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Keynote SpeakerSugata Mitra

One of the world's most respected education researchers and Pioneer in Self-Directed Learning

Professor Sugata Mitra is a professor of education and innovator who won the inaugural $1 million TED Prize in 2013. He has been credited with more than 25 inventions related to cognitive science and education technology, but is best known for the Hole in the Wall computer, a 1999 experiment... Read more

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Popular Talks by Sugata Mitra

  • The Role of Technology and Education in a Sustainable Society
  • Technology
  • Education
  • The Future of Education
  • Cognitive Science
  • Self Organised Learning Environments
  • Sustainable Learning
  • Youth, Education and Social Transformation
  • AI in Education
  • Fostering Understanding Amongst the ChatGPT Generation
  • Innovation and Creativity
  • Collaboration

Biography

Professor Sugata Mitra is a professor of education and innovator who won the inaugural $1 million TED Prize in 2013. He has been credited with more than 25 inventions related to cognitive science and education technology, but is best known for the Hole in the Wall computer, a 1999 experiment that placed a basic computer three feet above the ground in a deprived area of New Delhi slum to evaluate the local children’s ability to teach themselves how to use it.

Professor Mitra believes that access to a single computer fosters more creativity and collaboration than traditional methods of teaching. He has named this theory Minimally Invasive Education and used the TED prize money to set up Schools in the Cloud, along with the Self-Organised Learning Environment, or SOLE, teaching programme, which uses a “Granny Cloud” of retired teachers to aid children’s learning via Skype.

Sugata Mitra’s other academic work includes papers on energy storage systems, zinc-chloride batteries, the human senses and Alzheimer’s. He obtained a PhD in Solid State Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology and has worked at Austria’s Technische Universität in Vienna, the Media Lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and India’s National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) where he is currently Professor Emeritus. In 2019 Professor Mitra retired as Professor and Principal Research Investigator at the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at Newcastle University. He was named the Brock Prize Education Innovation Laureate in 2022.

Sugata Mitra’s research has resulted in the training and development of over a million young Indians, amongst them some of the poorest children in the world. His Hole in the Wall experiment is the inspiration behind Indian writer Vikas Swarup’s debut novel Q&A, on which the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire is based.

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How to book Sugata Mitra as a keynote speaker

How do I book Sugata Mitra for a keynote speech?

You can book Sugata Mitra through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Sugata's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Sugata Mitra's speaking fees?

Sugata Mitra's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Sugata tailored to your event.

What topics does Sugata Mitra speak about?

Sugata Mitra speaks on Education, Future & Technology, Innovation & Creativity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Sugata to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Sugata Mitra available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Sugata Mitra for events worldwide, subject to Sugata's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Sugata Mitra deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Sugata Mitra is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Sugata Mitra?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Sugata can accommodate.

Can Sugata Mitra tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Sugata Mitra on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Sugata can offer.

What languages does Sugata Mitra present in?

Sugata Mitra delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Sugata Mitra a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Sugata Mitra's areas of expertise include Education, Future & Technology, Innovation & Creativity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation. To get a clear sense of Sugata's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Sugata Mitra speak at?

Sugata Mitra can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Education, Future & Technology, Innovation & Creativity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation is relevant. Details of Sugata's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Sugata Mitra offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Sugata Mitra is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Sugata Mitra?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Sugata Mitra, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Sugata's current availability for your dates.