Juan Enríquez

Co-Founded Excel Venture Management, Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Co-Organised “The Future of Life” Global Summit & Founding Director of the Life Sciences Project at Harvard Business School

Juan Enríquez’s Biography:

Juan Enríquez is a leading authority on the economic and social impact of life sciences, genomics and emerging technologies. Recognised globally for explaining how scientific breakthroughs reshape business, politics, ethics and human development, Juan has become one of the world’s most sought after keynote speakers on innovation and the future of humanity. His work explores the intersection of genetics, artificial intelligence, economics and leadership, helping organisations understand how rapid technological change will redefine industries and societies. Through bestselling books, influential research and advisory roles across business and academia, Juan is known for translating highly complex scientific ideas into compelling and accessible insights. Audiences hire Juan because he combines visionary thinking with real world political, economic and scientific experience, delivering keynote presentations that are both intellectually rigorous and immediately relevant to global business leaders.

Juan’s academic and professional career reflects an exceptional breadth of expertise across science, economics and public policy. He served in senior economic policy roles for the Mexican government before becoming Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State. During the Zapatista cease fire rebellion in Mexico, Juan was appointed as a primary peace negotiator, demonstrating his ability to operate at the highest levels of political strategy and diplomacy. He later moved into academia and became the Founding Director of the Life Sciences Project at Harvard Business School, where he examined how advances in biology would transform global commerce and healthcare. His pioneering research led to the publication of the influential book ‘As the Future Catches You: How Genomics Will Change Your Life, Work, Health, and Wealth’, which established him as one of the foremost voices on the future impact of genomics.

Juan is also widely respected as an entrepreneur, investor and bestselling author whose ideas directly influence business strategy and innovation. He co-founded Excel Venture Management, a firm investing in early stage life sciences and synthetic biology companies, giving him first hand insight into the technologies shaping the future economy. His books including ‘The Untied States of America: Polarization, Fracturing, and Our Future’, ‘Evolving Ourselves: Redesigning Humanity One Gene at a Time’ and ‘Right/Wrong: How Technology Transforms Our Ethics’ examine political division, human evolution and the ethical consequences of emerging technologies. These works have positioned Juan as a trusted advisor for organisations navigating uncertainty and disruption. Event organisers hire Juan as a keynote speaker because he delivers forward thinking, deeply informed presentations that challenge audiences to rethink leadership, innovation and the future of human society.

Why Hire Juan Enríquez?

Juan’s influence extends far beyond academia through major publications, awards and international recognition. His Harvard Business Review article, ‘Transforming Life, Transforming Business: The Life Science Revolution’ received second place for the prestigious McKinsey Prize, reflecting the significance of his work in business thought leadership. He also co-organised ‘The Future of Life’ global summit commemorating the anniversary of the discovery of DNA, bringing together world leaders and scientists to discuss the future of biotechnology. Juan is also widely recognised for his acclaimed TED Talks, including ‘The age of genetic wonder’, ‘Developing a Plan B for the planet‘ and ‘Ethics in the age of technology’, in which he explores the future of genetic engineering, artificial evolution and the ethical consequences of technological advancement. His TED appearances have attracted global audiences and established him as a compelling communicator capable of making highly technical subjects accessible and engaging. In recognition of his contributions to science and society, Juan was elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Juan Enríquez’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Juan Enríquez’s remarkable career:

  • 2020 – Published his philosophical technology book ‘Right/Wrong: How Technology Transforms Our Ethics’
  • 2018 – Elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
  • 2015 – Co-authored and published the evolutionary science book ‘Evolving Ourselves: Redesigning Humanity One Gene at a Time’
  • 2008 – Co-founded Excel Venture Management to fund early-stage life sciences and synthetic biology startups
  • 2005 – Published his political and sociological analysis book ‘The Untied States of America: Polarization, Fracturing, and Our Future’
  • 2003 – Co-organised “The Future of Life” global summit commemorating the 50th anniversary of DNA’s discovery
  • 2001 – Published his groundbreaking genomics book ‘As the Future Catches You: How Genomics Will Change Your Life, Work, Health, and Wealth’
  • 2000 – Awarded second place for the McKinsey Prize for his co-authored Harvard Business Review article ‘Transforming Life, Transforming Business: The Life Science Revolution’
  • 1999 – Served as the Founding Director of the Life Sciences Project at Harvard Business School
  • 1994 – Appointed as a primary peace negotiator during the Zapatista cease-fire rebellion in Mexico
  • 1990 – Served as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State and worked in senior economic policy roles for the Mexican government