AI Researcher & Business leader
Dr. Maya Ackerman is a world-renowned AI expert. She has been leading research in generative AI since 2015, and co-founded one of the earliest gen AI startups, WaveAI, serving millions of users worldwide. Ackerman specializes in user-centric systems that elevate generative AI from a novelty to an indispensable tool. Author of Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us, Ackerman is a frequent keynote speaker and has appeared on renowned stages, including Microsoft, NVIDIA, IBM Research, Oxford University, Google, and the United Nations. See full CV.
Creative Machines
In Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us, world-renowned AI researcher and generative AI pioneer, Maya Ackerman, takes you on a thrilling journey into the rise of creative AI, from its earliest pioneers to the cutting-edge tools shaping music, art, and human imagination today.
Ackerman cuts through the hype, revealing the true capabilities and limitations of generative AI while championing its potential to amplify human creativity rather than replace it. Drawing on psychology, philosophy, and her own cutting-edge research, she reveals how generative AI exposes both the brilliance and the blind spots of human society―our ingenuity, our biases, our assumptions about intelligence and identity.
Pioneering AI researcher
Dr. Maya Ackerman is a world-renowned AI expert. She has been leading research in generative AI since 2015, and co-founded one of the earliest gen AI startups. A leading figure in the field, Dr. Ackerman holds PhD in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo is an AI Professor at Santa Clara University. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed research publications on AI. See full CV.
business leader
As Co-founder and CEO WaveAI, Ackerman leads one of the earliest Gen AI startups, serving millions of people across the globe. Dr. Ackerman specializes in creating scalable, user-centered systems that elevate generative AI from a fleeting novelty to an indispensable tool. Recognized as a “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, her expertise is featured on NBC News, New Scientist, NPR, and more.
Keynote speaker
A frequent invited and keynote speaker, Dr. Ackerman appeared on renowned stages including the United Nations, Microsoft, IBM Research, Oxford University, Google and Stanford. She is a dynamic and engaging speaker, inspiring audiences to harness the transformative power of AI while equipping them with the tools to lead in an increasingly AI-driven world.
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About Dr. Ackerman
Maya Ackerman, PhD, is a world-renowned expert in artificial intelligence and creativity. As the CEO and Co-Founder of WaveAI, she leads a cutting-edge company empowers people through AI-driven creativity tools. Under her leadership, WaveAI launched LyricStudio, an AI-powered songwriting assistant that helps millions of creators express themselves, leading to chart-topping hits and viral singles.
In addition to her work as an entrepreneur, Dr. Ackerman is a Professor of AI at Santa Clara University, where she shares her deep expertise with students, helping to shape the next generation of innovators. Her academic work is recognized globally, with numerous publications in top-tier AI conferences and journals. As a thought leader in AI, she is a frequent keynote speaker, with venues including Google, IBM Research, Oxford, Microsoft, and the United Nations.
She is also the author of Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us, which traces the rise of creative AI, from pioneering systems to today’s generative models. Blending history, personal stories, and critical insight, the book not only explores how machines are transforming art but also offers a bold vision for the future of human creativity in the age of AI.
Maya’s innovative work in AI creativity has earned her wide media recognition, including features in international outlets such as Forbes, BNC News, and NPR. Her thought leadership extends beyond academia and entrepreneurship, as she frequently contributes to discussions on the ethical implications of AI and its potential to positively impact society. She is also a passionate advocate for gender diversity in technology, encouraging women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in AI and STEM fields.
With her pioneering work in AI creativity and her commitment to empowering people to achieve their creative dreams, Dr. Ackerman has become a prominent figure in both the technology and creative industries. She continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible at the nexus of AI and human imagination, making her a key voice in the ongoing conversation about the future of creativity and innovation.
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For speaking inquiries or questions, please reach out to maya@wave-ai.net and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.