Dr. Helen Papagiannis is a globally recognized authority on artificial intelligence and a pioneer in immersive technologies who has spent more than two decades designing the very systems now reshaping our world. Through her signature AfterNext lens, she helps leaders step out of reactive mode and see the world before it arrives — translating complex technological change into clear, actionable insights that leave audiences energized, confident, and equipped to lead ahead of what’s coming in our AI-shaped future.
The bestselling author of Augmented Human: How Technology is Shaping the New Reality (available in five languages globally), Papagiannis works with leaders worldwide to better navigate AI’s next inflection point as intelligence moves beyond software into the environments, interfaces, and decisions that shape how people see, choose, and trust. Her clients have included Louis Vuitton, Jaguar Land Rover, Microsoft, and Google. She is also a member of The World Economic Forum as a Technology Convergence Partner.
Previously, Papagiannis served as Chief Innovation Officer at Infinity Augmented Reality, later acquired by Alibaba, and as a Senior Research Associate at York University’s Augmented Reality Lab. She also worked at the internationally acclaimed Bruce Mau Design studio, where she was the project lead on “Massive Change: The Future of Global Design”. This 20,000 square foot touring exhibition and bestselling book examined the inventions and technologies reshaping our world.
On stage, Papagiannis challenges leaders to move beyond what’s next and ask a bolder question: what comes after what comes next? Her presentations combine long-range foresight with grounded, real-world application tailored to her audience. She is a two-time TEDx speaker and SXSW presenter, with her TEDx talk celebrated as one of the top 10 talks on augmented reality and gamified life. Her insights have also been featured in The New York Times, WIRED, Harvard Business Review, and Fast Company.
In recognition of her work, Papagiannis has been inducted into the AWE XR Hall of Fame, which celebrates pioneers who have helped build the industry, and is the inaugural recipient of the Pioneer Laureate award from the XR Guild for her ethical leadership and transformative contributions to spatial computing. She is also an Executive Member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences and a long-time Webby Awards judge.