Steve Wozniak, widely recognised as “The Woz,” is a legendary Silicon Valley innovator and philanthropist who co-founded Apple Inc. and helped shape the modern computing era. Best known for engineering the Apple I and Apple II, Wozniak’s groundbreaking contributions laid the foundation for personal computing and influenced the development of the Macintosh. Today, he speaks globally on the future of technology, entrepreneurship within organisations, and the founding principles behind Apple. His key topics include innovation, creative thinking, AI, blockchain, robotics, automation, electric vehicles, self-driving technology, wearable tech, bitcoin and cryptocurrency, as well as the future of education. His autobiography iWoz remains a bestselling insight into one of tech’s most creative minds.
It started off in 1976, when Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer. The following year, he introduced his Apple II personal computer, featuring a central processing unit, a keyboard, colour graphics, and a floppy disk drive. The Apple II was integral in launching the personal computer industry.
In 1981, he went back to UC Berkeley and finished his degree in electrical engineering/computer science. For his achievements at Apple, Wozniak was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in 1985, the highest honour bestowed on America’s leading innovators.
In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.
Through the years, Wozniak has been involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on computer capabilities in schools and stressing hands-on learning and encouraging creativity for students.
Making significant investments of both his time and resources in education, he adopted the Los Gatos School District, providing students and teachers with hands-on teaching and donations of state-of-the-art technology equipment. He founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. In 2014, he was awarded the Hoover Medal, a prestigious honour given for “outstanding extra-career services by engineers to humanity,” and was inducted into the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame.
Wozniak is Chief Scientist at Primary Data and is a published author with the release of his New York Times best-selling autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon by Norton Publishing. His television appearances include: ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and The Big Bang Theory, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Conan, and The Tonight Show.
Credentials: Co-Founder of Apple
Books: iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon by Norton Publishing
In the media: Wozniak: I didn’t reduce chip count for manufacturing. I wanted to prove I was clever
For booking enquires: Contact Oration Speakers to ensure access to his keynote engagements and official scheduling.