Jaime Figueres Ulate

Brainstormer, Business adviser, Consultant, Educator/Teacher, Idea generator, Marketer, Policy maker, Public servant

Consultant in digital transformation and innovation, with over 15 years of experience working with governments, NGOs, international organizations, private companies, and startups. He is the Chief Intelligence Officer of Zeta Intelligence, Director of the NextGen Professionals Program at FUNDEPOS University, and Global Ambassador and Country Chair for the Global Council for Responsible AI. His work focuses on bridging the gap between technology and society through education, public policy, and ethical innovation. Jaime has led smart city initiatives, advised policymakers on AI regulation, and developed training programs for diverse sectors such as education, law, health, and public administration. He is a regular speaker at international forums on technology and AI, including TED2025, AI4, Imagine AI, and Smart Cities Summits. In 2024, he became the first Costa Rican and second Central American to be accepted into the OpenAI Forum. Through his work, Jaime aims to make artificial intelligence a tool for inclusive progress, civic empowerment, and sustainable development in Latin America and beyond.

I’m passionate about helping communities harness the power of technology to solve real problems — not just automate the old ones. I believe in the power of storytelling, education, and public policy to guide innovation in a direction that truly serves people. I care deeply about equity in access to AI, climate-conscious tech, and how we can design the future in a way that reflects both our hopes and our responsibilities. I'm especially passionate about empowering Latin American voices in global conversations about artificial intelligence.

AI can be Latin America's catalyst for equitable progress — but only if we place ethics, education, and inclusion at the heart of technological change. My idea is that artificial intelligence should not be the privilege of a few, but a common good that empowers communities, strengthens democracy, and accelerates sustainable development. We must build more than just smart systems — we must build smart societies. This starts by teaching people how to think critically about AI, how to co-create technology, and how to govern it responsibly. From municipal governments to public schools and startups, everyone should have access to the tools and knowledge to thrive in the age of intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence Digital Transformation Public Policy Smart Cities Strategic Communication Education & Learning Innovation Responsible Tech Governance of Emerging Technologies, Digital Transformation, Education & Learning Innovation, Governance of Emerging Technologies, Public Policy, Responsible Tech, Smart Cities, Strategic Communication

Being selected as a TED Fellow in 2025 is a milestone in my journey to bring responsible AI to the forefront of public life in Latin America. TED has always inspired me to think beyond borders and reimagine what’s possible when we mix ideas, passion, and action. My TED experience is not just about sharing my work — it’s about listening, learning, and building with a global community of thinkers and doers who care about the future as much as I do.

People often get to know me through my work in AI and public policy — but few know about my creative and playful side. I design stained glass pieces by hand, a craft I picked up as a meditative escape that connects me with beauty, light, and patience. I’m also a lifelong gamer and graphic design enthusiast, both of which have shaped the way I think about systems, storytelling, and user experience. I’ve been an entrepreneur for most of my life, always experimenting with new ventures, and I collect vinyl records as a way to preserve history and savor analog sound. I’m also passionate about cocktail culture and hi-fi audio — because there’s something magical about mixing the perfect drink while listening to Miles Davis on a vintage amp.