
The Foundations of the Future
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Samuel Bertram is a visionary entrepreneur and robotics expert dedicated to solving one of humanity’s greatest challenges: sustainably feeding 8 billion people. When Sam and his brother set out to tackle this problem, their research revealed that malnutrition was the leading cause of death globally, and that the way food is produced is the single greatest environmental issue of our time. Galvanized by the scale of the crisis, they founded OnePointOne with a bold mission—to feed the 1.1 billion people who began this millennium malnourished and to restore over 1 billion acres of land to natural habitat.
Recognized by Forbes as a “30 Under 30” social impact leader, Sam transforms audiences with his effortlessly energetic and engaging presentation style. His inspirational talks are infused with humor, bold storytelling, and practical takeaways that challenge audiences to rethink what’s possible. Drawing on his journey from a STEM newcomer to leading an AI-driven company tackling global food insecurity, he provides a blueprint for innovation, leadership, and creating meaningful change. Sam is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau.
As co-founder and CEO of OnePointOne, Sam has pioneered cutting-edge automation, AI, and plant science to create the world’s most advanced indoor farming system, Opollo™. His leadership has attracted $75 million in investments from global icons, including ServiceNow founder Fred Luddy and tennis legend Novak Djokovic. A relentless problem-solver, Sam is undeterred by the magnitude of challenges, believing that when failure is not an option, success is the only outcome.
Samuel tailors every talk to resonate with specific audiences, bridging the critical intersections of sustainability, food security, and technological advancements. Each of these topics are customizable:
Betting on Yourself: How to Achieve the Impossible. Success is all about taking bold risks and betting on yourself. Sam Bertram, CEO of an innovative AI-driven vertical farming company, shares his journey of turning an ambitious vision into a thriving business. At 22, CEO was his first job—he raised his first $1 million without ever having grown a plant. Through hundreds of fundraising rejections, ridicule from industry experts, bombed sales presentations, and even investors falling asleep during pitches, he remained undeterred. Against impossible odds, he raised $75 million, built a team of over 100 people, and developed the world’s most advanced indoor farming technology. Sam reveals how to navigate uncertainty, take calculated risks, and push past limits to achieve extraordinary results. This talk will inspire audiences to take big swings, stay mission-driven, and turn bold ideas into reality—because as Sam’s favorite quote reminds us, “If not you, who? If not now, when?”
AI, Robotics, and the Future of Innovation: Harnessing Emerging Tech for Any Industry. Technology is evolving at an exponential pace, and those who leverage AI and automation strategically will lead the future. Imagine having a super-genius that knows everything about your business, with the world’s data at its fingertips—now imagine every employee having that same advantage. In agriculture, what once required a plant scientist can now be done in seconds by AI, diagnosing plant diseases and optimizing production like never before. At Sam Bertram’s AI-driven vertical farming company, AI continuously analyzes vast amounts of imagery and environmental data, diagnosing robotics issues, tabulating yield data, and optimizing disease prevention in moments instead of weeks. Sam Bertram not only offers these case studies in leveraging AI, but demonstrates how AI-powered solutions, robotics, and automation can be translated and leveraged across industries.
The Entrepreneur’s Playbook: Scaling a Company for Long-Term Success. When OnePointOne co-founder and CEO Samuel Bertram embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, he did so with a mission: to build a business that would revolutionize human and environmental health. In less than a decade, he has led OnePointOne to become one of the most groundbreaking companies in the world, pioneering an innovative farming system that could help solve global hunger. But how does an idea evolve into a viable, scalable, and sustainable business? In this talk, Bertram breaks down the nuts and bolts of growth, strategy, and leadership, offering practical frameworks for scaling a business in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Through real-world examples, he shares how to build a strong foundation, engage a workforce, and foster a resilient company culture that thrives amid change.
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