Ben Goertzel Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Ben Goertzel's journey into the world of artificial intelligence began in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he was born to American parents in 1966. His early years were marked by a move to Eugene, Oregon, in 1968, followed by a relocation to South Jersey in 1973. Demonstrating an early aptitude for academics, Ben left high school after the tenth grade to attend Bard College at Simon's Rock, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Quantitative Studies. He furthered his education by obtaining a Ph.D. in mathematics from Temple University in 1990. Throughout his career, Ben has held various academic and research positions. He began as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 1989, and later served as a Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Waikato in New Zealand from 1993 to 1994. His professional journey also includes roles such as Chief Technology Officer at Genescient Corp and Chief Science Officer at Aidyia Limited. In 2017, Ben founded SingularityNET, a decentralized platform aiming to democratize artificial intelligence by leveraging blockchain technology. As CEO and Chief Scientist, he leads efforts to create a global AI network that fosters collaboration and accessibility. His vision for SingularityNET reflects his commitment to ensuring that AI technologies benefit humanity as a whole. Ben's contributions to AI extend beyond SingularityNET. He is the Chairman of the OpenCog Foundation, where he oversees the development of the OpenCog framework for artificial general intelligence. Additionally, he chairs the Artificial General Intelligence Society, organizing annual conferences to advance AGI research. His leadership roles in these organizations highlight his dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration in the AI community. Currently residing on Vashon Island, Washington, Ben continues to be a prominent figure in AI research and development. His work exemplifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology while advocating for ethical considerations in AI's evolution.