Ray Kurzweil: World leading inventor and futurist
Futurist and inventor Ray Kurzweil is a National Medal of Technology recipient and bestselling author forecasting AI, exponential growth and the future of human intelligence.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation
- Inductee, National Inventors Hall of Fame
- Inventor of foundational optical character recognition and speech technologies
- Author of The Singularity Is Near and The Singularity Is Nearer
- Formats: Keynote Speaker and Futurist
- Audiences: Technology leaders, AI researchers, innovation conferences, venture capital firms, academic institutions and organizations preparing for exponential change.
- Outcomes:
- Insight into the future of artificial intelligence and human machine integration
- Strategic understanding of exponential technological growth
- Frameworks for preparing organizations for disruptive innovation
- Travels from: Boston, MA
- **Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
The Power of Ideas is Accelerating
Renowned author, inventor, and futurist, Ray Kurzweil, has a public track record of more than a quarter of a century of predictions with a stunning 86% accuracy rate, all based on his Law of Accelerating Returns which states that information technology is advancing exponentially — doubling in price-performance, capacity, and bandwidth every year.
Since 1990, Kurzweil has laid out these predictions in a series of books: The Age of Intelligent Machines (1990), The Age of Spiritual Machines (1999), The Singularity is Near (2005), and How to Create a Mind(2012). And now, in his forthcoming book, The Singularity is Nearer (2020), he presents new data and a fresh look to the future as we approach the steep part of the exponential. By questioning old assumptions and applying exponential thinking Ray Kurzweil explains how we will rewrite the software of life, rebuild the world atom by atom, and reinvent our intelligence, to solve the world’s grandest challenges.
Business & Investing
Mr. Kurzweil frequently presents on technology and the capital markets, business and technology trends, near- and long-term predictions, and strategy in an age of exponential technological growth. Despite the current economic turmoil, Mr. Kurzweil presents an optimistic argument that the exponential growth of information technology will continue unaffected during the economic downturn as it has in every past recession and during the Great Depression, noting that information technology goes beyond just computerized devices, but includes such disparate areas as health and medicine, and energy. He presents an incredible wealth of data showing that information technologies have the scale and the ability to overcome the major problems we face such as energy and the environment, health, and even poverty.
Disabilities & Assistive Technologies
Kurzweil explains that accelerating information technology will lead us to completely overcome handicaps associated with sensory and physical disabilities and describes the extent to which we have already done that for many handicaps. He predicts that in about a quarter century, we will have millions of nanobots in our brains putting our brains on the Internet and providing high bandwidth communication directly with the brain, so vision will ultimately become obsolete.
He can speak on a range of topics relating to blindness, disabilities, and assistive technologies in the 21st century. With his many assistive technology firsts, Mr. Kurzweil speaks from experience about the future of disabilities in an age of accelerating technology.
Health and Longevity
Based on his book, Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever and his new health book, TRANSCEND: Nine Steps to Living Well Forever, Kurzweil addresses the merger of science, technology, and medicine and its impact on the healthcare industry and human longevity. He explains that as medicine becomes an information technology, it will be subject to the laws of accelerating returns, meaning that it will be a thousand times more powerful than today in ten years, and a million times more powerful in 20 years.
Innovation & Invention
As one of the leading inventors of our time, Kurzweil presents a program for innovation, how to foster it in an organization, and how to bring inventions to market. He explains how the law of accelerating returns and the exponential growth of information technology are accelerating opportunities for innovation. In this talk, he draws upon his own history of innovation which led to his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, founded by the U.S. Patent Office in 2002.
Education
Kurzweil speaks about the intersection of information technology (a broad perspective), education and human knowledge. He describes a future in which there is widespread and inexpensive access to education around the world, individualized learning through computer assisted instruction, full-immersion virtual reality classrooms and labs, and ultimately the ability to download knowledge and skills directly to our brains.
He remarks on the key role of education in supporting the unique attribute of our species, which is an exponential expanding knowledge base that we pass down from generation to generation. He notes that as jobs are destroyed at the bottom of the skill ladder and more satisfying and better paying jobs are added at the top, investment in education has increased to keep pace with the rising skill ladder. Our economy is increasingly dominated by knowledge intensive jobs, hence the increasingly central role of education and educational technology.
Talent Short Bio
Ray Kurzweil is one of the world’s leading inventors, futurists and technology thinkers, recognized for a 30 year track record of remarkably accurate predictions about artificial intelligence, computing and exponential technological growth. His work spans pioneering inventions, influential books and global thought leadership on the future of humanity.
Kurzweil was the principal inventor of the first CCD flatbed scanner, the first omni font optical character recognition system, the first print to speech reading machine for the blind, the first text to speech synthesizer, the first music synthesizer capable of recreating orchestral instruments and the first commercially marketed large vocabulary speech recognition system. These breakthroughs laid foundational groundwork for modern AI and human computer interaction.
He received the 1999 National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest technology honor in the United States, and was awarded the 500,000 dollar Lemelson MIT Prize. In 2002, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He has received twenty honorary doctorates and honors from three U.S. presidents.
Read Full Bio
Ray Kurzweil is considered to be one of the world’s leading inventors, thinkers, and futurists, with a 30-year track record of accurate predictions.
Ray Kurzweil was the principal inventor of the first CCD flatbed scanner, the first omni-font optical character recognition, the first print-to-speech reading machine for the blind, the first text-to-speech synthesiser, the first music synthesiser capable of recreating the grand piano and other orchestral instruments, and the first commercially marketed large-vocabulary speech recognition.
Ray Kurzweil received the 1999 National Medal of Technology and Innovation, America’s highest honour in technology, from President Clinton in a White House ceremony. He was the recipient of the $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize for 2001, the world’s largest for innovation, and in 2002 he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, established by the U.S. Patent Office. He has received twenty honourary doctorates, and honours from three U.S. presidents.
Ray Kurzweil has authored multiple books, many of which have been national best-sellers. His books, The Singularity Is Near (Viking Press, 2005) and How to Create a Mind: The Secret of Human Thought Revealed (Viking Penguin, 2012) are New York Times best-sellers. His most recent book, The Singularity Is Nearer (Viking Press, 2024) debuted as a New York Times best-seller.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
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...
- (22)
- (4)
Drum As One, formerly known as 1st Project, is a globally renowned drumming entertainment act that has captivated audiences with their electrifying performances and unique approach to rhythm. Established as pioneers in the field of percussion entertainment, Drum As One has seamlessly blended the power of drumming with innovative visual and auditory experiences, creating an […]
- Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
- Drummers
- (26)
- (1)
Jen Su is renowned for her dynamic presence on both screen and airwaves, Jen Su stands as a paragon of versatility and charisma. With a diverse portfolio spanning news broadcasting, radio hosting, acting, and music, Jen Su has etched her name as an indelible force in the entertainment industry. As an esteemed event emcee, Jen […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Celebrity Emcees
- (12)
Brandeis Marshall is a trailblazing figure in the realm of data ethics and education, passionately bridging the gap between technology, ethics, and social impact. As the Founder and CEO of the DataedX Group, she has redefined how organizations and individuals engage with data, championing ethical practices that align with inclusivity and fairness. Brandeis’s compelling vision […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (15)
There is nothing quite as mesmerizing and as a Water Sphere Acts or Performance. Intriguing and enchanting, our dancers gracefully balance and move within a large transparent sphere, creating a beautiful and fascinating visual experience. Our sphere dancers are world-renowned performers, having danced internationally, as well as on film and TV. The creative opportunities are […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Water Performers
- (100)
Peter Vidmar stands as a testament to the heights that can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and excellence. As the highest-scoring American gymnast in Olympic history, Peter’s journey from a young enthusiast to a celebrated Olympic champion serves as an inspiring narrative for audiences worldwide. His core message emphasizes the principles of Risk, Originality, and […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Summer Olympians
- (46)
Gautam Mukunda is an internationally recognized expert in leadership and innovation. He often jokes that his life’s ambition is to have the world’s most confusing resume and that he’s most of the way there. He is a Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. He is also the host of Nasdaq’s […]
- Travels from: Boston, MA
- Leadership Speakers
- (25)
Pat Wadors is a renowned thought leader in organizational culture, employee engagement, and human-centered leadership. With decades of experience shaping workplace environments at leading global companies, she has earned a reputation for transforming corporate cultures and championing inclusive, people-first strategies. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she brings deep expertise, actionable insights, and a compelling vision […]
- Travels from: Santa Barbara, CA
- Culture Speakers
- (59)
Yossi Ghinsberg is a world-renowned adventurer, author, and keynote speaker whose incredible survival story in the Amazon jungle has captivated audiences worldwide. In 1981, Yossi embarked on a harrowing journey into the uncharted depths of the Bolivian Amazon, only to become separated from his companions and left alone to survive for three weeks against the […]
- Travels from: Tel Aviv-Yafo
- Motivational Speakers
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.
