Steve Wozniak Speaker Biography
Apple Co-Founder, Silicon Valley Pioneer, Technology Visionary, Entrepreneur, Best-Selling Author, and Innovation Keynote Speaker
Known worldwide as “The Woz,” Steve Wozniak is the legendary engineer who co-founded Apple and helped launch the personal computer revolution. As the primary designer of the Apple I and Apple II computers, Wozniak transformed computing from a hobbyist pursuit into a technology that reshaped business, education, and everyday life. His engineering brilliance, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering curiosity helped build one of the world’s most influential companies while inspiring generations of innovators. Today, Steve Wozniak is one of the world’s most sought-after technology keynote speakers, offering audiences a fascinating firsthand perspective on innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, the future of technology, and the creative thinking that drives breakthrough ideas. His engaging presentations combine humor, insight, and remarkable stories from the earliest days of Silicon Valley with thoughtful observations about where technology is headed next.
Keynote Speaker Steve Wozniak at a Glance
- Co-founder of Apple and legendary Silicon Valley innovator whose engineering breakthroughs helped launch the personal computer revolution.
- Inventor of the Apple I and Apple II computers and recipient of the National Medal of Technology for transforming the way people live, work, and communicate.
- Internationally recognized technology visionary, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and futurist sharing insights on artificial intelligence, innovation, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.
- One of the world’s premier keynote speakers, inspiring audiences with firsthand stories of creativity, risk-taking, leadership, and building one of history’s most influential technology companies.
Helping Launch the Personal Computer Revolution
In 1976, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Computer, forever changing the course of technology history. Wozniak personally designed the Apple I, a groundbreaking personal computer that demonstrated the enormous potential of computing for individuals rather than large institutions. Just one year later, he introduced the Apple II, one of the first highly successful mass-produced personal computers, featuring an integrated keyboard, color graphics, and floppy disk storage. The Apple II became a defining product of the personal computing era and helped establish Apple as an industry leader. Wozniak is listed as the sole inventor on four original Apple patents, and his elegant engineering solutions continue to be studied and admired throughout the technology community. His pioneering work has been portrayed in major Hollywood films, including Steve Jobs, where he was portrayed by Seth Rogen.
Awards, Honors & Lasting Legacy
After returning to the University of California, Berkeley to complete his degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Wozniak continued to receive recognition as one of the world’s most influential engineers and inventors. Among his many honors are the National Medal of Technology, presented by the President of the United States, the prestigious Hoover Medal recognizing engineers for outstanding humanitarian contributions, induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, the Heinz Award for Technology, the Economy and Employment, the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, and numerous honorary doctoral degrees from universities around the world. These distinctions recognize not only his groundbreaking technical achievements but also his lifelong commitment to education, innovation, and public service.
Champion for Education, Innovation & Philanthropy
Throughout his career, Wozniak has remained deeply committed to expanding access to technology education. He has invested significant time and resources supporting schools, educators, and students, believing that hands-on learning and creative problem-solving are essential to preparing future innovators. His philanthropic efforts have included support for the Los Gatos School District, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, The Tech Interactive (formerly The Tech Museum), Silicon Valley Ballet, and the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. His work reflects a lifelong passion for encouraging curiosity, creativity, and scientific exploration among young people.
Entrepreneur, Author & Technology Thought Leader
Beyond Apple, Wozniak has continued to pursue innovative ventures that explore the future of technology and education. He co-founded Woz U, a technology education platform focused on preparing students for careers in software development, cybersecurity, data science, and other high-demand technology fields. He also co-founded EFFORCE, a platform exploring new approaches to financing energy-efficiency projects through blockchain technology. Wozniak is also the author of the iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon, a New York Times bestselling autobiography that chronicles his journey from engineering enthusiast to technology pioneer. His perspectives on innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity continue to influence business leaders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring engineers around the world.
Media Appearances & Popular Culture
Steve Wozniak remains one of the technology industry’s most recognizable personalities. His television appearances include Dancing with the Stars, The Big Bang Theory, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and numerous documentaries and news programs. His life and work have been featured in both the films Jobs and Steve Jobs, introducing new generations to the remarkable story behind Apple’s founding.
Speaking on Artificial Intelligence, Innovation & the Future
Today, Steve Wozniak continues to speak around the world on the rapidly evolving technology landscape. Drawing upon nearly five decades at the forefront of innovation, he offers thoughtful perspectives on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and the future relationship between humans and machines. Organizations value Wozniak’s rare ability to connect the origins of Silicon Valley with today’s technological revolution, providing audiences with practical lessons on creativity, curiosity, leadership, ethical innovation, and the mindset required to build organizations prepared for the future. Whether addressing Fortune 500 executives, technology conferences, universities, or global leadership events, Steve Wozniak delivers an unforgettable look inside one of the most remarkable innovation stories ever told.
Steve Wozniak Speaking Topics
Remarks by Steve Wozniak
Steve Wozniak's quintessential appearances are in the “chat” format; 60 minute dialogues between Woz, a moderator, and the assembled audience. The chat format offers event hosts tremendous control over the content of the appearance and allows for a more unique and highly interactive experience for the audience. Questions asked of Woz during the chat can be based on one or a combination of his core topics. TOPICS: Woz takes a very customized approach to each appearance he accepts and speaks directly with the event host to ensure a topical focus that is unique, conversational, and an excellent tie-in with the overall event. The result is a highly personalized, unforgettable experience delivered by one of the most influential pioneers of the technology industry. His core topics include: • The founding of Apple • Innovation and creativity • Entrepreneurship or thinking like an entrepreneur within a larger company • iWoz, his autobiography • Robotics and automation • Education • His personal vision for the future of technology • The Internet of Things • Wearables • Big Data
iWoz
Technology speaker Steve Wozniak teaches the lessons of Apple to show that business evolution can be achieved from the ground up.
A Conversation with Steve Wozniak
Up to a 60-minute on-stage dialogue and open Q&A between Steve, the interviewer (which we would be happy to assist you in selecting), and your attendees. The interview format offers tremendous control over the content of the appearance and allows for a more unique and highly interactive experience for your attendees. The best way to utilize this format is to identify the topical area that you would like to ask Steve questions about during the conversation – ideally 10 open ended questions for a 60-minute session. Steve is happy to answer questions from a broad variety of areas. We are available to assist with the interview format and content to help you create a dynamic and thought-provoking event.
Robotics/Automation
Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer in 1976. Between Wozniak’s technical ability and Jobs’s mesmerizing energy, they were a powerful team. In this presentation Steve Wozniak shares the backstory as to how Apple came to the world renowned organization we know it as today.
Innovation & Creativity
One of the early innovators of the microcomputer revolution, Wozniak co-founded Apple Computers (now Apple Inc.), designing both the Apple I and the Apple II. He was awarded the National Medal of Technology from President Ronald Reagan for his innovations, which effectively paved the way for the personal computer industry.
Wearables
Steve Wozniak is a gadget guy. He drives a Tesla, rides a Segway, has a remote-controlled device which lights up his luggage at baggage claim, and even uses a toothbrush holder that sticks to the mirror. He loves getting his hands-on new devices, especially innovative wearables. In this presentation, Wozniak talks about the potential of wearables and the direction he thinks they need to go in.
Steve Wozniak Books
iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It
Purchase BookSteve Wozniak Videos
Steve Wozniak Articles
Steve Wozniak Speaker Testimonials
Everything went smoothly. He was great to work with and “worked” the dinner like no other speaker before. I strongly recommend The Woz to any college. He was a hit!
- Student Union Director | The University of Texas-Pan American
“Steve Wozniak’s session at the 2015 NAMM Show will be talked about for years to come. His unique insights on innovation and creativity inspired the audience to look at their businesses differently. Our members were blown away by his generosity, wisdom and authenticity. He’s a living legend, and at the same time, he couldn’t be easier to work with. He received a standing ovation like we’ve never seen at a show.”
- NAMM | Zach Phillips, Director of Professional Development
“Steve Wozniak’s dynamic personality, unique vision, and astute knowledge created a session that NAMM’s audience will never forget. His storytelling was compelling and it came completely nature to him. I enjoyed how he would go on tangents giving the audience a sneak peak into untold stories, which created an authentic moment for them. Woz is truly one of kind!”
- KROC Entertainment | Karen Rocco, Owner
“Thank you so much for everything you have done for us during your stay. The amount of feedback from today’s staff session has been phenomenal, – they could not be more excited. Our clients also thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage in open conversation with you. Your honesty, genuineness, passion and great story telling ability wowed everyone and delivered a truly unique experience for our staff and clients alike. You have both been so lovely to engage with over these past few days and made it such a joy to hold this event.”
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia | Paula Nolan
