Dr. Astro Teller is the co-founder and CEO of X, Alphabet’s moonshot factory, where he leads the development of breakthrough technologies aimed at solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. Known for his visionary approach, Astro has overseen the creation of innovations that have transformed into independent companies and integral parts of Google. His work is central to the successful launch of several moonshots, and he continues to shape the future of technology through his leadership at X.
Astro’s entrepreneurial journey spans multiple industries. Prior to his time at X, he co-created several companies, including BodyMedia, a wearable body monitoring company, and Cerebellum Capital, a hedge fund firm leveraging machine learning for investment decisions. He also founded Zivio Technologies and Sandbox Advanced Development, both focused on cutting-edge technology and business innovation.
In addition to his executive roles, Astro is a prolific writer and speaker. His early academic career included teaching at Stanford University and conducting engineering research at leading technology organisations. His first novel, Exegesis, was published by Random House in 1997, followed by Among These Savage Thoughts and several thought-provoking op-eds and journal articles.
Astro’s expertise has earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Innovators by Wired and receiving the prestigious Edison Achievement Award. He continues to contribute to global conversations on innovation, creativity, and intelligent technologies, sharing his insights at conferences, universities, and in media outlets worldwide.
Astro Teller explores the practicalities behind transforming ambitious ideas into reality at X. He addresses the challenges faced by visionary projects as they move from concept to execution and how they are accelerated through iterative learning. Drawing on his vast experience, Astro offers a unique perspective on the principles and processes that enable moonshots to thrive in the unpredictable real world.
In this session, Astro Teller delves into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential. He examines the promises and challenges of AI technologies, offering a forward-thinking approach to understanding their societal and economic impact. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how AI is reshaping industries and how organisations can harness its power responsibly.
Astro shares practical advice on how to embark on the journey of launching a bold, transformative idea. Drawing from his entrepreneurial ventures, he discusses the importance of identifying problems worth solving and how to cultivate the right mindset and environment for innovation. His insights are especially valuable for those looking to scale ambitious projects in a complex, fast-paced world.
Astro offers an in-depth look at the mindset needed for successful entrepreneurship in the innovation space. He reveals how embracing failure and identifying critical flaws early on can set the stage for world-changing breakthroughs. With a focus on fostering a culture of risk-taking and learning, this session provides a roadmap for turning visionary ideas into impactful ventures.
Astro explores the keys to fostering a culture of innovation within organisations. He draws from his experience leading X and other ventures to share actionable strategies for cultivating creative thinking, risk-taking, and collaboration. Participants will gain practical tools for driving continuous innovation while navigating the inherent challenges of larger organisations.
