The Tech Interactive’s eighth annual The Tech for Global Good celebration brought inspiration, humor, and bold ideas to San Jose. Honoring Steve Wozniak and visionary neurotechnology leaders, the evening highlighted compassionate innovation while raising vital support to expand access and unlock human potential, writes Katie Barrow.

The Tech Interactive hosted its eighth annual Tech for Global Good Celebration on January 16 at Signia by Hilton in San Jose, Calif. The evening blended inspiration, breakthrough innovation, and plenty of laughter, proving that technology can be both life changing and joyful.

The highlight was honoring Steve Wozniak as the 2025 James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian, presented by Applied Materials. The award is given annually to individuals whose broad vision and leadership are focused on combating critical global problems. For Wozniak, whose vision helped democratize computing and ignite a generation of innovators, the award was a testament to a lifetime of impact.

As a kid, Wozniak delighted in sketching computer designs, refining them obsessively. In 1975, he built a computer with a keyboard and video display, a radical departure from earlier machines. That design became the Apple II, which was instrumental in bringing computers into homes and schools around the world. But for Woz, it was never about money. He freely shared his designs because he believed computers should spark a social revolution in communication and education. He later taught fourth graders how to take apart and rebuild computers, expanding access so students could truly understand technology.

That trademark mix of heart and hijinks kept the audience laughing during a fireside chat with his longtime friend, comedian and broadcaster Drew Carey. Between thoughtful reflections on technology and innovation, Wozniak shared his love of practical jokes. If there’s one lesson the audience definitely took away, it’s never to leave your phone unattended near Woz. He just might set your alarm for 3 a.m. and walk away grinning. The audience hung on every word, a reminder that one of Silicon Valley’s most iconic engineers remains wonderfully human.

This year’s theme, “Unlock Your Mind,” also celebrated the 2025-2026 Tech for Global Good Laureates, whose deeply personal journeys are reshaping neurotechnology. 

Ian Burkhart, BCI Pioneers Coalition

At 19, Ian Burkhart became quadriplegic after a diving accident. Refusing to accept that as the end of his story, he volunteered for an experimental brain computer interface (BCI) trial requiring two elective brain surgeries. In 2014, he became the first person to restore movement to a paralyzed limb using a brain computer interface neuroprosthetic, allowing him to grasp objects, hold bottles, and even played Guitar Hero. Today, through the BCI Pioneers Coalition, he works to ensure brain computer interfaces are developed ethically and made accessible to those who need them most.

Sidney Collin, NexStride

Sidney Collin began by helping one man with Parkinson’s walk more confidently. NexStride uses a green laser line or rhythmic cues to activate goal-oriented movement pathways, restoring stability and independence for people with mobility challenges.

Andreas Forsland, Cognixion

Andreas Forsland’s mission began at his mother’s hospital bedside when she lost the ability to speak. That experience led to the development of Cognixion Axon R, a noninvasive brain computer interface that uses advanced sensing and augmented reality to help users communicate and control devices with their thoughts, restoring voice and autonomy.

Jay Sanguinetti, Sanmai Technologies

Jay Sanguinetti’s path took him from climate science to meditation to neuroscience. His platform uses low energy ultrasound that gently passes through the skull to calm overactive brain networks and create space around anxious thoughts. The goal is not to eliminate worry, but to help people respond rather than react.

The silent auction added another spark of excitement to the event, with guests vying for a signed Apple II motherboard donated by Wozniak and a “Woz Way” street sign gifted by the City of San Jose.

As The Tech Interactive’s primary fundraiser, the celebration supports scholarships, exhibits, and programs that expand access to science, technology, engineering, and math education. The evening made one thing clear: When innovation is guided by compassion, courage, and a sense of play, it can unlock human potential in extraordinary ways.

 

All photos courtesy of Don Feria/The Tech Interactive.