Shivon Zilis: A Trailblazer in Artificial Intelligence and a Key Figure in Elon Musk's Life

Shivon Zilis, a 38-year-old Canadian tech executive, has established herself as a prominent figure in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. Known for her close association with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Zilis recently came into the public spotlight due to her professional achievements and her personal connection to Musk, with whom she shares three children.

Early Life and Education

• Birthplace: Shivon Zilis was born in Ontario, Canada.
• Heritage: She has a diverse background, with a Punjabi mother and a Canadian father.
• Education: A Yale University graduate, Zilis excelled both academically and athletically, playing varsity ice hockey during her time at the Ivy League institution.

Professional Career

Zilis is celebrated for her expertise in AI and her leadership in advancing groundbreaking technologies.

Key Roles and Contributions

1. Neuralink:
   Zilis is a senior executive at Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-chip company. Neuralink focuses on creating brain-computer interfaces that could redefine human and machine connectivity.

2. OpenAI:
   Zilis serves as an advisor to OpenAI, a leading research organization dedicated to developing safe and beneficial artificial intelligence.

3. Bloomberg Beta:
   She is a founding member of Bloomberg Beta, a venture capital fund that invests in early-stage startups specializing in AI and machine learning. Zilis has played a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing innovative ventures.

Other Roles:

• ​Fellow at the Creative Destruction Lab AI incubator.
• Board member at renowned AI research organizations, including the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute.

Connection with Elon Musk

Shivon Zilis’s relationship with Elon Musk became public knowledge following revelations about their shared children:

• Family: The pair welcomed twins, Strider and Azure, in 2021. In 2024, they had a third child, whose name remains private.
• Background: According to Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk, Zilis originally considered using an anonymous sperm donor but later agreed to Musk’s suggestion to be the donor. She admired Musk’s intelligence and shared his vision for the future.

Public Appearances with Musk

Zilis maintained a low profile until recently, appearing alongside Musk at notable events:

• Donald Trump’s Pre-Inauguration Dinner (2025):
  Zilis accompanied Musk to this high-profile event, where they mingled with prominent figures such as Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner.

• Mar-a-Lago Gala (2024):
  Zilis attended the event with Musk, who was photographed alongside their daughter Azure, though she largely stayed out of the spotlight.

Musk’s Family Dynamics

• Previous Relationships: Musk has five children with his first wife, Justine Wilson, and three with musician Grimes.
• Custody Battle: Musk is currently involved in a custody dispute with Grimes.
• Philosophy on Parenthood: Musk has advocated for "smart people" to have children, a sentiment echoed by Zilis in Isaacson’s biography.

Shivon Zilis’s Impact on Technology

Beyond her connection to Musk, Zilis has made significant contributions to the AI and tech industries. Her leadership at Neuralink and advisory role at OpenAI showcase her commitment to advancing humanity’s technological potential. Her work aligns with Musk’s ambitious vision, solidifying her reputation as both a professional ally and personal confidante.

A Rising Star

Shivon Zilis stands out as a dynamic force in technology, blending professional brilliance with personal intrigue. Her growing influence in the tech world and her association with Musk make her a figure to watch as she continues shaping the future of AI and innovation.