Maya Ackerman
CEO of WaveAI & AI Professor at Santa Clara University
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Speaker Reel (2026, bureau-friendly)
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As AI rapidly transforms every industry, the ability to innovate has never been more important. Success in the age of AI depends on learning new tools and, more than that, on awakening the uniquely human creative spark that drives breakthrough ideas. In this inspiring and practical talk, AI researcher and entrepreneur Maya Ackerman shares powerful techniques for silencing the inner critic and using AI as a partner in innovation. Based on her leadership in building creative AI tools that serve millions of creators worldwide, along with her own creative pursuits, she shows how individuals and organizations can combine human imagination with AI to open new possibilities and lead their industries in the age of AI.
Once the stuff of science fiction, creative machines are now reshaping culture and daily life. Can AI be creative, and what does it mean for machines to engage in artistic expression? And how do we forge a human-centric future in this new era? Maya Ackerman invites us to rethink the relationship between humans and machines, seeing it not as a tale of replacement but as a story of imagination and of the future we choose to build together.
About Maya
Dr. Maya Ackerman is an AI researcher and entrepreneur who also sings opera, named "Woman of Influence" by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. She is a Computer Engineering Professor at Santa Clara University and CEO/Co-founder of WaveAI Inc., where she developed ALYSIA, an AI system for songwriting that has served millions of users globally through products like LyricStudio and MelodyStudio.
Her career began with fundamental machine learning research at the University of Waterloo, where she earned her PhD in Computer Science, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at Caltech and UC San Diego. She later pivoted to computational creativity research, leading founding one of the earliest generative AI music startups, WaveAI's, in 2017. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications cited more than 1,500 times, her research spans music and text generation, plus generative art. She is also the author of "Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us" (Wiley, 2025), a book exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity.
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Achievements
- Pioneer in generative AI research since 2014
- PhD in Computer Science, University of Waterloo
- Postdoctoral fellowships at Caltech and UC San Diego
- CEO & Co-Founder of WaveAI, whose AI creative tools are used by millions
- 50+ peer-reviewed publications with 1,500+ citations
- Named "Woman of Influence" by Silicon Valley Business Journal
- Author of "Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us"
- Research utilized by US Congress and Amnesty International
- 60+ speaking engagements worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics does Maya Ackerman speak about?
Maya speaks on generative AI, the future of creativity in the AI era, human-centered AI, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the intersection of art and technology. Her keynotes draw on her experience as both a leading AI researcher and a CEO building creative AI tools used by millions.
What types of events is Maya best suited for?
Maya is an excellent fit for corporate conferences, innovation summits, technology forums, academic events, and leadership retreats. She has spoken at Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, the United Nations, Stanford, and Oxford University.
Can Maya customize her presentation for our event?
Yes. Maya tailors every keynote and workshop to the audience, adjusting technical depth and focusing on the industry and the applications of creative AI most relevant to your organization.
Does Maya offer workshops in addition to keynotes?
Yes. Both of Maya's keynotes are available as interactive workshops (90 to 120 minutes), featuring hands-on exercises with AI creative tools and group activities that end in practical takeaways. Workshops can be delivered in person or virtually, including in hybrid format.
Does Maya speak at virtual or hybrid events?
Yes. Maya delivers engaging virtual and hybrid presentations and has extensive experience with remote audiences. Her workshops are also available in virtual and hybrid formats.
How long is a typical Maya Ackerman keynote?
Most keynotes run 45 to 60 minutes including Q&A. Maya is also available for fireside chats and panel discussions, plus extended workshop sessions of 90 to 120 minutes.
What is Maya Ackerman's speaking fee?
Fees vary depending on the event format and travel requirements, plus any customization. Submit an inquiry through the booking form and our team will respond within 24 hours with availability and pricing.
How far in advance should we book Maya?
We recommend booking 2 to 6 months in advance, especially for large conferences and peak seasons. For urgent requests, reach out and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Where is Maya based?
Maya is based in the San Francisco Bay Area (Silicon Valley). She travels throughout the US and internationally for speaking engagements.
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