Marc Koska Biography
Marc Koska OBE was named by The Economist as the 2011 winner of its award for social & economic innovation – marking his extraordinary contribution to global health care. He is a charismatic and inspirational keynote speaker who conveys a message of perseverance over adversity and a true dedication to eradicating one of the world’s biggest killers.
Background and career
At 6 years old Marc Koska had an epiphany. He looked up at the stars one night and realised that he had been put on this earth to make a difference. In 1984, at the age of 23, he finally began to set the wheels of his calling in motion. After reading a newspaper article that said reused syringes would be a major transmission route for HIV and AIDS, he resolved to find a solution. He embarked on a research project and studied syringe design. This led him to devise the K1 auto-disable syringe that cannot be reused. Attempting to pull the plunger back up to reload the syringe causes it to break, rendering the syringe useless. The design of his ground-breaking syringe took three minutes. The implementation of his plan took 17 turbulent and disheartening years of sacrifice, rejection, disappointment and finally a rewarding and revolutionary triumph.
In 1996 he co-founded Star Syringe to license the technology to manufacturers around the world. Since 2001 more than 2.5 billion K1 syringes have been sold around the world, resulting in the prevention of an estimated 10m infections, and more than 8m lives have been saved. He has actively and successfully addressed an urgent human challenge with a successful policy changing effort.
Marc licenses manufacturers worldwide from his Ashdown Forest base. In 2006, he was awarded his OBE in the New Year’s Honour list for his ‘Contribution to Global Healthcare’.
Marc is a highly motivational and charismatic speaker, someone who has fought ignorance, bureaucracy and vested interest every step of the way to create a highly successful and dynamic company, and whose sole motivation is to save lives by eradicating the spread of a killer virus. Marc’s genuine lack of financial motivation is inspirational, moving and an admirably unique quality rarely seen in a thriving entrepreneur.
Marc has spoken at the TED Global Conference, The Zeitgeist conference, TED MED, INK, the DLD conference, and the European Union Innovations summit.
Films about Marc’s work have been shown internationally, including at the Royal Albert Hall as part of Peace One Day.
Marc has been awarded numerous awards including the International Visual Communication Association Award; International Business Award - Best Multi-national Company; Tech Award; Queen's Award for Enterprise for International Trade, and The Economist’s social & economic innovation award.
Marc featured on the film that accompanies The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee song – Stronger As One - first sung at the Commonwealth Observance Service on Commonwealth Day 12th March 2012 at Westminster Abbey – the official start of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.
Speaking Topics
Despite years of rejection, Marc Koska persisted in developing his revolutionary disposable syringe and has helped save over one million lives. He is a motivational speaker of the highest calibre.
- Entrepreneur
- Innovation
- Business
- Health
For further information or to book Marc Koska, call us at Speakers Corner on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Marc Koska Video
With thanks to TED for allowing us to share this video. This video is owned and is the property of TED Conferences LLC
Marc Koska News
A selection of relevant news related to Marc Koska, Keynote Speakers and Motivational Speakers, Business Speakers, Entrepreneurs and Innovation Speakers stories. For more information on Marc Koska or details as to how to book Marc Koska for your corporate event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Marc Koska in Jubilee Music Video
25th May 2012
Marc Koska features in the video for a new song to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Top 10 Speakers for 2012
27th December 2011
As the year draws to a close, Speakers Corner looks forward to the promise of the intriguing and opportune months ahead. 2012 is set to be a year of economic optimism, business innovation and a host of rising stars on the corporate circuit – all primed to motivate, educate, stimulate and entertain.
World AIDS Day: Spotlight on Marc Koska, OBE
1st December 2011
Marc Koska, OBE, is a leader in the fight against AIDS. With his non-reusable syringe, he has so far saved between 8-10 million lives, and continues to battle the disease as the UK unites on World AIDS Day.
Speakers Corner Celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week
21st November 2011
Speakers Corner celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week with a host of charismatic speakers including Marc Koska, Jo Fairley, Fraser Doherty and Gordon D’Silva.
Mark Koska Wins Social & Economic Innovation Award
5th October 2011
Marc Koska OBE has been named by The Economist as the 2011 winner of its award for social & economic innovation – marking his extraordinary contributions to global health care, alongside Devi Shetty – winner of this year’s award for business-process innovation.
The Apprentice Returns for 2013
8th May 2013
The 2013 series of The Apprentice has begun and Lord Alan Sugar had this year’s hopefuls selling a host of items including toilet roll, high visibility jackets and Chinese lucky cat statuettes.
Self-Help Books; A Billion Dollar Industry
30th April 2013
Self-help books are increasingly popular among the British public than ever before and an increased number of us are turning to self help books in the hope that they will solve lives problems.
Danny Cohen Appointed Director of BBC Television
25th April 2013
It has been announced that BBC One Controller, Danny Cohen has been appointed as Director of BBC Television.
Mike Forde Links Business to Football
18th April 2013
Business speaker and one of the UK’s leading sports executives, Mike Forde has compared the ideas and practices used in professional football to those used in business environments.
Willie Harcourt Cooze Releases New Chocolate Range
16th April 2013
Entrepreneur and star of Channel 4 show ‘Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory’, Willie Harcourt Cooze, has recently released a new range of chocolate desserts and gifts, which are now available all over the UK.
Marc Koska Reviews
Marc Koska has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for Marc Koska for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book Marc Koska for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Marc was very an excellent speaker and it was a pleasure to hear him speak. It was humbling and passionate in a belief - thank you Marc
Marc came to Halifax, Nova Scotia to be keynote speaker at our life science industry conference. While the business people in the audience appreciated hearing about how he brought his syringe to market, it was his presentation on the horrendous impacts of reusing needles and what SafePoint is doing to change the situation that brought everyone to tears and to their feet. His is a critical mission – to save lives. His passion, compassion and dedication are nothing short of remarkable and many of those who were in audience that day have shared that they were honoured to have been in the same room as Marc Koska. Truly, one of the most inspirational presenters I've had the privilege to hear.
Marc speaks with passion and clarity on a subject that is complex yet alarming. His 20 year mission is conveyed through his fascinating collection of anecdotes. He is an outstanding entrepreneur and a true inspiration.
When you meet Marc you can't help but be sucked in by his passion and enthusiasm for his goal of ONE INJECTION ONE SYRINGE. He is both confident and persuasive in a direct yet friendly way and before you know it you are part of his team, a team that you feel, with his leadership will achieve his goal if not today then tomorrow.
Please send Marc a huge thank you for his visit to the University. He was brilliant and the class loved it. He informed and inspired. It is the best example of a successful policy changing effort that overcomes inertia and corruption to address an urgent human challenge.
Marc Koska came to the University of Sussex to deliver a keynote talk to our students and staff as part of our Enterprise programme. Marc's talk was an open, honest and moving account of his 20 year battle to bring one-use syringes to third world countries and raise awareness of the dangers involved in being treated by unethical medics. Marc's down to earth approach both in giving us the highs and lows of starting and running an organisation and also in engaging the audience ensured that both students and staff are still talking about his presentation. With his talk, Marc captivated the audience from the start, and his calm delivery style ensured that both students and staff were not shy in coming forward to ask questions afterwards, and also join him for the follow-up networking session. We would be delighted to invite Marc back at anytime.
Marc is an inspirational and effective speaker. He is able to transmit his passion and knowledge on a number of topics like entrepreneurial ventures, medical technologies and their development. What is remarkable about him is the capability to translate complex matters in simple, clear and powerful messages, supported by a number of anecdotes and stories related to his own experience.
Q & A with Marc Koska
Marc Koska answered some probing questions for Speakers Corner. For speaking secrets revealed - read on! To book Marc Koska for your event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Speakers Corner: How did the corporate speaking begin?
Marc Koska: I was invited to talk at TED in 2009, which I had barely heard of, and then it kicked off.
Speakers Corner: Which event has been your favourite and why?
Marc Koska: I loved talking at Google Zeitgeist in Arizona in 2010. Can’t explain why really, other than the generosity of the Google team combined with very high calibre attendees.
Speakers Corner: If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?
Marc Koska: Can I say Wembley Stadium?! : )Well I have a full house now of all the conferences such as TED, World Economic Forum, etc.
Speakers Corner: Who would you most like to share a platform with?
Marc Koska: Anousheh Ansari or Scott Parazynski. I have met both of these astronauts and there is something in their eyes that comes with the determination of getting UP there. Special people!
Speakers Corner: What are your most frequently requested speaking topics?
Marc Koska: Well I think the story of my syringe journey is popular, but I get great feedback from including tips on how to “find better solutions from problems”.
Speakers Corner: What do you do to ensure your presentation has a lasting impact?
Marc Koska: Ah, well I have two secrets: I was taught how to present by Nancy Duarte, the best presentation coach anywhere. And I pay attention to what the client wants to get across from the talk.
Speakers Corner: What can a typical corporate audience learn from your experiences?
Marc Koska: Well I hope to get across that not all success has to be instant and to bring light (and a balance) to a developing world issue and how a big difference can be made! I suppose that my story has covered most aspects of innovation and business, and as above, make sure that I focus on the particular ones the client is looking for.
For further information or to book Marc Koska, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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