Steve Wozniak

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, is one of the most influential pioneers in the technology industry. A Silicon Valley icon, he designed Apple’s first line of products — the Apple I and Apple II — and helped shape the extraordinarily popular Macintosh, with a vision to make technology both usable and accessible to all.

On 1 April 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Computer Inc., selling their first 100 Apple I computers to a local dealer. The Apple II, introduced the following year, was integral to launching the personal computing revolution, featuring a central processing unit, keyboard, colour graphics and a floppy disk drive.

In recognition of his achievements, Wozniak received the National Medal of Technology from President Ronald Reagan in 1985, was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 2000, and awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, the Economy, and Employment. He also returned to UC Berkeley to complete his degree in electrical engineering and computer science.

Beyond Apple, Wozniak has been a philanthropist for over 30 years, championing hands-on technology education for students, founding or sponsoring initiatives including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet, and the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. He has also been Chief Scientist at Fusion-IO since 2008 and is the author of the New York Times bestselling autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon.

As a keynote speaker, Steve Wozniak shares his extraordinary story of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. His topics include fostering creativity and innovation in technical environments, robotics and automation, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in corporate culture, and the history and lessons of Apple Computer. Wozniak has also appeared on television shows including Dancing with the Stars, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, and The Big Bang Theory.