Dr. Patrick Wollner

Patrick Wollner is a Vienna-based technology strategist, consultant, and entrepreneur specializing in artificial intelligence and generative AI. He holds degrees from the University of Cambridge in Information Engineering and Engineering Design, including a Masters in Computer Vision and a Ph.D. focused on human-centric design for mobile touchscreen devices.

His research at Cambridge's Engineering Design Centre focused on developing design methodologies for digital products and included leading projects such as "The Mephistophone," an interactive digital musical instrument featured at London's Royal Opera House. Concurrently, Wollner co-founded and led the Cambridge University Science and Policy Exchange (CUSPE), connecting scientific research with policy-making, and authored papers addressing emerging technological policy issues.

Wollner then transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding design//digital, a consultancy focused on creating human-centered digital products and services. He subsequently co-founded Bambus.io, a fintech startup that provides financial solutions for real estate equity release, enabling partial property sales while preserving homeowner residency. Wollner also served as Advisor to the European Commission on the Horizon 2020 initiative, concentrating on collective awareness platforms and mobile computing. For over 15 years, he was a technology columnist for Austria's KURIER daily newspaper.

Wollner now serves as Technology Lead at McKinsey & Company, guiding global enterprises in leveraging AI. He spearheads strategic projects utilising generative AI / agentic AI within industries, helping clients integrate these technologies to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.

Wollner regularly contributes to strategic discourse on AI, co-authoring articles and actively shaping discussions on AI's future role in industry and business.