Sema Sgaier

Sema Sgaier is the co-founder and CEO of Surgo Health, a health technology company that uses artificial intelligence and behavioral science to analyze the underlying drivers of health behaviors and improve healthcare outcomes. With nearly two decades of experience in global health, Sgaier works at the intersection of data, technology, and behavioral science, developing analytic platforms such as BehavioralPulse and Mosaic to provide insights for more human-centered care. Her expertise includes molecular biology, neuroscience, genomics, epidemiology, and the design and evaluation of large-scale health programs.

Before founding Surgo Health, Sgaier co-founded and led Surgo Foundation and Surgo Ventures, where she developed analytic tools to address complex health challenges globally. She previously held senior roles at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, managing and scaling public health initiatives in India and Africa, and integrating data-driven strategies and product innovations into global health programs. Sgaier has held academic appointments at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of Washington, and her research includes more than 60 publications in leading scientific journals.

Sgaier contributes op-eds to major outlets such as The New York Times and is a public speaker at forums including the Aspen Ideas Festival. Her work has been recognized by her selection as a Rising Talent by the Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society, and she serves on the boards of United States of Care and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Alumni Advisory Board. Sgaier’s career demonstrates the impact of multidisciplinary innovation in addressing global health challenges, and she is recognized as a leading voice in health technology, artificial intelligence, and behavioral science.