Anousheh Ansari

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Anousheh Ansari is an astronaut, author, and hi–tech serial entrepreneur. She is currently the CEO of the XPRIZE Foundation, the world’s leader in designing and operating large incentive competitions to solve humanity’s grand challenges. Anousheh along with her family, sponsored the organization’s first competition, the Ansari XPRIZE, a $10 million competition that ignited a new era for commercial spaceflight. Since then, she has served on XPRIZE’s Board of Directors. 

Prior to being named CEO of XPRIZE, Anousheh co-founded and served as the CEO of Prodea Systems, a leading Internet of Things (IoT) technology firm. In 2006, she captured headlines around the world when she embarked upon an 11-day space expedition, accomplishing her childhood dream of flying to space. As a result of her mission, she became the first female private space explorer, the first astronaut of Iranian descent, and the fourth private explorer to visit space. 

Anousheh serves on the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Future Council and has received numerous honours, including the WEF Young Global Leader, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and STEM Leadership Hall of Fame, among others. She is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and serves on the board of Jabil (NYSE: JBL) and Peace First, as well as several other not-for-profit organizations focused on STEM education, youth empowerment and social entrepreneurship. She published her memoir, “My Dream of Stars” to share her life story as inspiration for young women around the world. 

Anousheh has a BS in electronics and computer engineering from George Mason University, an MS in electrical engineering from George Washington University, and honorary doctorates from George Mason University, Utah Valley University, and International Space University.