor at the MIT Media Lab and the founder and CEO of Jibo, Inc., she has been at the forefront of developing robots that can interact with humans in natural and meaningful ways. Cynthia’s research focuses on understanding the social and emotional aspects of human-robot interaction, with the goal of creating more empathetic and helpful machines.

Her work has had a significant impact on fields such as education, healthcare, and social robotics. Cynthia is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields and has mentored and inspired numerous students and researchers. Her talks offer a unique perspective on the future of human-robot collaboration and the potential benefits of social robotics.

8. Ilya Sutskever

Ilya Sutskever is a renowned computer scientist and entrepreneur, known for his contributions to deep learning and reinforcement learning. As a co-founder of OpenAI, an independent research organization, he has been at the forefront of developing artificial general intelligence that benefits humanity as a whole. Ilya has also held positions at Google Brain and the University of Toronto, contributing to significant advancements in the field.

His work has resulted in several widely used machine learning tools and frameworks, including TensorFlow and PyTorch. Ilya is highly regarded for his technical expertise and his ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and accessible manner. His talks provide valuable insights into the latest advancements in AI and their potential applications.

9. Yann LeCun

Yann LeCun is a pioneering computer scientist and the father of convolutional neural networks, a fundamental component of modern artificial intelligence. He currently serves as the Chief AI Scientist at Meta (formerly Facebook), leading the company’s research efforts. Yann has also held positions at Bell Labs and New York University, contributing to groundbreaking research in computer vision and machine learning.

His work on convolutional neural networks has had a profound impact on computer vision and natural language processing, enabling machines to understand and interpret images and text with unprecedented accuracy. Yann is highly respected in the AI community and is known for his passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of researchers. His talks offer a glimpse into the cutting-edge world of AI research and development.

10. Rana el Kaliouby

Rana el Kaliouby is a leading expert in Emotion AI and a pioneer in the field. As the co-founder and CEO of Affectiva, a company specializing in AI that understands emotions, she has been at the forefront of humanizing technology. Rana’s work focuses on developing artificial emotional intelligence to enable machines to recognize and respond to human emotions.

Her research has applications in various fields, including mental health, market research, and autonomous vehicles. Rana is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM, and her book, ‘Girl Decoded,’ offers a unique perspective on her journey as a female AI pioneer. Her talks provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of Emotion AI and the importance of ethical and responsible development.

11. Stuart Russell

Stuart Russell is a prominent thought leader in AI safety and ethics. He is a computer scientist and author, known for his influential book, ‘Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach,’ which has educated and inspired generations of AI researchers. Stuart is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and the founder and CEO of Berkeley AI Research.

His research focuses on developing AI that aligns with human values and can be safely controlled. Stuart is an advocate for responsible AI development and has been instrumental in shaping policies and practices in the field. His talks offer a unique perspective on the future of AI, emphasizing the importance of creating machines that benefit humanity and do no harm.

12. Amy Webb

Amy Webb is a renowned futurist and founder of the Future Today Institute, a leading foresight and strategy firm. She is also a professor of strategic foresight at the New York University Stern School of Business. Amy and her team provide research and advisory services to help organizations understand and prepare for the future impact of emerging technologies, including AI.

Her annual Tech Trends Report is highly regarded, offering valuable insights into the long-term implications of AI and other disruptive technologies. Amy is a bestselling author, with her book, ‘The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity,’ exploring the future of AI and the responsibilities of those creating it. Her talks are known for their practical and actionable guidance on navigating the future.

13. Paul Zikopoulos

Paul Zikopoulos is a future trends expert and a sought-after speaker and educator in the field of AI and data analytics. As the VP of Technology Group Skills Vitality & Enablement at IBM, he leads a team that helps organizations and individuals develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Paul is also a bestselling author, with numerous books on data analytics and database management.

His expertise lies in understanding the practical applications of AI and data analytics, and he has helped thousands of businesses and individuals leverage these technologies for success. Paul’s talks offer a unique blend of technical knowledge and real-world examples, providing valuable insights for businesses and professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.

14. Noelle Silver

Noelle Silver (formerly Noelle Russell) is a leading AI innovator and practitioner. As the Global AI Solutions Lead at Accenture, she helps organizations across industries leverage AI to drive innovation and business value. Noelle is also the founder of the AI Leadership Institute, which provides education and resources to help businesses and individuals succeed in the age of AI.

Her work focuses on practical AI applications, helping organizations implement AI solutions that address real-world problems. Noelle is passionate about demystifying AI and has authored numerous articles and spoken at various events, making complex AI concepts accessible to a wider audience. Her talks offer a unique blend of technical expertise and practical advice, providing valuable insights for businesses looking to harness the power of AI.

15. Christy Tanner

Christy Tanner is a thought leader in digital and cultural transformation, with a unique perspective on the intersection of AI and the media industry. She is the former CEO of CBS Interactive, where she led a team of over 1,200 people, and the former President of WarnerMedia’s global brands and experiences, overseeing iconic brands such as CNN and HBO.

Throughout her career, Christy has driven digital innovation and transformation, leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to create new business models and enhance the user experience. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and her talks offer valuable insights into the future of media, the impact of AI, and the importance of ethical and responsible digital practices.

Did you know that the global artificial intelligence (AI) market is expected to grow from $93.5 billion in 2021 to $997.77 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.2%? With such rapid growth, staying updated with the latest trends and insights from leading AI experts is more crucial than ever.

Conclusion:

The world of AI is rapidly evolving, and the speakers highlighted in this article are at the forefront of this revolution. They are not just innovators and researchers but also visionaries, shaping the present and future of artificial intelligence. By listening to their insights and understanding their contributions, we can gain valuable knowledge and inspiration.

Whether you are a business leader looking to navigate the digital landscape, a tech enthusiast wanting to stay ahead of the curve, or a researcher seeking to explore the latest advancements, these speakers offer unique perspectives and practical advice. As AI continues to revolutionize industries and society, staying informed and engaged is crucial, and these leading voices will help guide you through the exciting world of AI.