Anna Maria Brunnhofer-Pedemonte

Anna Maria Brunnhofer-Pedemonte is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in AI strategy and tech. She is the Co-founder and CEO of Impact AI, a company focused on making artificial intelligence trustworthy and ethical by helping teams move AI models from experimental stages to real-world, user-centered products. startupguide+2

Her background is unique, combining philosophy, economics, ethics, and science of art, which has shaped her human-centered approach to AI. She explicitly states she did not directly study AI, but rather surrounded herself with computer scientists and took classes. Her personal motivation for human-centric AI stems from her brother's disability, where she witnessed how intelligent technology could significantly improve his life. startupguide+1

Anna Maria is a strong advocate for responsible AI adoption, bridging the gap between complex AI principles and practical, actionable solutions for businesses. She actively promotes transparent, fair, and accountable AI systems, and contributes to policy discussions around responsible AI development and deployment, particularly in Europe. highperformr+1

She is based in Linz, Austria, and is a proponent of global-first thinking for startups, while also acknowledging the supportive ecosystem in Linz for early-stage companies. Her entrepreneurial journey includes founding AMB-technology, one of the first Human-Centric AI (HCAI) labs globally, which laid the groundwork for Impact AI. startupguide+2

Anna Maria actively mentors other founders, especially women, advising them to seek out networks, active helpers, and multiple mentors. She views challenges as opportunities for growth and has a strong 'I-will-show-you' personality when facing resistance, particularly as a female founder in a male-dominated tech environment. startupguide+1

She is involved with various initiatives in the AI and startup ecosystem, including being a Co-Hort at Techstars, a Member at AI Circle, and a Pledger at Founders Pledge. She also co-founded LaufArt, a society promoting time-based media art, showcasing her diverse interests beyond pure tech. electronica+1