1. Fei-Fei Li

Co-Director, Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute

Fei-Fei Li is a name synonymous with AI innovation, particularly in the realm of computer vision. As the co-creator of ImageNet, one of the most important datasets for deep learning, Li's work laid the foundation for modern AI advancements. During her tenure as Chief Scientist at Google Cloud AI, she championed the idea of human-centered AI, advocating for systems that are both powerful and ethical.

“AI is everywhere, but we have a responsibility to make sure it’s a force for good,” says Li. Her efforts have set new standards in AI research, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces human intelligence.

2. Cynthia Breazeal

Founder and Director, MIT Media Lab’s Personal Robots Group

A pioneer in social robotics and human-robot interaction, Cynthia Breazeal has been instrumental in developing robots that can engage with humans emotionally and socially. Her work with Kismet, the world’s first social robot, revolutionized the way machines can interpret human emotions. Today, she focuses on how AI can foster meaningful connections, particularly in education and eldercare.

Breazeal’s robots are not just machines; they are companions that are reshaping the role AI plays in everyday life.

3. Rana el Kaliouby

Co-founder and CEO, Affectiva

A true visionary in emotion AI, Rana el Kaliouby’s work centers on teaching AI to understand human emotions. Her startup, Affectiva, has transformed how machines interpret non-verbal cues like facial expressions and tone of voice. Kaliouby has also been a vocal advocate for ethical AI and is committed to making sure AI reflects human values, not biases.

“AI needs to be emotionally intelligent to work well with humans,” she says. Her passion lies in creating technologies that are empathetic, responsible, and accessible.

4. Timnit Gebru

Researcher and Co-Founder, Black in AI

Known for her outspoken advocacy on AI ethics and algorithmic bias, Timnit Gebru has dedicated her career to uncovering the inherent biases in AI systems, particularly those used in facial recognition technology. As the co-founder of Black in AI, Gebru pushes for greater diversity in AI research and works tirelessly to ensure that AI systems serve everyone fairly.

Her departure from Google following her work on ethical AI raised significant debates about the need for transparency and inclusivity in the development of AI technologies.

5. Daphne Koller

Co-Founder and CEO, Insitro

Daphne Koller is at the intersection of machine learning and biotechnology. As the founder of Insitro, she’s harnessing AI to revolutionize drug discovery and treat complex diseases. Koller is also known for co-founding Coursera, a platform that has democratized education, offering courses from top universities to millions worldwide.

Her work illustrates the profound potential of AI beyond traditional tech, venturing into healthcare and education to solve global challenges.

6. Manuela Veloso

Head of AI Research, JPMorgan Chase

A distinguished researcher in autonomous systems and multi-agent AI, Manuela Veloso has played a key role in advancing AI research across various industries. Now leading AI efforts at JPMorgan Chase, Veloso is exploring how AI can optimize complex financial systems. Her research spans robotics, AI-powered agents, and financial automation, demonstrating the versatile applications of AI.