Steve Flinter
Steve is a technology professional with more than 25 years of industry experience in payments, technology, government, and academia. He is currently responsible for leading Mastercard Foundry’s R&D initiatives in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. In this role, Steve leads a team of talented data scientists, data engineers and software engineers to develop new technologies and to bring new products and services to market.
Steve has been with Mastercard for more than a decade. His first role was leading Start Path, a global, homegrown program focused on engaging startups and fintech companies in accelerating innovation though Mastercard’s resources and customer network. Steve spent six years with Mastercard’s R&D group, leading research efforts in machine learning, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. In 2024, Steve joined the office of the Chief AI and Data Officer to help drive the organization-wide adoption of AI technologies. Recently, Steve was recognized as a Mastercard Distinguished Engineer for his excellence in solution development, talent attraction, mentorship and building and executing on Mastercard's strategic vision.
Prior to joining Mastercard, Steve spent eight years with the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the Irish government agency charged with investing in academic research projects. At SFI, he managed an investment portfolio of more than $150 million in software, computer science, artificial intelligence projects and research centers. Before that, Steve spent ten years in various senior software development roles across a wide range of sectors.
Steve holds a B.S. Computer Applications from Dublin City University and a Ph.D in Computer Science, specializing in Artificial Intelligence from Trinity College Dublin.