Ayah Bdeir

Benjamin Wachenje

Title: Interactive artist; founder and CEO, littleBits

Born: Montreal

Education: BS in computer engineering and sociology, American University of Beirut; MS, media arts and sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Early Marker: Co-founded Beirut's first nonprofit media lab for experimental arts, architecture and technology.

Big Idea: An open-source library of modular electronics that snap together with magnets—"digital Lego."

Wave of the Future: Open-source hardware movement

Latest Special Reports

  • CNBC Changemakers

    CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business is an annual list spotlighting women whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the business world.

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  • More than ever, the hope for a sustainable world has gained traction among the next generation of businesses, policymakers and investors. CNBC’s Sustainable Future focuses on how smart investments, new ideas and tech innovation can generate commerce — and a world — with staying power.

CNBC25: Rebels, Icons and Leaders