James Villarrubia

James Villarrubia is a CTO and applied AI expert. He speaks internationally on innovation and AI strategy, and advises companies on emerging AI capabilities, innovation, cybersecurity, and defense technology. He was most recently CTO across four global travel brands driving ~$3B in annual bookings. Before that, he served as a Presidential Innovation Fellow with NASA Aeronautics, where he helped develop sustainable aviation and next-generation AI solutions. He also co-hosted NASA's Ecosystemic Futures podcast, which explored technologies shaping society's future. Before NASA, James served as a technology executive across healthcare, cryptography, workplace equity, and online education. His educational AI venture reached the semi-finals of the IBM AI XPRIZE. He served in senior policy and portfolio roles across four White House administrations, the DOJ, and the DOD. James holds multiple cryptography patents. He earned a BS in Systems Engineering and a Master's in Public Policy from UVA, and an MBA from MIT.