Tan Le: Technology Innovation
Neurotechnology pioneer Tan Le delivers brain-computer interface, innovation and human potential insights, helping organizations explore neuroscience, accessibility and future technology breakthroughs.
Quick Facts:
- Founder and CEO of EMOTIV
- Pioneer in brain-computer interface technology
- Creator of non-invasive “brainwear” headsets
- Recognized by Fast Company and Forbes
- Formats: Keynote Speaker and Neurotechnology Innovator
- Audiences: Executives, technologists, innovators and organizations exploring AI, neuroscience, accessibility and future technologies
- Outcomes:
- Translate neuroscience advances into product opportunities.
- Create ethical guardrails for brain-tech innovation.
- Improve product decisions with evidence-based human factors.
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- **Fee range: $50,001 - $75,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
My Immigration Story
In this captivating and inspirational keynote, Tan Le recalls her early childhood fleeing war torn Vietnam – boarding a tugboat in search of a new life, four-year-old Tan Le’s mother was clutching one precious possession: a vial of poison.
In the highly possible circumstance of a pirate boarding the vessel, she would feed it to her two daughters and her mother, before taking it herself.
Against all odds, Tan Le and her family washed ashore Australia’s coast to begin a new life in a foreign country. She worked hard, and it became clear from an early age that she had immense potential.
At just 16, after intense studying, she was accepted to college. Just a couple of years later she was named ‘Young Australian Of The Year.’Le goes on to humbly discuss her accomplishments, and how she became a spokesperson, activist, and eventually moves to the US to become CEO of Emotiv- a leading neuroscience technology company that helps individuals all over the world with groundbreaking innovations.
A Headset that Reads Your Brainwaves
Tan Le’s astonishing new computer interface reads its user’s brainwaves, making it possible to control virtual objects, and even physical electronics, with mere thoughts (and a little concentration). She demos the headset, and talks about its far-reaching applications.
Further Topics
- The Future is Closer than You Think
- You Think, Therefore You Can
Talent Short Bio
Tan Le is a pioneering neurotechnologist, entrepreneur, and CEO of EMOTIV, a Silicon Valley-based leader in non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) innovation. Born in war-torn Vietnam and arriving in Australia as a young refugee, she transformed adversity into opportunity and, in 1998, was named Young Australian of the Year for her community work. Her remarkable trajectory—from refugee to global tech leader—is captured in her viral TED Talk, “My Immigration Story.”
At EMOTIV, Le created “brainwear” headsets that allow people to interact with devices using neural signals, enabling radically new forms of accessibility and control—empowering even quadriplegic users to drive race cars with their minds. Her technology unlocks new potential in wellness, accessibility, creativity, and productivity, while making neuroscience approachable for developers and everyday users.
An influential thought leader, she was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Influential Women in Technology and named to Forbes’ “50 Names You Need to Know.” She serves on the World Economic Forum’s Future Council for Neurotechnologies and Brain Science, authored The NeuroGeneration, and advocates globally for women in STEM and education equity.
Read Full Bio
One of the science world’s most successful and influential CEOs, Tan Le started her incredible life journey as a refugee facing a high probability of death on a treacherous trip across the pirate infested China South Sea.
Today, Tan Le is the founder and CEO of the bioinformatics firm, EMOTIV, where her groundbreaking work in technology and artificial intelligence is making it possible to control electronic devices with something as simple as a single thought.
At age 4, she fled war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded tugboat with only her family and a vial of poison, kept on-hand to commit suicide in the case of a pirate attack. After reaching the shores of Australia, her family built a life from scratch amidst racism and poverty. Ms. Le applied herself intensely in her studies, opening the door to an education at one of the nation’s finest colleges, Monash University and a reputation that quickly earned her the prestigious “Young Australian of the Year” award.
Having grown up in an immigrant community stricken with mental illness, drug abuse, and domestic violence, Ms. Le began her career as a social advocate and became a bridge between Australia’s educated class and the community she’d grown up in. She simultaneously jumpstarted entrepreneurial ventures in neural-engineering technology, driven by her desire to better understand the brain and its effect on how we experience life.
Tan Le company, EMOTIV, is best known for its affordable EEG headset, which collects data from brainwaves as the wearer goes about his daily life. The data can then be uploaded to an online platform created by Ms. Le’s company that makes the information accessible to scientists and analysts around the world as part of an effort to accelerate research on neurological impairments such as depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, autism, and ADHD, among other conditions.
Looking to book this speaker for your next event?
At Speakers Inc., we connect you with the perfect speaker for your audience.
👉 Contact our team to check availability and secure your speaker
https://speakersinc.com/contact-us/speakers-inc/
👉 Watch more speaker videos on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@speakersincUSA/
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (2 reviews)
- Tech Changemaker
Explores how biotechnology will reshape humanity, business, and society.
- Technological Innovation
- (4 reviews)
- Leadership Speaker
- AI & Metaverse Expert
- Artificial Intelligence
- (3 reviews)
She helps leaders reimagine cities through real estate and innovation.
- Architect Futurist
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.