Silje Vallestad is a globally recognized innovation strategist, entrepreneur, and ecosystem builder with over two decades of experience shaping future-oriented initiatives across the public and private sectors. With a passion for social impact and system-level transformation, she has dedicated her career to bridging innovation, policy, and community engagement.

​

Silje currently lives in Riyadh, where she serves in the leadership groups of large national projects that are central to realizing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Her work focuses on innovation strategy, global partnerships, and the design of inclusive ecosystems that unlock potential and address complex societal challenges.

​

A serial entrepreneur, Silje previously founded Bipper, a globally acclaimed safety-tech company whose solutions—like bSafe—continue to protect users around the world. She has co-founded ACCELER8, a boutique innovation consultancy and early-stage investment fund, and launched World Voices, a global non-profit connecting youth and world leaders at the turn of the millennium. Her work has been endorsed by Nobel Laureates, government leaders, and major global organizations.

​

She is also the founder of the FutureTalks Foundation, a global leadership community that brings together 100 handpicked changemakers to build bold solutions for the future. From Arctic expeditions to high-impact convenings, the platform has directly catalyzed the launch of over 20 new ventures.

​

Silje has advised governments, EU grant programs, and innovation ecosystems across continents, and served on high-level boards including President Václav Havel’s Forum 2000. Her accolades include being named a Young Global Leader and Expert on Innovation & Entrepreneurship by the World Economic Forum, as well as Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Top 20 Nordic Business Thinker.

​

With executive education from Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, and Yale, and academic degrees in economics, business management and world religions, Silje blends systems thinking with practical leadership. She is known for her ability to turn vision into action, build multistakeholder partnerships, and inspire others through bold ideas and thoughtful storytelling.

​

She lives between Riyadh and Bergen, is married, and has three children. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new destinations, deep conversations, and chasing ideas that challenge the status quo.

​

​