Ben Kacyra Speaking Fee: $10,000 and Below

Ben Kacyra, born in Mosul, Iraq, developed a deep appreciation for history during childhood visits to the ancient ruins of Nineveh. These early experiences instilled in him a lifelong commitment to preserving cultural heritage. After earning a degree in civil engineering, Kacyra moved to the United States, where he co-founded Cyra Technologies in the 1990s. The company developed the Cyrax, the first portable laser scanner designed for surveying purposes. In 2001, Cyra Technologies and the rights to the Cyrax were sold to Leica Geosystems. The destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan in 2001 profoundly impacted Kacyra, motivating him to apply his technological expertise to cultural preservation. In 2003, he co-founded CyArk, a nonprofit organization dedicated to digitally recording, archiving, and sharing the world's significant cultural heritage sites. CyArk has documented landmarks such as Angkor Wat, Pompeii, and Chichen Itza, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Beyond CyArk, Kacyra co-founded the Kacyra Family Foundation (KFF), where he serves as Director and President. Through KFF, he initiated the Human Energy project, aiming to foster global collaboration and understanding. Kacyra's innovative work has garnered recognition from institutions like UNESCO. He continues to advocate for the use of technology in safeguarding humanity's collective memory, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural landmarks against threats like natural disasters and human conflict.