Robert Kirkpatrick

Co-Founder, OpenTwin
New York, New York,United States
Find Robert Kirkpatrick's Email
Find Robert Kirkpatrick's Phone

Who Is Robert Kirkpatrick?

Total Experience35 years
CompanyOpenTwin
CountryUnited States

Robert Kirkpatrick is a globally recognized leader and pioneer in leveraging data science, artificial intelligence, and big data for humanitarian action, sustainable development, and social good. He is best known as the founder and former Director of UN Global Pulse, a flagship innovation initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General. Under his leadership, Global Pulse established labs around the world to harness real-time data and analytics to understand and respond to global crises, protect vulnerable populations, and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Kirkpatrick is a visionary thinker who has significantly influenced how international organizations and governments approach data-driven decision-making, privacy-preserving technologies, and ethical AI for positive global impact. He is a frequent speaker and advocate for responsible innovation.

How Did Robert Kirkpatrick's Career Path Shape Their Journey?

Robert Kirkpatrick's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

OpenTwin - Co-Founder(2025 to Present)
Dalberg Catalyst - Orchestrator, Adaptive Cities(2023 to 2024)
Dataminr - Member, Public Sector Advisory Board(2023 to 2024)
FasterCures, a Center of the Milken Institute - Senior Advisor, Pandemic Early Warning(2023 to 2023)
UN Global Pulse - Executive Director(2010 to 2022)
UN Broadband Commission - Commissioner, UN Broadband Commission(2016 to 2022)
InSTEDD - Board of Directors(2009 to 2017)
Open Mobile Consortium - Chair(2008 to 2011)
Microsoft - Lead Architect, Microsoft Humanitarian Systems (2005 to 2007)

What Are Robert Kirkpatrick's Key Achievements?

Founder and Director of UN Global Pulse

Established and led the United Nations Global Pulse initiative from its inception (approx. 2009) until 2022, transforming how the UN uses big data and AI for development and humanitarian efforts. He built a global network of innovation labs and fostered partnerships across public and private sectors.

Pioneer in Big Data for Development and Humanitarian Action

Championed the use of diverse data sources (like mobile phone data, social media, satellite imagery) for real-time monitoring and response to crises, including disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and food insecurity, significantly advancing the 'data for good' movement.

Advocate for Ethical AI and Data Privacy

Played a crucial role in developing frameworks and promoting principles for the ethical use of big data and AI within the UN system and beyond, emphasizing data privacy, fairness, and accountability in a development context.

Influential Voice in Global Innovation

Frequently invited to speak at major international forums (e.g., World Economic Forum, UN General Assembly events) to share insights on technology, innovation, and their application to global challenges, shaping policy and practice worldwide.

What's Robert Kirkpatrick's Educational Background?

B.A., Greek and Latin

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Year 1989

Special Students Program

Harvard University - Year 2000

Buying Intent Signals for Robert Kirkpatrick

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right people at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance

Company Overview

OpenTwin
Total employees35
HeadquartersGarching bei München
Founded2020

OpenTwin provides an open-source platform for the Industrial Metaverse, enabling companies to build, connect, and operate digital twins of their assets, processes, and systems. Their solution aims to improve efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making in industrial environments by creating comprehensive virtual representations of physical operations.

OpenTwin Funding Information
Unknown - Total Funding Raised
€6M - Most recent funding amount
1 - Number of funding rounds
10 Jan, 2024 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Bayern Kapital
High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF)

Highperformr's free tools for company research

Find contact info

Get verified emails, phone numbers, and LinkedIn profile details

Find similar contacts

Discover contacts with similar roles, seniority, or companies

Perform deep contact research

Uncover insights like skills, work history, social links, and more

Discover, research and enrich contacts with Highperformr — Smarter, Faster

Explore contacts in-depth — from verified emails and phone numbers to LinkedIn activity, job changes, and more — all in one powerful view.

Highperformr AI helps you surface the right people and enrich your CRM with live, accurate contact insights so your teams can connect faster and close smarter.

  • Track signals like job change, promotion, and LinkedIn activity
  • Enrich contacts with verified email, phone, and social data instantly
  • Automate enrichment and updates with powerful workflows
  • Sync enriched contact info directly into your CRM and tools

Thousands of contacts — including decision-makers, influencers, and ICP matches — are just a search away.

Thousands of companies, including, are just a search away.