Co-Founder of Open Bionics, Second Place in Intel’s Global ‘Make It Wearable’ Challenge, Spoke at the UKTI Brazil Wearables Conference & Named One of the Top 25 Women in Robotics

Samantha Payne is the co-founder of Open Bionics, an award-winning company that pioneers affordable bionic technology for amputees and individuals born without a hand. Her work has positioned the organisation among the top 50 robotics companies in the world alongside global giants such as Google and Amazon. Since launching in 2014, Samantha has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s vision, growth, and international recognition, securing major investment, industry partnerships, and acclaim for her leadership in advancing accessible robotics and human-focused innovation.

Credentials and Impact

Samantha began her journey with a focus on business development before pursuing advanced entrepreneurship training. She completed a three-month programme in Lean Start-up principles at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, gaining practical expertise in scaling innovative ventures. This education provided her with the foundation to combine strategic thinking with technical innovation. In 2014, she co-founded Open Bionics with the vision of making prosthetic technology affordable and accessible. Later that year, she and her co-founder entered Intel’s Global Make It Wearable challenge, achieving second place against more than 400 competitors. The recognition and prize funding helped position Open Bionics as a pioneering force in the prosthetics industry.

Samantha’s growth was further shaped by mentorship from leading figures at Lego, Pixar, and Apple, whose guidance broadened her knowledge of design, creativity, and business strategy. Over the years, she has built a reputation as a respected leader in AI and technology, admired for her ability to bridge cutting-edge research with practical application. Her career continues to inspire entrepreneurs, engineers, and technologists to innovate with a focus on social impact.

Publications and Media

Samantha regularly contributes to the global conversation on robotics and technology through keynote appearances and media features. She has spoken at major conferences, including giving a keynote speech at the UKTI Brazil Wearables Conference, Smart Nation in Singapore, and the 3D Print Show’s Medical Conference in Berlin. Her insights have been profiled in leading publications, and she is frequently invited to share her expertise across international platforms exploring the future of AI, robotics, and healthcare innovation.

Why Hire Samantha Payne?

Samantha is booked as a speaker in AI and technology because she combines entrepreneurial expertise with an inspiring story of innovation and social impact. She captivates audiences by showing how accessible technology can transform lives, drawing on her experience building Open Bionics into a world-leading robotics company. Her keynote talks provide valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and disruptive business strategies, while also offering a glimpse into the future of human–technology interaction.

Recognised globally for her work, including being named one of the top 25 women in robotics to know, Samantha brings authority and authenticity to every stage. Her international speaking record, from Europe to Asia and South America, makes her a versatile voice for diverse audiences. Organisations invite her not only for her deep knowledge of AI and robotics but also for her ability to inspire teams to think differently about innovation, technology, and inclusivity.

To book Samantha to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.