Joichi 'Joi' Ito is a Japanese-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and academic leader known for his work at the intersection of technology, media, and innovation, with a focus on emerging technologies. Born on June 19, 1966, in Kyoto, Japan, he moved to the United States at age six and grew up in Michigan and Connecticut. He attended the University of Michigan and Tufts University but did not complete a formal undergraduate degree. In the 1990s, he became an early investor in internet startups, co-founding Infinite Loop and serving as a director for companies like Technorati and Creative Commons. He later established Neoteny Ventures in 2007 and held positions at firms like Digital Garage. His influence extended to global networks, including roles at the World Economic Forum and the Knight Commission on Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy.

Ito's academic career peaked when he became director of the MIT Media Lab in 2011, succeeding Frank Moss, and was appointed a professor of the practice of media arts and sciences at MIT. He also served as a visiting professor of practice at Harvard Law School. Under his leadership, the Media Lab became a hub for interdisciplinary research in AI, biotechnology, and human-computer interaction. However, his tenure ended controversially in 2019 amid revelations that he had accepted undisclosed donations from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, totaling around $1.5 million funneled to the Media Lab and Ito's personal anti-disparities initiative at MIT, with these donations accepted post-conviction. Ito resigned from his positions at MIT, apologizing publicly for the ethical lapses and for not disclosing the source of the funds, which violated institutional policies. The scandal drew widespread criticism for compromising the Lab's integrity.

Following his resignation, Ito continued his work in innovation and education. In 2020, he was appointed president of Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan, where he has focused on integrating technology with societal challenges, including mindfulness and sustainable development. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project in Bhutan, chairing the Gelephu Investment Development Corporation (GIDC). Ito remains active as a blogger, speaker, and advocate for open-source culture, ethical AI, and global connectivity, though his legacy is tempered by the Epstein controversy, which led to ongoing discussions about accountability in elite institutions.