Neil Sahota: Book Neil Sahota for your event
Neil Sahota (萨冠军) stands out as a global authority on artificial intelligence, innovation, and strategic transformation. As CEO of ACSI Labs, United Nations AI Advisor, IBM Master Inventor, UC Irvine professor, and bestselling author of Own the A.I. Revolution, he brings a rare combination of hands-on expertise and forward-thinking vision. With more than two decades of business experience, Neil helps organizations shape core strategies, identify new market opportunities, and build next-generation solutions powered by emerging technology.
His background spans legal services, healthcare, life sciences, retail, travel and transportation, energy and utilities, automotive, telecommunications, media, and government. This breadth allows him to translate complex AI concepts into clear, actionable direction for executives, teams, and entrepreneurs. Neil’s approach is grounded in real-world outcomes, focusing on scalable impact rather than theoretical possibilities.
Global impact & United Nations leadership
Neil’s work with the United Nations has made him a central figure in AI for social good. He co-founded the UN’s AI for Good Initiative and continues to help expand its ecosystem of strategic partnerships. His efforts include shaping programs that use emerging technologies to solve societal challenges, empower local communities, and support global sustainability goals.
He also helped create the UN’s Innovation Factory, a global platform supporting social impact entrepreneurs. Through this role, Neil mentors founders, evaluates technologies, and guides projects aimed at improving lives at scale. His work reflects a commitment to using innovation as a force for positive, lasting change.
Neil’s leadership journey also includes being selected for IBM’s Corporate Service Corps, a program that pairs top leaders with NGOs to execute community-driven economic development projects. During his assignment in Ningbo, China, he collaborated with corporate CEOs to build a leadership development program that remains a model for cross-cultural organizational growth.
Entrepreneurial guidance & venture expertise
Beyond corporate and global initiatives, Neil is deeply involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He partners with founders to define products, identify markets, shape company structures, and build sustainable growth paths. His experience extends across several investor communities, including Tech Coast Angels, and he serves as an advisor to venture capital firms such as Miramar and CerraCap.
Neil acts as a judge in startup competitions and mentors teams in incubator and accelerator programs around the world. His guidance blends market insight with strategic clarity, helping early-stage companies innovate with purpose and scale with confidence.
Startup ecosystem highlights:
- Advises global venture funds and angel networks
- Mentors social-impact entrepreneurs through the UN Innovation Factory
- Judges international startup competitions
- Guides founders on product definition, target markets, and company structure
Media, communication & thought leadership
Neil reaches global audiences through multiple communication platforms, including his co-hosted podcast AI for All with Ryan Chacon. The show features conversations with AI leaders, researchers, academics, and innovators about advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and robotics. His discussions offer clarity in a fast-moving landscape, making complex topics accessible and engaging.
As a bestselling author, his book Own the A.I. Revolution continues to be a widely used roadmap for organizations exploring AI transformation. Whether speaking to executives, students, or global audiences, Neil blends storytelling with practical insights that empower people to navigate technological change with confidence.
Commitment to social good & nonprofit leadership
Neil’s dedication to social impact runs throughout his career. He volunteers with several nonprofits and contributes his expertise to projects focused on protecting vulnerable communities and fostering global sustainability. He is currently supporting the Zero Abuse Project to help prevent child sexual abuse and assisting Planet Home in efforts to engage youth culture in sustainability initiatives.
Over the last twelve years, Neil has served on multiple nonprofit and corporate boards, including Inteleos, Computing for Humanity, Legalmation, Lingmo, and Shineville. His governance work spans technology, education, global health, and social impact, reinforcing his commitment to applying innovation for the greater good.
Why audiences connect with Neil Sahota
Whether speaking to executives, entrepreneurs, governments, or educators, Neil brings clarity, energy, and transformative insight. His sessions deliver a blend of strategic foresight, technological understanding, and genuine passion for human-centered progress. Participants walk away with a stronger sense of direction, empowered to innovate, adapt, and lead in a rapidly changing world.