Technology Executive · Entrepreneur · Inventor
Building the future of AI:
where people own, control
and benefit from their own data.
Founder & CEO of ACME Brains. 24+ patents granted. Licensed P.E. 35+ years transforming industries from wireless broadband to private AI.
24+Patents Granted
35+Years in Tech
P.E.Licensed Engineer
CEOACME Brains
About
Seasoned innovator. Human-first technologist.
Mary Jesse is a seasoned technology leader and innovator with more than 30 years of experience in both public and private companies, serving as CEO, CTO, VP, founder, and board director. She has driven groundbreaking innovations across industries including wireless, media, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and government serviceswith deep expertise in digital systems and product development.
As Founder & CEO of ACME Brains, an early-stage artificial intelligence software company, Mary is at the forefront of developing next-generation AI solutions grounded in AI privacy, AI safety, and human-centered design. A registered Professional Electrical Engineer (P.E.) and holder of over two dozen patents, she blends technical mastery with visionary leadership, building AI that people can own, control, and benefit from.
Passionate about technology equity, women in business, and underserved communities, Mary is committed to using innovation as a force for positive change. She mentors the next generation of founders through the Creative Destruction Lab and writes about the human future of technology on her Substack, Life and Technology.
Human-Centered AI
AI Privacy & Safety
Wireless & Broadband
IP & Patents
Technology Equity
Executive Leadership
Speaking
Book Mary for your next event
Mary brings 30+ years of real-world tech leadership to the stage, equal parts technical depth and business clarity. Her talks centre on human-centered AI, AI privacy and safety, and technology equity. Past audiences include Fortune 500 technology conferences, startup summits, and university programmes.
01
The Future of Private AI
AI privacy and safety aren't constraints; they are competitive advantages. Why human-centered AI that people can own and trust will define the next decade.
02
From Wireless Pioneer to AI Founder
Lessons from 35 years of building at the technology frontier.
03
Inventing on Purpose
How a disciplined IP strategy creates durable competitive advantage.
04
Technology Equity & Underserved Communities
Technology equity is not just charity; it is the defining innovation challenge of our era. How human-centered AI and responsible design can close the divide and create shared prosperity.
05
Engineering Leadership
What P.E.-licensed engineers know about accountability that most executives don't.
06
Building Boards That Matter
Governance, diversity, and how boards can drive, not slow, innovation.
Leadership
Current roles
Founder & CEO
ACME Brains
Building private AI infrastructure for enterprises that need sovereignty, security, and scale.
Board Member
MTI
Contributing governance expertise and technology strategy to drive growth.
Strategic Advisor
Multiple Ventures
Advising early and growth-stage companies on product, IP, and go-to-market strategy.
Mentor
Creative Destruction Lab
Guiding science-based founders on commercialisation and fundraising.
In the News
Recent coverage
Tech CEO Falls for AI Chatbot, Launches Startup to Deliver Private, Personalized AI Software
Owning Your Story in a Machine-led World
TEDxSammamish Women: watch the full talk on YouTube.
▶ Watch TalkWriting
Life and Technology
Connecting the dots, looking forward and backward, across technology, science, geography, culture and life.
The Extreme Mismatch of Humans and AI
Is there any way to manage it?...
Read on Substack →Flipping the Model
Making money by doing good and putting humans first....
Read on Substack →Preserving Humanity
Protecting human identity, agency and connection in the age of AI....
Read on Substack →Privacy in AI
A storm is brewing....
Read on Substack →Don’t Fear Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Make the Most of It
The first of many thoughts on AI....
Read on Substack →Contact
Let's talk
Whether you're booking a keynote, exploring an advisory engagement, or interested in partnering with ACME Brains, use the form below and Mary's team will respond within two business days.