Ilya Sutskever is one of the most influential figures in artificial intelligence, celebrated for his foundational contributions to deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. As Co-founder and Chief Scientist at OpenAI, he has guided the creation of some of the world’s most impactful AI systems, including ChatGPT, GPT-4, and DALL·E 2. His leadership has helped establish OpenAI as a global force for advancing and safely deploying artificial general intelligence.
Before co-founding OpenAI, Ilya made defining contributions to the field through his work at Google Brain and DeepMind, where he co-invented technologies that changed the trajectory of AI, including sequence-to-sequence learning, key components behind modern machine translation, and the research foundations influencing AlphaGo. Earlier in his career, his work with Geoffrey Hinton produced AlexNet, the breakthrough neural network that transformed computer vision and ignited the deep learning revolution.
A Fellow of the Royal Society and a Time 100 Innovators honoree, Ilya is a sought-after keynote speaker whose insights illuminate the future of human-machine collaboration and the societal impact of advanced AI.
Ilya Sutskever is a world-renowned thought leader in artificial intelligence, respected for his pioneering contributions to computer vision, machine translation, and robotics. As Co-founder and Chief Scientist at OpenAI, he has been instrumental in the development of transformative technologies including ChatGPT, GPT-4, and DALL·E 2. Ilya’s early breakthroughs — notably co-inventing DeepMind’s AlphaGo and Google Brain’s TensorFlow — have firmly established him as one of the most influential figures in AI. His expertise in neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing makes him a sought-after speaker at leading technology and cybersecurity events worldwide.
Raised in Jerusalem, Ilya Sutskever pursued his studies in Computer Science at The Open University of Israel before transferring to the University of Toronto, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a PhD in Computer Science. Under the mentorship of AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton, he co-invented the AlexNet, a convolutional neural network that revolutionized computer vision. Following a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship with Andrew Ng at Stanford University, Ilya went on to co-found DNN Research, later acquired by Google, where he advanced his expertise as a Research Scientist on the Google Brain project.
Ilya Sutskever’s career has been defined by his drive to push the boundaries of AI innovation. In 2016, he became Research Director at OpenAI and has served as its Chief Scientist since 2018, guiding some of the organization’s most significant advancements. Notably, he is the inventor of sequence-to-sequence learning, a technique fundamental to the evolution of machine translation. His work is motivated by a mission to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) that benefits all of humanity, positioning him at the forefront of the future of AI and cybersecurity.
Recognized with honors such as inclusion in MIT Technology Review’s 35 Innovators Under 35 and the Time 100 Most Influential People in AI, as well as being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, Ilya Sutskever’s achievements speak volumes. His speaking engagements offer rare insight into the future of technology, cybersecurity, and human-machine collaboration. Hire Ilya Sutskever via The Cyber Security Speakers Agency to bring unparalleled expertise and vision to your event.
View further Artificial Intelligence speakers and follow us on LinkedIn
Just weeks before the management shakeup at OpenAI rocked Silicon Valley and made international news, the company's cofounder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever explored the transformative potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI), highlighting how it could surpass human intelligence and profoundly transform every aspect of life. Hear his take on the promises and perils of AGI — and his optimistic case for how unprecedented collaboration will ensure its safe and beneficial development. (Recorded October 17, 2023)
You’ve all experienced the progress of artificial intelligence. Many of you may have spoken with a computer, and a computer understood you and spoke back to you. With the rate of progress being what it is, it’s not difficult to imagine that at some point in the future, our intelligent computers will become as smart or smarter than people. And it’s also not difficult to imagine that when that happens, the impact of such artificial intelligence is going to be truly, truly vast.
And you may wonder: Is it going to be OK when technology is so impactful?
And here my goal is to point out the existence of a force that many of you may have not noticed — a force that gives me hope that indeed, we will be happy with the result.
Artificial intelligence is nothing but digital brains inside large computers.
Every single interesting AI that you’ve seen is built on this idea.
Over decades, scientists and engineers have been figuring out how such digital brains should work and how to build and engineer them.
It is fitting that the seat of intelligence in humans is our biological brain, and the seat of intelligence in artificial intelligence is an artificial brain.
As AI advances, people — companies, governments, researchers — will increasingly:
Recognize the stakes
Collaborate to ensure safety
Act out of enlightened self-interest
Prioritize humanity’s future over competitive pressure
He believes this global shift in behavior will help us navigate AGI wisely.
In this 47 minute conversation, OpenAI Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever explains why next-token prediction may exceed human intelligence, how AI progress unfolds, and what breakthroughs still matter.
In this wide-ranging interview on The Lunar Society, Ilya Sutskever reflects on the drivers of his research success, the dynamics of AI capabilities, and the path from today’s large language models to systems that surpass human performance. He attributes his scientific breakthroughs not to innate advantage but to giving his work everything he has, emphasizing perseverance and deep understanding over flashes of new ideas.
He discusses why illicit use of AI has not yet exploded, suggesting it may already be occurring quietly or that foreign actors have not fully operationalized current models. He notes that large-scale tracking of misuse is technically possible with specialized operations.
On AI’s economic window before AGI, he expects a multi-year period of rapidly increasing value, though hindsight may compress it into only a few standout years. When asked why AI adoption might disappoint, he identifies reliability as the sole plausible culprit; unreliable systems dampen real-world value regardless of capability.
Sutskever challenges the assumption that next-token prediction limits models to human-level performance. Accurate prediction requires understanding the underlying reality that produces text, and a sufficiently capable model can extrapolate beyond any individual person by inferring how a hypothetical, more advanced mind would behave.
On training, he explains that most reinforcement learning data already comes from models themselves, with humans training only the reward function. He expects human-AI collaboration, not full automation, to dominate future training improvements.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Jim Carroll is the world’s leading global futurists, trends, and innovation experts, with a massive global blue-chip client list. Over the last 25 years, more than 2 million people have shared his insight at his events. Jim’s global client list gives him a front-row seat to the high-velocity change that is occurring as disruption comes […]
Michael Tchong unique approach to decoding the future has positioned him as a preeminent trend-spotter and an influential figure in the realms of technology and entrepreneurship. With a distinct passion for staying ahead of emerging waves, Michael has established four successful startups, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective industries. His unwavering advocacy for […]
Lili Gil Valletta is a distinguished authority in cultural intelligence and business transformation. As the co-founder and CEO of CIEN+, she has pioneered innovative strategies that help organizations harness the power of cultural diversity to drive growth and innovation. Her expertise and influence extend across various industries, making her a sought-after speaker for events focused […]
Dr. Gregory Stock stands at the forefront of biotechnology and bioethics, offering profound insights into the evolving landscape of life sciences. As a biotech entrepreneur, best-selling author, and esteemed public communicator, he delves into the intricate interplay between advanced technologies and their societal implications. His compelling narratives challenge audiences to contemplate the future of human […]
Steve Lerch is an award-winning international public speaker, consultant, and former Google Executive, and has become a highly respected voice in the world of digital strategy, marketing, consumer behavior, and innovation. While at Google, Steve served as a digital strategy advisor to prominent brands like GoPro and Roku, respected non-profits like the YMCA and Save the […]
Graham Fink is a world-renowned creative mind known for his groundbreaking work in advertising, art, and technology. As one of the most awarded creatives globally, Fink has transformed disciplines such as photography, film, painting, and drawing, merging these fields with advanced technology. His multidisciplinary approach and relentless pursuit of new creative frontiers have redefined creativity […]
Eric O’Neill is a renowned cybersecurity expert, former FBI counterintelligence operative, attorney, and entrepreneur dedicated to protecting organizations against the ever-evolving threat of cybercrime. With a career that blends real-world espionage with cutting-edge cybersecurity strategies, O’Neill’s expertise is unmatched in identifying and neutralizing threats before they strike. As the founder of The Georgetown Group and […]
Jonathan Brill is a globally recognized futurist, innovation strategist, and thought leader, ranked as the #1 Futurist in the World by Forbes. Renowned for his ability to foresee and navigate complex business landscapes, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, and leading organizations on how to anticipate disruption and leverage emerging opportunities. His insights on […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
