Mechanical Engineer & Clean Aviation Innovator; Co-Founder of Ampaire; TED Fellow; ICAS Aerospace Innovation Award Recipient

Los Angeles, CA, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Cory Combs Biography

Cory Combs is a mechanical engineer, entrepreneur, and clean technology specialist with a focus on aviation innovation. Combs earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. His expertise in systems engineering and passion for aviation led him to explore the viability of electric aircraft, conducting early experiments in the field. Prior to founding his own company, Combs managed research programs with international partners on pollution reduction and energy efficiency technologies. At Northrop Grumman's advanced aircraft programs unit, he worked as a research and development engineer on multiple X-plane projects designed to test novel aerospace concepts.

Combs co-founded Ampaire to advance research and development in electric aircraft, identifying hybrid-electric propulsion as a critical step toward fully electric power systems due to the gradual progress in battery technology. Inspired by a reference to supersonic electric jets in a popular film, Combs analyzed recent battery advancements and determined that a cleaner, electric jet was feasible. By adopting a hybrid approach, he aimed to accelerate the adoption of electric air travel. Combs holds multiple invention disclosures, patent submissions, and trade secrets in both the aerospace and clean technology sectors, contributing significantly to Ampaire's intellectual property and strategic direction.

Through retrofitting existing aircraft with hybrid-electric systems, Combs played a key role in developing the "Electric EEL," the largest plane to fly with hybrid propulsion. The "Electric EEL," based on a Cessna 337 Skymaster, features a parallel hybrid configuration with a piston engine replaced by an electric motor and battery. The demonstrator achieved substantial fuel savings during trials with Scottish regional carrier Loganair. Ampaire has expanded its fleet and technology, with the AmpDrive system operating in multiple hybrid-electric aircraft and accumulating extensive flight miles with a strong safety record.

Combs has received recognition as a TED Fellow, Emerson Collective Dial Fellow, and ICAS Aerospace Innovation Award recipient for his contributions to electric aviation. In his TED Talk, Combs addresses the environmental impact of airplanes and Ampaire's efforts to reduce emissions through hybrid-electric planes. He has delivered keynote speeches at international forums, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in decarbonizing aviation and other sectors. Combs serves on Ampaire's board and advocates for the electric aviation industry through thought leadership and public engagement.

Ampaire collaborates with organizations such as NASA and ARPA-E to refine and test its technology. The company holds contracts with NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Air Force. Ampaire's technology offers significant reductions in fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and noise, supporting the advancement of sustainable aviation. Through his work, Combs contributes to the ongoing development and adoption of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, shaping the future of sustainable flight.

BOOK Cory Combs

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/17/2026.

Cory Combs Videos

Cory Combs: The future of flying is electrifying | TED Countdown ...

Cory Combs: The future of flying is electrifying | TED Countdown ...

  • How do I book Cory Combs to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Cory Combs for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Cory Combs, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Cory Combs or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Cory Combs

    Speaking fees for Cory Combs, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Cory Combs are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Cory Combs, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Cory Combs speak about?

    Cory Combs is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business, Business Leadership, Climate Change, Energy, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Science, Futurism, Inventors, Science
  • Where does Cory Combs travel from?

    Cory Combs generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Cory Combs’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Cory Combs for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Cory Combs for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Cory Combs or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Cory Combs is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Cory Combs for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Cory Combs generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Bill Nussey, Donald Sadoway, Chris Turner, Joan Michelson and Kate Brandt. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Cory Combs for an upcoming live or virtual event.

Tell us about your event!

During normal business hours, we respond to most inquiries within 4 hours.
Please Select Event Budget
Please enter your message
Please Enter Your Name
Please Enter Your Email
  • Customized Service

    Our agents find the right fit for your event

  • Unparalleled Database

    Full access to all speakers & celebrities

  • One Stop Shopping

    A reliable and unbiased point of contact

  • Logistics Management

    Your personal Logistics Manager who takes care of all event details

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

TOP