Sophie Hackford

Sophie Hackford is a renowned futurist, business builder, and speaker, known for synthesizing cutting-edge advancements in technology and science from around the world. With a focus on exploring the complex and evolving relationship between humans and machines, Sophie has delivered over 220 thought-provoking talks to corporate boards and executive teams globally. Her insights challenge leaders to consider the profound impact of emerging technologies, from satellite swarms to AI that demonstrates intuition, sparking meaningful debate on how businesses can navigate and shape the future.

Sophie is an advisor to major organizations like John Deere & Co., where she focuses on the future of food, climate, and agriculture. She also advises New Lab in Brooklyn, a hub for breakthrough technologies. As co-founder and chair of 1715Labs, a spinout from Oxford University's Astrophysics Department, Sophie helped pioneer efforts in labelling data to train algorithms, ensuring that AI systems are built on solid foundations. Her background in science and technology is complemented by her leadership roles at prestigious institutions like WIRED Magazine, Singularity University in Silicon Valley, and the Oxford Martin School at Oxford University, where she raised $120 million for frontier-bending research.

With her ability to connect technological breakthroughs with practical business applications, Sophie is in high demand as a speaker and advisor. Her work challenges conventional thinking and provides strategic foresight for industries looking to understand and leverage the disruptive technologies shaping our future.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sophie is deeply passionate about the ethical development of technology and its societal implications. She advocates for responsible innovation, ensuring that as we become increasingly intertwined with machines, we do so in ways that benefit people, communities, and the planet.