Hao Li

Biography

Hao Li is a prominent computer scientist and entrepreneur renowned for his pioneering work in Computer Graphics and Computer Vision. He is the founder and CEO of Pinscreen, Inc., and holds the title of Distinguished Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to these roles, he served as an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southern California, where he also directed the Vision and Graphics Lab at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies. His expertise led him to positions such as visiting professor at Weta Digital and research lead at Industrial Light & Magic, part of Lucasfilm.

Li's innovative algorithms for 3D processing have significantly impacted the visual effects industry, particularly in automating the creation of digital humans and facilitating real-time facial performance capture for virtual productions. Notably, at Weta Digital, he played a crucial role in developing the high-fidelity facial performance capture technology that was used to digitally recreate actor Paul Walker in the film Furious 7 (2015).

His groundbreaking contributions to the field have been recognized with multiple accolades, including the TR35 Award from MIT Technology Review in 2013, which honors the top 35 innovators under 35. Li also received the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award in 2018, was appointed to the DARPA ISAT Study Group in 2019, and won the prestigious “Best in Show” award at ACM SIGGRAPH Real-Time Live! in 2020.