Ayesha Khanna

Dr Ayesha Khanna is a distinguished expert and motivational speaker, known for her vast contributions to the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Addo AI, Ayesha is committed to leveraging technology, particularly AI, to benefit society. She is passionate about making these technologies accessible and promoting their responsible use. Ayesha’s work is not limited to AI alone; she also advocates for gender equality in STEM fields, having founded 21st Century Girls, a programme aimed at empowering women with the skills needed to thrive in technology. Her expertise and engaging speaking style have led her to become a highly sought-after speaker at events globally.

Ayesha’s career journey began with her academic foundation, which includes a PhD in Information Systems from the London School of Economics (LSE). Her research on smart city infrastructures sparked a lasting passion for how technology could enhance urban living. After completing her doctorate, Ayesha started her professional career as a Senior Advisor at Fitzgerald Analytics Inc., where she provided strategic advice on data analytics. Over the years, she has held significant roles, including Steering Committee Member for the Ministry of Education in Singapore and Editorial Director at The Economist. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found the Hybrid Reality Institute, focused on human-technology co-evolution. In 2017, Ayesha co-founded Addo AI, a company that quickly rose to prominence in the AI sector, being recognised by Forbes as one of Asia’s leading AI companies.

Recently, Dr Ayesha Khanna has achieved even greater success, establishing herself as a global leader in the tech space. She serves on several prestigious boards, including Johnson Controls and L’Oreal’s Scientific Advisory Board, and is a member of the Global Future Council at the World Economic Forum. Ayesha’s strategic insights have helped transform cities like Dubai into smart cities, and her expertise continues to influence industries across the globe. She is also the author of three books, including ‘Hybrid Reality’and ‘The AI Productivity Playbook’. As a recognised thought leader, Ayesha has been honoured with numerous accolades, including being named one of Southeast Asia’s groundbreaking female entrepreneurs by Forbes in 2018.

Dr Ayesha Khanna’s speaking engagements span the globe, where she shares her deep knowledge of AI, smart cities, and emerging technologies. Her ability to communicate complex topics in an accessible and inspiring manner makes her an invaluable asset to any organisation looking to innovate and adapt to the future. Companies such as Goldman Sachs, Oracle, and Citi have sought her expertise to drive digital transformation. Whether addressing the future of work or the impact of intelligent technologies, Ayesha’s motivational talks help organisations become more competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This combination of expertise and dynamic presentation style is why Ayesha is frequently hired to speak at major global events.