Raymond "Ray" Kurzweil is an American computer scientist, author, entrepreneur, futurist, and inventor. Born on February 12, 1948, he is renowned for his work in fields such as optical character recognition (OCR), text-to-speech synthesis, speech recognition technology, and electronic keyboard instruments.

Ray Kurzweil has authored several influential books on health technology, artificial intelligence (AI), transhumanism, the technological singularity, and futurism. He is an advocate for the futurist and transhumanist movements, often giving public talks to share his optimistic outlook on life extension technologies and the future of nanotechnology, robotics, and biotechnology.

Kurzweil's accolades include receiving the 1999 National Medal of Technology and Innovation, awarded by President Bill Clinton, and the $500,000 Lemelson–MIT Prize in 2001. Elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2001, he was recognized for his application of technology to improve human-machine communication. In 2002, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Ray Kurzweil has earned 21 honorary doctorates and honors from three U.S. presidents.

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) recognized Kurzweil as one of 16 "revolutionaries who made America," alongside other significant inventors of the past two centuries. Inc. magazine ranked him No. 8 among the "most fascinating" entrepreneurs in the United States, dubbing him "Edison's rightful heir."