Biography
John Paul Farmer is the Chief Innovation Officer of WeLink and the President of WeLink Cities, where he leads the deployment of the company’s revolutionary multi-gigabit wireless broadband technology to communities in need.
John served as the 3rd Chief Technology Officer of New York City, where he spearheaded the development of the renowned NYC Internet Master Plan, NYC Artificial Intelligence Strategy, and NYC Internet of Things Strategy, while playing a critical role in helping the City respond to the Covid-19 pandemic through data, technology, and rapid innovation.
Previously, John was Director of Microsoft Cities, connecting the company’s wide range of technologies to urban needs and challenges. In President Barack Obama’s Administration, John served as the Senior Advisor for Innovation at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where he co-founded and led the Presidential Innovation Fellows program, which has since inspired similar programs in a number of European countries. John holds degrees with honors from Harvard University and Columbia University.