Adam Cheyer
TL;DR Adam Cheyer is a pioneering computer scientist and entrepreneur best known as a co-founder of Siri and a key figure in the evolution of intelligent virtual assistants.
Adam Cheyer photo by Midjourney
Adam Cheyer is a computer scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur whose work has significantly shaped the landscape of artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. He is best known as one of the co-founders of Siri, the intelligent voice assistant later acquired by Apple and integrated into hundreds of millions of devices worldwide. Cheyer’s career has focused on making technology more intuitive, conversational, and helpful, bringing AI out of the lab and into everyday life.
Cheyer studied computer science at Brandeis University, followed by a master’s degree in AI-focused Computer Science from UCLA. His early work at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI International) placed him at the center of the CALO project (Cognitive Assistant that Learns and Organizes), one of the most significant AI research efforts in U.S. history. Siri emerged directly from this groundbreaking project, bridging advanced AI research with consumer usability.
Beyond Siri, Cheyer has been involved in multiple influential AI ventures. He co-founded Viv Labs, a next-generation conversational AI platform later acquired by Samsung, which powers Bixby. He also played key roles at companies like Change.org, Sentient Technologies, and GamePlanner.AI, the latter focusing on combining AI with strategic planning and behavioral modeling.
Cheyer’s work consistently revolves around a central mission: designing AI systems that feel natural, adaptive, and deeply human-centered.
Co-founder of Siri, later acquired by Apple and integrated into iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and more.
Co-founder of Viv Labs, acquired by Samsung to power the Bixby voice assistant
Founding member of Change.org, the world’s largest social change platform
VP of AI Experience at Airbnb, influencing AI-driven product and service innovation
Contributor to the CALO Project at SRI, one of the most ambitious AI research initiatives
Co-founder of Sentient Technologies, focusing on distributed AI and evolutionary computation
Ongoing leadership at GamePlanner.AI, exploring adaptive and strategic artificial intelligence models
