Tan Le, CEO of EMOTIV, is a prominent neurotechnologist and tech innovator. She leads her company, which is at the forefront of EEG and brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. EMOTIV's wearable neurotechnology enables users to interact with computers in transformative ways. This technology has allowed a quadriplegic individual to drive a race car using only his thoughts, powered bionic limbs, optimised work environments, and provided tools for people to unlock their brain's potential.
Tan is a three-time TED speaker, recognised globally for her insights. She has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Influential Women in Technology and included in Forbes’ list of 50 Names You Need to Know. She serves on the World Economic Forum’s Council on the Future of Neurotechnologies and Brain Science and is a contributing writer for the Forbes Technology Council, focusing on business and workplace issues. Her book, The NeuroGeneration, discusses advancements in brain science and neurotechnology, highlighting innovations that enhance learning and assist those with disabilities.
Tan has received several accolades, including the Innovation Research Interchange Achievement Award, the G’Day USA Global Innovation Award, the Advance Global Australian Award for ICT, and the AutoVision Innovation Award.
Her personal story is equally compelling. As a Vietnamese refugee, she arrived in Australia at the age of four with her mother and sister. Her journey from a refugee camp to being named “Young Australian of the Year” for her community contributions is detailed in her TED Talk, “My Immigration Story,” which has garnered over 1.4 million views. Now residing in San Francisco, Tan advocates for various causes, including STEM education, women in technology, and mental health technology. She has been involved with the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Technology for Mental Health and served as a director of Plan International Australia, a major organisation dedicated to ending childhood poverty. Since 2001, she has also been an Ambassador for the Status of Women.
In her inspiring presentation, Tan Le, recognised by Fast Company as one of the Most Influential Women in Technology in 2010, shares how her experiences as a Vietnamese refugee and Australian immigrant shaped her innovative mindset. She reveals how embracing her outsider status allowed her to think differently and excel in biotechnology and engineering. Attendees will learn to break free from conventional norms, adopt fresh perspectives, and cultivate a mindset of continuous inquiry to drive their own success.
Join a moderated fireside chat with Tan Le, where she will engage in a dynamic discussion covering a range of her expertise. This interactive session offers a unique opportunity for attendees to explore her insights and practical tools. Participants will leave with valuable takeaways that can be applied in their own lives, enhancing their understanding of Tan's innovative approaches and perspectives.
In her talk, Tan Le explores the transformative impact of automation, A.I., and brain augmentation on society. She argues that these advancements will disrupt traditional social systems and political norms, prompting a reevaluation of work, human interaction, and societal organisation. Le emphasises that rather than being threats, automation and A.I. can serve as allies, enhancing the unique creativity of humans. Attendees will learn how to embrace these technologies as integral components of the evolving human experience.
