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

  • 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.

  • CNBC’s Women & Wealth explores ways that women can increase their income, save for the future and make the most out of current opportunities.

  • Innovative female entrepreneur examining prototype

    In an era of rapid technological advances and demographic change, how do legacy companies adapt, innovate and evolve? CNBC Evolve features iconic global companies and executives who are embracing change and transforming for the future.

CNBC25: Rebels, Icons and Leaders