Zoltan Istvan

Zoltan Istvan is a renowned futurist, journalist, and transhumanist who has become one of the most compelling voices in cyber security and emerging technologies. Born in California, Zoltan’s adventurous spirit led him to sail around the world solo at just 21, with only 500 classic books for company. This formative journey sparked a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, which he later channelled into a career as a journalist for the National Geographic Channel, covering conflict zones and extreme environments. His groundbreaking documentary “Pawns of Paradise”, filmed in Kashmir, earned critical acclaim, while his invention and popularisation of volcano boarding placed him at the forefront of extreme sports.

Zoltan’s influence in cyber security stems from his broader work on transhumanism and radical technologies. A graduate in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Columbia University, he later completed a master’s in Ethics (Philosophy) at the University of Oxford, often writing on artificial intelligence and bioethics. His widely-read op-eds in The New York Times, Wired, and Newsweek tackle urgent topics such as AI governance, digital rights, and data privacy in a transhuman future. Zoltan has also advised the US military and foreign governments on the implications of emerging technologies, including cybersecurity threats posed by AI and biotech advancements.

Internationally recognised as the Founder of the Transhumanist Party, Zoltan used political platforms—including a 2016 US presidential run and a 2018 California gubernatorial bid—to promote ethical science and technology. His “Immortality Bus” campaign, delivering a Transhumanist Bill of Rights to the US Capitol, was featured in major global outlets and is now chronicled in the Amazon Prime documentary “Immortality or Bust”. His philosophical novel, “The Transhumanist Wager”, a top-five Amazon bestseller, explores the logical imperative of life extension through science—an idea that underpins many cybersecurity debates today, especially around digital immortality, AI safety, and technological sovereignty.

With keynote speeches at the World Economic Forum, UK Parliament, and World Bank, Zoltan Istvan is a sought-after authority on how humanity can responsibly harness disruptive technologies. His compelling vision and thought leadership continue to inspire audiences worldwide. To bring leading-edge insights to your event or organisation, hire Zoltan Istvan via The Cyber Security Speakers Agency.