Christopher Helms Ategeka

Chris Ategeka, a multifaceted engineer, entrepreneur, author, and TED speaker, is a force of innovation and social impact. Born in a small village in rural Uganda and overcoming extreme poverty, Chris lost both parents to HIV/AIDS by age seven. His resilience led him to Y.E.S. Uganda, an orphanage that provided him with an education. Eventually, he moved to Oakland, attending community college before enrolling at UC Berkeley, where he earned both a Bachelor's and Master's in Mechanical Engineering.

At Berkeley, Chris' passion for engineering and social change was evident. He founded CA Bikes, helping Ugandans build and repair bicycles, which later evolved into Rides for Lives, creating bicycle ambulances and mobile clinics for accessible medical care in Uganda. His commitment to healthcare led to establishing Health Access Corps, a nonprofit supporting healthcare professionals in underserved African communities.

A visionary in technology's societal impact, Chris founded UCOT Inc., the world's first center addressing the unintended consequences of technology. He popularized the term "UCOT," advocating for responsible tech development. His entrepreneurial journey includes founding Hourglass Ventures, supporting underprivileged African entrepreneurs, and authoring books on diverse topics, particularly the intersection of AI and human potential.

Chris's work has garnered international recognition, including being named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, TED Fellow, and Forbes 30 Under 30. His impact extends to prestigious speaking engagements at the United Nations and Clinton Global Initiative. With a life dedicated to engineering solutions for global challenges and exploring the ethical dimensions of technology, Chris Ategeka embodies a blend of technical brilliance, entrepreneurial spirit, and a profound commitment to social good.