Nicholas Negroponte
Keynote Speaker: Founder of One Laptop per Child, Technologist, Author of "Being Digital"
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Nicholas Negroponte Biography
Nicholas Negroponte is a globally recognized technology visionary with a deep understanding of technology's role in transforming business and society. Known for his forward-thinking insights, he is a sought-after speaker whose extensive experience in digitization positions him as a leading expert on the technological transformations shaping our future. As the founder of One Laptop per Child (OLPC), a non-profit organization, Negroponte has been instrumental in providing children worldwide with opportunities to explore and learn through technology.
After earning two professional degrees in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Negroponte joined its faculty in 1966. His pioneering work in computer graphics, computer-aided design, and human-computer interaction led him to establish the MIT Architecture Machine Group, a lab and think tank that explored innovative approaches to human-computer interaction. He later founded MIT’s Media Lab in 1985, an interdisciplinary research hub that investigates the influence of emerging technologies on daily life and promotes unconventional research methodologies.
Negroponte's contributions extend beyond academia. He was the first investor in "WIRED" magazine, contributing to its focus on the intersection of technology, culture, and politics, and he also wrote a monthly article. His best-selling book, "Being Digital," which details the convergence of interaction, entertainment, and information, has been translated into 40 languages and underscores his reputation as a technology expert. He gave the inaugural TED talk in 1984 and has since presented at the conference over 13 times.
In 2005, Negroponte introduced the $100 laptop, "The Children's Machine," aimed at children aged 6–12 in developing nations, as part of his OLPC initiative. This initiative has deployed $1 billion worth of laptops for primary education in the developing world, benefiting approximately two million children across 40 countries in various languages. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts began with constructing schools in rural Cambodian villages equipped with broadband wireless. Beyond his academic and philanthropic pursuits, Negroponte has made significant contributions to the private sector. He served on the board of directors for Motorola, Inc. from 1995 to 2009 and was a general partner in a venture capital firm that specialized in digital technologies. His investments have supported the launch of over 40 companies, including notable names like Zagats, Skype, and Ambient Devices.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Nicholas Negroponte and other top speakers and celebrities.
Nicholas Negroponte Speaking Topics
The history of innovation is testimony to questioning assumptions and given truths about our world. Particularly in technology, Nicholas Negroponte provokes questions today about how students are better taught through technology – not the way you probably think – or questioning the prevailing condemnation of genetically modified foods to nuclear power are based on wisdom or short term considerations. Consider that at the times when Negroponte was advocating the creation of MIT’s Media Lab, underwriting Wired magazine, authoring “Being Digital,” a New York Times #1 bestseller, to starting the initiative to give poverty-stricken and education-deprived children computers, the worldwide consensus was, on each occasion, opposed to these innovations. When did an innovation ever come from consensus?
What if we have learning all wrong? The industrialization of schooling, says Nicholas Negroponte, has replaced our natural wonder of learning with an obsessive focus on facts. We treat knowing as a surrogate for learning even though experience tells us it is quite possible to know about something while utterly failing to understand it. Compounding this, he says, is our fatally flawed belief that anything can be taught and there is a perfect way to teach everything. The lesson doesn’t just apply to children or to developing countries either. In a provocative discussion, Negroponte ponders how our world would be a better place if we focused less on measuring what we tell people and more on understanding how they discover.
Global access to the “digital world” – by children and poorer nations – carries unprecedented potential to bridge education divides, transform learning and improve skills for the globalized economy. Nicholas Negroponte believes the results will drive local value and identity, spur global understanding and ultimately, create a more peaceful planet. He discusses the impetus behind his pioneering One Laptop per Child program and his more recent reading experiment in Africa as examples of how technology is transforming education while helping break down national borders.
In the developing world, we are sharing the wrong message about entrepreneurship and what constitutes success. A 12-year-old from Sierra Leone made a battery out of garbage, an achievement celebrated by many. But the accomplishment wasn’t the battery; it was the style of thought that led him there. When we become focused on the outcome and attach our work to it, we find ourselves resistant to trying new things and putting forth our best, innovative efforts. Nicholas Negroponte, drawing insight and inspiration from personal experiences throughout the globe, delves into why this is and how we should instead attach worth to effort – making the innovation process itself exciting and rewarding regardless of outcome.
Nicholas Negroponte’s 1995 book “Being Digital” gave a glimpse into the world we now occupy – complete with wireless, touch screens, ebooks and personalized news. In the 20 years since, digital has shifted from revolution to civilization. We now live, work and play in a digital age (to the extent our culture, infrastructure and economy allow, in that order). And like air and drinking water, being digital will only be noticed in its absence, not its presence, he explains. As we move beyond digital, Negroponte gives us another glimpse of the surprising changes and possibilities that lie ahead. He explores several forces of change that he predicts will – and some that already are – affect the planet profoundly, including extreme bionics, real artificial intelligence and connectivity as a human right.
Nicholas Negroponte Videos
How do I book Nicholas Negroponte to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Nicholas Negroponte for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Nicholas Negroponte, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Nicholas Negroponte or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Nicholas Negroponte for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Nicholas Negroponte, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Nicholas Negroponte, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Nicholas Negroponte speak about?
Nicholas Negroponte is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Futurism, Technology, Creativity, Business Leadership, Neurodiversity, Belonging and Leadership.
Where does Nicholas Negroponte travel from?
Nicholas Negroponte generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Nicholas Negroponte?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Nicholas Negroponte for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Nicholas Negroponte for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Nicholas Negroponte or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Nicholas Negroponte is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Futurism and Technology. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Nicholas Negroponte generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Toby Cosgrove, Jimmy Wales and Chris Hughes. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Nicholas Negroponte for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Nicholas Negroponte Speaking Topics
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Technology: Always Think of the Provocative
The history of innovation is testimony to questioning assumptions and given truths about our world. Particularly in technology, Nicholas Negroponte provokes questions today about how students are better taught through technology – not the way you probably think – or questioning the prevailing condemnation of genetically modified foods to nuclear power are based on wisdom or short term considerations. Consider that at the times when Negroponte was advocating the creation of MIT’s Media Lab, underwriting Wired magazine, authoring “Being Digital,” a New York Times #1 bestseller, to starting the initiative to give poverty-stricken and education-deprived children computers, the worldwide consensus was, on each occasion, opposed to these innovations. When did an innovation ever come from consensus?
-
Righting the Wrongs of How We Learn
What if we have learning all wrong? The industrialization of schooling, says Nicholas Negroponte, has replaced our natural wonder of learning with an obsessive focus on facts. We treat knowing as a surrogate for learning even though experience tells us it is quite possible to know about something while utterly failing to understand it. Compounding this, he says, is our fatally flawed belief that anything can be taught and there is a perfect way to teach everything. The lesson doesn’t just apply to children or to developing countries either. In a provocative discussion, Negroponte ponders how our world would be a better place if we focused less on measuring what we tell people and more on understanding how they discover.
-
Creating a More Peaceful Planet through Technology
Global access to the “digital world” – by children and poorer nations – carries unprecedented potential to bridge education divides, transform learning and improve skills for the globalized economy. Nicholas Negroponte believes the results will drive local value and identity, spur global understanding and ultimately, create a more peaceful planet. He discusses the impetus behind his pioneering One Laptop per Child program and his more recent reading experiment in Africa as examples of how technology is transforming education while helping break down national borders.
-
True Innovation Shouldn’t Focus on the Outcomes – Celebrate the Process
In the developing world, we are sharing the wrong message about entrepreneurship and what constitutes success. A 12-year-old from Sierra Leone made a battery out of garbage, an achievement celebrated by many. But the accomplishment wasn’t the battery; it was the style of thought that led him there. When we become focused on the outcome and attach our work to it, we find ourselves resistant to trying new things and putting forth our best, innovative efforts. Nicholas Negroponte, drawing insight and inspiration from personal experiences throughout the globe, delves into why this is and how we should instead attach worth to effort – making the innovation process itself exciting and rewarding regardless of outcome.
-
The Digital Civilization
Nicholas Negroponte’s 1995 book “Being Digital” gave a glimpse into the world we now occupy – complete with wireless, touch screens, ebooks and personalized news. In the 20 years since, digital has shifted from revolution to civilization. We now live, work and play in a digital age (to the extent our culture, infrastructure and economy allow, in that order). And like air and drinking water, being digital will only be noticed in its absence, not its presence, he explains. As we move beyond digital, Negroponte gives us another glimpse of the surprising changes and possibilities that lie ahead. He explores several forces of change that he predicts will – and some that already are – affect the planet profoundly, including extreme bionics, real artificial intelligence and connectivity as a human right.
VIDEO
Nicholas Negroponte Videos
NEWS
Nicholas Negroponte News
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Beyond the Digital Age: At BIOMEDevice Boston, MIT Media Lab Co ...
Co-Founder of MIT Media Lab and author of Being Digital, Nicholas Negroponte will present surprising changes and possibilities as our digital civilization ...
FAQS
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How do I book Nicholas Negroponte to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Nicholas Negroponte for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Nicholas Negroponte, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Nicholas Negroponte or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Nicholas Negroponte for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Nicholas Negroponte, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Nicholas Negroponte, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Nicholas Negroponte speak about?
Nicholas Negroponte is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Futurism, Technology, Creativity, Business Leadership, Neurodiversity, Belonging and Leadership. -
Where does Nicholas Negroponte travel from?
Nicholas Negroponte generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Nicholas Negroponte?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Nicholas Negroponte for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Nicholas Negroponte for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Nicholas Negroponte or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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