Cathy Hackl
CEO, Future Dynamics | External Partner, BCG Frontier Tech | Futurist-in-Residence, Nokia | Newsweek Top 25 AI Visionary
Catherine Ball
Scientific Futurist | Associate Professor, ANU School of Cybernetics | Bestselling Author of Converge | Founder, World of Drones & Robotics Congress | XPRIZE Visioneer
Technology doesn't happen to us—we shape it. Catherine Ball has spent her career at this intersection of possibility and purpose. As the scientific futurist who founded the world's largest drone and robotics conference, bestselling author of Converge, and Associate Professor at Australian National University, she helps leaders understand how AI, robotics, and emerging technologies are converging to reshape industries. Her message is clear: the future belongs to organizations that embrace technology with strategic intent and human purpose.
Want to book Catherine Ball as a speaker for your event? Please provide the info below and we’ll get in touch within 24h:
Catherine Ball biography
Catherine Ball is an award-winning scientific futurist speaker, bestselling author, and one of the world’s leading voices on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and human-machine collaboration. As an Associate Professor at the Australian National University’s School of Cybernetics and Honorary Associate Professor at the 3AI Institute, she bridges cutting-edge research with practical business applications, helping organizations navigate the convergence of technology, humanity, and environmental sustainability.
Ball gained international recognition as founder of the World of Drones and Robotics Congress, established in Brisbane in 2017, which became the largest drone and robotics conference globally. Her pioneering work demonstrated how drones and autonomous systems could address humanitarian and environmental challenges, from tracking endangered species and managing bushfire risks to locating lost wilderness hikers. This work earned her recognition as one of the World’s 50 Most Renowned Women in Robotics and positioned Australia as a global leader in ethical technology deployment.
Her influence extends far beyond academia and entrepreneurship. Ball serves as the only Australian on the International Advisory Board of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, following her role as judge for the Ocean Discovery XPRIZE. She is an XPRIZE Visioneer and member of their Global Brains Trust, advising on breakthrough innovations that address humanity’s grand challenges. Ball is also a board director for Aviation Australia and serves on the international advisory board for Ocean Impact Org, advancing ocean conservation through technology.
Bestselling Author and Thought Leader
Ball is the bestselling author of Converge: A Futurist’s Insights into the Potential of Our World as Technology and Humanity Collide, which explores how artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies are merging to create unprecedented opportunities. Her forthcoming book Emerge continues this exploration of cutting-edge technologies including quantum computing and space exploration. Bell’s writing combines rigorous research with accessible storytelling, making complex technological concepts understandable to business leaders and general audiences alike.
This keynote speaker’s academic credentials include a BSc Honours in Environmental Protection and a PhD in Spatial Ecology and Descriptive Statistics from Newcastle University, UK, plus an honorary Doctor of Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Ball has received numerous accolades including the 2015 National Telstra Business Woman of the Year and recognition as a Financial Review and Westpac 100 Woman of Influence.
As a speaker, Catherine Ball brings rare credibility that combines scientific rigor with entrepreneurial achievement and storytelling ability. Her presentations demystify emerging technologies while providing strategic frameworks for leaders navigating digital transformation, AI integration, and Industry 5.0. Audiences value her optimistic yet pragmatic approach to technology adoption, her emphasis on ethical implementation, and her ability to connect technological change to human purpose and environmental stewardship.
Catherine Ball Speaking Videos
Dr Catherine Ball keynote speaker showreel
Who runs the drones? Girls. | Dr Catherine Ball | TEDxMelbourne
Catherine Ball Keynote Topics
Ball explores how artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing workplace dynamics as machines transition from tools to colleagues. Drawing from cutting-edge research and real-world implementations, she examines the rise of hybrid humans, AI-driven digital twins, and the transformation of recruitment, talent management, and leadership. Leaders learn how to ethically integrate AI while optimizing both human and machine performance, preparing their organizations for workforces where the distinction between human and artificial intelligence becomes increasingly nuanced. This session provides actionable frameworks for building cultures where humans and AI systems collaborate effectively.
Based on her bestselling book Converge, Ball demonstrates how the merging of artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and other technologies creates unprecedented opportunities for businesses willing to think beyond traditional boundaries. She unpacks how once-separate innovations are now converging, blurring industry lines and enabling entirely new business models. Organizations learn how to identify convergence opportunities in their sectors, build teams capable of cross-disciplinary innovation, and position themselves strategically as technological boundaries dissolve. Ball provides practical roadmaps for thriving in a world where physical and digital, human and machine, are increasingly integrated.
Ball presents Industry 5.0 not as a rejection of automation but as an evolution that places human wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and societal purpose alongside productivity. She demonstrates how leading organizations are embracing technologies like AI and robotics while keeping humans at the center of decision-making and value creation. Audiences discover how to leverage automation for meaningful work rather than just efficiency, build innovation cultures that serve multiple stakeholders, and create sustainable competitive advantages by aligning technology strategy with broader purpose. This session is essential for leaders who recognize that future success requires technology that serves humanity, not replaces it.
Ball takes audiences beyond video calls to explore how immersive technologies, digital twins, and space-age communication systems are redefining collaboration. She examines how the metaverse enables virtual offices that replicate physical presence, how organizations will manage distributed teams across vast distances including interplanetary scales, and what these changes mean for leadership, culture, and productivity. Leaders gain insights into emerging collaboration technologies, strategies for preparing teams for immersive work environments, and frameworks for maintaining human connection as work becomes increasingly digital and distributed. This forward-looking session helps organizations prepare for radical transformations in how and where work happens.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Catherine Ball
Why Catherine Ball?
Booking Catherine Ball for your event brings a scientific futurist who combines academic authority, entrepreneurial success, and exceptional communication skills. As Associate Professor at Australian National University and founder of the world's largest drone and robotics conference, Ball offers unparalleled insights into AI, emerging technologies, human-machine collaboration, and Industry 5.0. Her bestselling book Converge has established her as a leading voice on technological convergence, while her work with XPRIZE, Schmidt Ocean Institute, and multiple technology ventures demonstrates real-world impact. Ball's presentations don't just explain technology—they provide strategic frameworks for ethical implementation, competitive advantage, and purpose-driven innovation. Her ability to demystify complex concepts makes her invaluable for leadership teams, innovation summits, and organizations navigating digital transformation. Her track record includes advising Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and startups across technology adoption, diversity in STEM, and sustainable innovation. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to book Catherine Ball for your next corporate event, technology conference, or leadership summit.
What is Catherine Ball's background?
Catherine Ball holds a BSc Honours in Environmental Protection and a PhD in Spatial Ecology and Descriptive Statistics from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. She was recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. After completing her doctorate, Ball worked across environmental monitoring projects globally, using emerging technologies like drones to study wildlife and ecosystems. This experience sparked her passion for demonstrating how technology could serve humanitarian and environmental needs. She founded multiple successful ventures including World of Drones and Robotics Global, which runs the annual World of Drones and Robotics Congress, and World of Drones Education, providing free STEM resources. Ball has won numerous business and technology awards, including the 2015 National Telstra Business Woman of the Year. She currently operates globally with operations in Sydney, London, and Singapore, balancing academic roles with entrepreneurship and advisory work.
What is Industry 5.0 and why does Catherine Ball focus on it?
Industry 5.0 represents the next evolution beyond Industry 4.0's focus on automation and digitalization. While Industry 4.0 emphasized efficiency through technology, Industry 5.0 places human wellbeing, sustainability, and societal purpose at the center of technological advancement. Catherine Ball champions this movement because it aligns technology deployment with environmental protection and social equity—core values throughout her career. Industry 5.0 recognizes that technology should serve people and planet, not just productivity metrics. Ball's concept of "Gaian cybernetics"—how humans, technology, and environment work together to solve problems—exemplifies this philosophy. She demonstrates how organizations can leverage AI, robotics, and other emerging technologies while maintaining human dignity, creating meaningful work, and protecting natural systems. Her presentations help leaders understand that the most successful organizations will be those that embrace technology with purpose, building cultures where innovation serves human flourishing alongside business objectives.
What topics does futurist speaker Catherine Ball cover?
Catherine Ball specializes in artificial intelligence and the future of work, human-machine collaboration and hybrid workforces, emerging technologies including drones and robotics, Industry 5.0 and purpose-driven innovation, digital transformation strategy, diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, environmental technology and sustainable innovation, the convergence of AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing, ethical technology deployment, and the metaverse and future of remote collaboration. Her keynotes address how organizations can prepare for AI colleagues and augmented teams, navigate the ethical challenges of emerging technologies, build innovation cultures that embrace convergence thinking, and leverage technology for competitive advantage while maintaining human values. She is particularly effective for technology conferences, leadership summits, innovation forums, and corporate events where senior executives need strategic frameworks for navigating rapid technological change. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to discuss how Catherine Ball can customize her presentations to address your organization's specific challenges and opportunities in the age of technological convergence.
How to book Catherine Ball as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Catherine Ball as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Catherine Ball's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Catherine Ball or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Catherine Ball speaking fee?
Catherine Ball speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Catherine Ball to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Catherine Ball.
How can I contact Catherine Ball?
We only work with Catherine Ball on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Catherine Ball and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Catherine Ball speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Catherine Ball for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Catherine Ball for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Catherine Ball is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Catherine Ball for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
