Author
Bernt Erik Bjontegard is more than an author—he’s a pioneer who bridges history with technology, seamlessly blending lessons from the past with the innovations shaping the future. With a career spanning roles as a NASA rocket scientist, a senior executive at Qualcomm, and the founder of Spark Compass, Bjontegard’s journey exemplifies how resilience, creativity, and legacy can transform lives. His book, History Rules My Tomorrow, distills these principles into actionable insights, inspiring readers to uncover their histories and shape their futures.
Bernt Erik’s life embodies the themes of History Rules My Tomorrow. By intertwining legacy, technology, and resilience, he demonstrates how history can influence innovation and transformation. His story invites you to discover your own potential by embracing the lessons of the past and applying them to your future.
Early Life: Grounded in Legacy
Born in the USA to Norwegian parents, Bjontegard grew up immersed in a family heritage rich in courage and innovation. His grandparents were active participants in the Norwegian resistance during World War II, playing a pivotal role in the famous Rjukan Heavy Water Sabotage—a mission that significantly impeded Nazi Germany’s nuclear ambitions. These stories of bravery and determination, alongside a cultural history steeped in maritime exploration, profoundly influenced his worldview.
Professional Journey: Innovating at the
Intersection of History and Technology
Professional Journey: Innovating at the Intersection of History and Technology
Bernt Erik’s career is a testament to his belief that history and innovation are deeply interconnected. His professional achievements span multiple fields, each highlighting his commitment to harnessing technology for human benefit.
NASA Rocket Scientist
As part of NASA’s innovation team, Bjontegard worked on digital twin technology for spacecraft, developing test rigs that simulated the extreme conditions of launch and re-entry. This pioneering work laid the foundation for modern simulation and modeling practices.
Qualcomm Leadership
At Qualcomm, Bjontegard served as Senior Director of Business Development in Corporate R&D, contributing to the initial roadmap for 5G technology and contextual intelligence. His work shaped future advancements in augmented intelligence, IoT, and AR ecosystems, and his innovations are cited in over 400 patents.
Founder of Spark Compass
Bjontegard launched Spark Compass, a groundbreaking augmented intelligence platform that bridges the physical and digital worlds. Spark Compass has been adopted in industries such as healthcare, sports, and education to enable real-time, meaningful connections powered by data.
Recognition and Impact
Bjontegard’s innovative work has earned him numerous accolades, cementing his status as a leader in the fields of technology and augmented intelligence. He received the Silver Award in the Smart America Challenge for his contributions to the White House Presidential Innovation Fellow project, was named one of the Top 20 Global Digitalization Leaders by CGI, and was recognized as a Top IoT Inventor in 2019. A featured speaker at international forums on AI, IoT, and the future of augmented intelligence, Bjontegard is frequently profiled in industry publications such as AI Magazine for his thought leadership and groundbreaking work.
Personal Life: A Lifelong Explorer
Beyond his professional pursuits, Bernt Erik is an avid sailor and outdoor enthusiast. He finds inspiration in nature and draws strength from reflecting on his family’s stories. His personal philosophy revolves around lifelong learning and mentoring the next generation of innovators and leaders.
