Mária Virčíková is a technology innovator, entrepreneur, and AI researcher passionate about creating human-centered solutions through artificial intelligence and immersive technologies. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of MATSUKO, a deep tech company that developed the world’s first real-time holographic presence app, transforming everyday communication into a deeply human and spatial experience. MATSUKO's innovation has been recognized with global awards, including the SXSW 2022 Award for Extended Reality.

Mária holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the Technical University of Košice, where she focused on machine learning and human-robot interaction. She has conducted postdoctoral research and academic collaboration in Japan, Germany, and the United States, and has lectured on AI, robotics, and immersive communication at universities and conferences across five continents. Before founding MATSUKO, she led and contributed to research projects in service robotics, AI-based emotional modeling, and educational technologies, publishing over 30 academic papers. Since 2016, she has fully dedicated her career to bridging cutting-edge research with real-world impact through entrepreneurship.

* European Young Leader (EYL40) – Class of 2023, by Friends of Europe
* European Tech Woman Award – Recognized for excellence in deep tech innovation
* Young Global Leader – World Economic Forum (YGL alumna)
* Forbes Slovakia 30 Under 30 – Recognized for achievements in technology and innovation
* Seal of Excellence (European Commission) – Awarded seven times for MATSUKO’s R&D projects
* Member of professional networks in AI, XR, 5G/6G and startup ecosystems

Professional Interests:
* XR, AI, Human-robot interaction and emotional AI
* Future of education and digital skills
* Deep tech entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems

Private Interests:
* Supporting emerging innovators and women in tech
* Nature, hiking, sports
* Design and architecture