Mary Lou Jepsen

Telepathy was once the preserve of science fiction. Thanks to Mary Lou Jepsen, the ability to read minds could be the function of a common wearable device within the next several years. An engineer and physicist, Jepsen leverages methods of capturing and interpreting brain signals previously used with fMRI. Using machine learning and big data analysis reconstructed images are remarkably similar to the real-world objects and scenes that subjects think about. With neuroscience having proven that images, words and emotions can really be extracted from the brain, Jepsen is now perfecting a wearable device in the form of a hat – a “thinking cap” – that allows people to show others what is on their minds in daily interactions. In this presentation, Jepsen discusses her technology, its potential impact on the world and how we can successfully bring it to fruition without allowing it to go too far. In particular, she delves into the ethical implications of mind-reading technology and how consideration of privacy rights needs to be at the forefront of development.

MRI technology is both expensive and potentially harmful. What if a completely safe (as well as cheap) method of seeing deep inside our bodies and brains could be devised? Mary Lou Jepsen has been working to improve medical imaging since her life was saved when she was young, by a scan that detected a deadly tumor. Having only survived because a generous professor agreed to pay for the scan, Jepsen seeks to make imaging widely available and affordable to people throughout the world. Jepsen has developed methods of using light to view inside the human body and brain, even through bone. In this presentation based on her groundbreaking TED Talk, Jepsen demonstrates to audiences how she utilizes the body’s natural translucence to use only light in accomplishing what once took a large, expensive and potentially harmful machine. She also reveals the opportunities for health care manufacturers to dramatically expand the market for medical imaging.

Innovation is a critical component for companies looking to remain competitive in today’s fast-paced business landscape. But how can businesses successfully innovate without risking their employees’ jobs or wasting valuable resources? As a serial innovator who has founded four startups and incubated even more in the halls of tech giants Facebook, Google and Intel, Mary Lou Jepsen understands how to leverage the creative engine in an organization to unleash a world-changing mindset. A former MIT professor who was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world and a CNN Top 10 thinker, Jepsen brings practical advice on choosing profitable projects, failing successfully and successfully commercializing groundbreaking ideas. A gifted storyteller, Jepsen relates tales from her time at the MIT Media Lab and at her current startup, Openwater, to illustrate how to leverage thoughts and critique from the entire world to move quickly. Profoundly brilliant, yet down-to-earth and highly relatable, Jepsen’s blueprint for winning at innovation breathes fresh life into any organization, creating lasting energy and positive change.

Medical conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, strokes and depression have had catastrophic effects on individuals and families for hundreds of years. Imaging pioneer, physicis, inventor and serial innovator Mary Lou Jepsen is applying her skills as a leading tech expert and entrepreneur to create wearable solutions that can potentially alleviate these conditions – or even stop them in their tracks. A former MIT professor and tech executive who incubated startups at Facebook, Google and Intel, Jepsen founded her company Openwater to bring cutting-edge imaging technology together with the latest advancements in neuroscience to create wearable devices that will change our lives. Down to earth, clear and relatable, Jepsen welcomes audiences to share her excitement as she explains how she works with her team to develop visors that could detect strokes before they cause irreparable harm, ultrasound devices to cure inoperable brain tumors, resonant treatments for depression and other incredible innovations. Named the Forbes 50 Over 50 list in the Entrepreneurs category in 2022 and one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, Jepsen’s infectious enthusiasm and inspiring story of how she’s taking on the world’s biggest challenges proves to be an unforgettable combination.