WORLD'S PREMIER EVENT FOR
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
16-17 APRIL 2024
GRAND HYATT DUBAI
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION CENTRE
Meet iconic AI pioneers, futurists, data scientists, government officials, neuroscientists and the C-suite of multiple industries who will take the stage with incredible talks, panels and fireside chats. Get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and empowered by the visionary minds shaping the future of AI. Our handpicked speakers bring unparalleled expertise, diverse perspectives, and groundbreaking insights to the stage. From global industry leaders to rising stars, each one is a trailblazer in their own right, poised to ignite your imagination and spark transformative conversations.
Join us as we unlock the secrets of artificial intelligence with our distinguished experts, who will delve deep into the latest trends, share cutting-edge research, and explore the limitless possibilities that AI presents. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and inspired with the brightest minds in the field and be a part of the conversation shaping tomorrow, today.
Head of Cyber Security Council, UAE Government
Dr. Al Kuwaiti was appointed by the Cabinet as the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government since 2020. As the Head of Cyber Security, his mandate includes responsibilities as the Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council as well as Managing Director of the National Data Centre under the Supreme Council for National Security. As the Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government by investiture, Dr. Al Kuwaiti has legal authority over all aspects pertaining to securing the cyberspace for the entire Nation. In his current role, Dr. Al Kuwaiti is tasked with the responsibility of charting the cyber security strategy for the Nation that not only equips the UAE to enter the digital era with capabilities to deal with the new threat landscape exacerbated by the pandemic, but also ensures UAE’s leadership in cyber security globally; towards establishing the UAE as the world’s leading trusted digital hub and supporting the Nation’s digital transformation agenda and the digital future of all residents who made UAE their home. Towards that end, he leads the Council to outline an implementation plan to protect the UAE cyberspace through emerging technologies such as Cloud, Big Data and AI in a whole-of-government approach coordinating and orchestrating efforts between Emirates and government entities via a unified platform built and managed by the Council. Under Dr. Al Kuwaiti’s leadership, the UAE has advanced 42 positions in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index, rising to the 5th place globally from 47th in the previous assessment. Dr. Al Kuwaiti has also led UAE to many firsts, including Guinness World Records for having the most users in a cyber capture the flag (CTF) competition, the largest bug bounty competition and the largest cyber drill; all initiatives that aim at capacity building in cyber security and improving the technical competencies of cyber security professionals and enthusiasts. More importantly, he has been instrumental in advocating for realizing the value of cyber security by demonstrating cyber security as a critical business enabler. Since 2021, Dr. Al Kuwaiti plays the role of an ambassador for collaboration between the government and cyber agencies, helping to bridge the discussion between the two major stakeholders in the digital economy. Under his chaperone, key public-private partnerships were established between the UAE Cyber Security Council and leading local and international cyber security organizations with the goal of making a positive contribution to the UAE cyber agenda and be a major force that will benefit the global cyber security industry. Additionally, bilateral agreements established with countries both within the region and across the world contributed towards mutual information sharing, capacity development and legal assistance aid treaties, all key outcomes as a result of the National Cyber Security Strategy that he has put in place to realize the vision of the UAE for the next 50 years. Underscoring the UAE’s leadership in cyber security on a global stage under Dr. Kuwaiti’s tutelage, UAE plays a pivotal role in the Arab Regional Cybersecurity Centre with UAE being elected as the Vice Chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Computer Emergency Response Team to respond to cyber emergencies during the 10th Regional Cybersecurity Week for Arab Countries and OIC Member States in 2022. UAE also co-chairs the Information Sharing Committee in the White House Counter Ransomware Initiative, a coalition of 37 international partners. His contributions to accelerate the cyber security maturity of the Nation and fostering a vibrant cyber security ecosystem in the UAE have been recognized in multiple forums, including the (ISC)² Government Professional Award for EMEA. Dr. Al Kuwaiti also sits on the Boards of the UAE Council for Digital Wellbeing, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Federal Geographic Information Center and is on the Advisory Committees of the College of Information Technology under United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Emirates ICT Innovation Center (EBTIC) under Khalifa University. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor under the Homeland Security Program at Rabdan Academy and a visiting lecturer on Cyber Security at universities such as Khalifa University and National Defense College in Abu Dhabi. Prior to his current appointments, Dr. Al Kuwaiti was with the National Electronic Security Authority in various appointments and capacity since 2013 where he was most recently the Executive Director of Government Operations managing National and International government relations. He had served as the Chief Technical Analyst at the Ministry of Interior where he had held other positions, such as Operations Director and CTO of the Counter Terrorism Center. Dr. Al Kuwaiti started his 20 year-long career as a Defense, Air, and Naval Military Attaché with the Embassy of The United Arab Emirates based in Washington, D.C. Dr. Al Kuwaiti has published numerous papers and keynoted at many conferences such as IEEE, RSA, Cyber Warfare Europe, Tele Strategies, ISS World MEA, IDEX, International Anti-Cyber Crimes Conference and Future War Summit. He is a highly sought after speaker internationally and has provided the main keynote address for more than 50 international, regional, and national cybersecurity events such as GITEX, GISEC and the World Government Summit, and has presented the UAE Cyber Security Framework at INTERPOL Global Cyberspace and Cybercrime Complex located in Singapore. Dr. Al Kuwaiti holds a Doctorate in Computer Engineering and Network Security from George Washington University in the U.S. and a master’s degree in Telecommunications and Computer Networks. He also holds a M.A. degree in International and Civil Security. Dr. Al Kuwaiti is an honorable member of the Society of Engineers, IEEE Society, Golden Key National Honor Society and Computer Society. His research interests are detecting, monitoring and responding to cyber warfare, network forensics, corporate governance & processes, and national cyber policy.
Head of Cyber Security Council
UAE Government
Co-Chair for Global Future Council, World Economic Forum
Co-Chair for Global Future Council
World Economic Forum
CTO, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Mohammed is an innovative and results-driven Chief Technology Officer with over 20 years of experience leading the development and execution of advanced technical infrastructures and solutions. He has a proven track record in strategic management, stakeholder engagement, and delivering cost-effective technology strategies. Mohammed is adept at driving digital transformation, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and managing large-scale cloud migrations. He is recognized for building robust technology solutions, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and steering high-performance teams to achieve organizational goals. Additionally, Mohammed is experienced in finops and multicultural environments, with a strong focus on client-centricity and innovation.
CTO
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Group Chief Information Officer, Aster DM Healthcare
Veneeth has over two decades of experience in leading technology enablement and transformation across Retail, Education and Healthcare sectors. Prior to joining Aster DM Healthcare, he was the CIO of Fortis Healthcare. An ISB-Kellogg School of Management Alumni and a certified Healthcare CIO (CIOH) and a board member and joint secretary at CHIME India Chapter.
He is a CIO – Hall of Fame honoree and was conferred the Images Most Admired CIO of the year – Retail in 2015 by the Images Retail Organization. He is also awarded India’s Top 50 CIO’s by CIO Associations of India.
Group Chief Information Officer
Aster DM Healthcare
Chief Customer Experience Officer, Sobha Realty
Dinesh is highly experienced in Digital & Omni-channel transformation, Customer Experience, Managing Contact Centres, Collections, RPA & Analytics, AI implementation, Operations Management, Project Management, Customer Life Cycle Management, Relationship/Vendor Management, Business Excellence, Quality Assurance & Business Analysis. He specializes in transitioning and setting up new projects.
Chief Customer Experience Officer
Sobha Realty
Chief Customer Officer, RAKBANK
DONGJUN (DJ) CHOI joined RAKBANK in March of 2022 as Chief Customer Officer and is leading the Customer & Strategic Analytics function, which includes Group Strategy, Digital Transformation & Enterprise Program Management Office, Center of Excellence (CoE) for Advanced Analytics, Brand & Marketing, and Customer Excellence & Protection functions.
DJ has a diverse portfolio of experiences across financial services. In his 28+ years of international experience, DJ has managed teams in Asia-Pacific, Greater China, UK, Middle East and Africa, and the US. He joins us from AXA Asia where he was the Chief Strategy and Customer Officer of Asia & Chairman of China, accountable for all business functions and driving the growth of AXA’s strategic region. In his previous roles, DJ has held executive positions of MD Strategic Analytics CoE at Barclays UK, Chief Marketing Officer for International Markets at Cigna Corporation, and senior executive positions at Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
DJ holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University.
Chief Customer Officer
RAKBANK
Group Chief Information Officer, Burjeel Holdings
George is a forward-thinking Information Technology and operations executive leader with over 25 years of international experience growing the business and achieving set goals, driving digital innovation and improving service delivery, developing and integrating IT organizations, designing and leading transformation initiatives, workflow optimization, and process improvement at large integrated academic healthcare delivery systems and research centers.
An innovative business leader with demonstrated achievements in transforming operations to produce better patient outcomes, and enhanced internal users’ experiences while reducing operating costs.
I have successfully led "SEHA" to achieve HIMSS-Analytics Level 6 at all 12 hospitals of the health system (the first hospital in the GCC in 2012 and the first health system in Asia then).
Certified Healthcare Chief Information Officer (CHCIO) by CHIME.
Group Chief Information Officer
Burjeel Holdings
CDO
Dubai Health
Group Chief Data Officer, Pure Health
Rizwan leads the data, data science, and AI strategy and execution at Pure Health. He brings 30+ years of experience including 10 years leading Microsoft's work across Middle East and Africa, leading and successfully exiting his own Silicon Valley startup, and his advisory work on innovation policy for Ontario, Canada. He holds master's degrees from Harvard and Chicago Booth and a PhD/ABD from the University of Chicago.
Group Chief Data Officer
Pure Health
CMO
Al Shaya Group
CEO & MD
Tafaseel BPO
Group head of supply chain & logistics, Red Sea Global
Michael is currently the Group Head of Supply Chain and Logistics at Red Sea Global, one of the leading giga projects in Saudi Arabia, following a 35-year career in the global logistics and supply chain industry, including a 10-year role as CEO of B2C Logistics Consulting, a specialist supply chain strategy and management consulting organisation.
Michael has extensive experience and expertise in the GCC environments; developing commercial strategies, high performing teams, excellence in business capability, superior financial results, and world class logistics facilities.
Michael has worked extensively with large private and government organisations across the GCC, such as Abu Dhabi Ports, Emirates Transport, Al Futtaim, Al Faisaliah and the Savola Group, and with 3PLs such as Tibbett & Britten and Exel, driving sustained growth for the organisations, and consistently delivering better-than-market financial results.
Holding a Master’s Degree from the University of Cumbria and currently completing a PhD in Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Michael is also an experienced faculty member at several UK Universities and a regular speaker at industry conferences.
Group head of supply chain & logistics
Red Sea Global
Author, Healthcare Futurist and Geopolitical Expert, Author of the international bestseller, Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity
Jamie Metzl is one of the world’s leading experts on the implications of the intersecting AI, genetics, and biotechnology revolutions and how governments, corporations, organizations, and individuals can best ride the wave of these unprecedented transformations to build their best possible futures. A technology and healthcare futurist, he is the author of the international bestseller, Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity, the genetics sci-fi thrillers Genesis Code and Eternal Sonata, and other books. His highly-anticipated new book, Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI RevolutionsWill Transform Our Lives, Work, and World, will be published in June 2024.
Jamie is Founder and Chair of the global social movement, OneShared.World, a Senior Fellow of the Atlantic Council, a faculty member of NextMed Health, and a Singularity University expert. In 2019, he was appointed to the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on human genome editing. A former partner in a global private equity firm, Jamie sits on advisory boards for multiple biotechnology and other companies and helped establish and serves as Special Strategist to the WisdomTree BioRevolutionExchange Traded Fund (ticker: WDNA). He previously served in the U.S. National Security Council, State Department, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and with the United Nations in Cambodia.
Jamie appears regularly on national and international media and his syndicated columns and other writing in science, technology, and global affairs are featured in publications around the world. He holds a Ph.D. from Oxford, a law degree from Harvard, and an undergraduate degree from Brown and is an avid ironman triathlete and ultramarathon runner. Jamiemetzl.com
Author, Healthcare Futurist, and Geopolitical Expert
MD, PhD, Neuroscientist, Physician, Medical Futurist
World-first - leading Neuroscientist Dr. Divya Chander speaks in the UAE for the first time ever. Neuroscience is on the cutting edge of decoding brains, making it possible like never before to peer into brains and hijack their circuitry. Divya is at the forefront of exploring how old and new technologies make it possible to read visions and dreams, hack thoughts, and plant false memories. Her expertise covers how modern medicine and science make it possible to restore and enhance function to people who are paralyzed, opening the door to digital and robotic control with the human mind. Divya takes us on a journey from brain reading to brain writing to closed-loop brain machine interface systems. She is working on devices that read and write the brain (brain mapping, neuromodulation) and link to brain machine interfaces for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Her work also crosses into studies of human longevity. There is no extended human lifespan without the preservation of the brain and mind. Divya’s work includes the exploration of brain machine interfaces, cryonics, the consideration of human augmentation and its effect on consciousness and human evolution and the potential to recognize consciousness in non-human entities. She has also been modeling the effect of AI and embodied AI in the consciousness space, defining its risk landscape and strategies to mitigate risk
MD, PhD, Neuroscientist, Physician, Medical Futurist
Head of Software Engineering & Development, Ministry of State Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office (UAE)
Head of Software Engineering & Development, Ministry of State Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office (UAE)
Director Digital Transformation - Cyber Security - AI Expert, Government of Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi
Director Digital Transformation - Cyber Security - AI Expert, Government of Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi is a renowned expert in Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. He holds some of the most prestigious and globally recognized security certifications, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
At present, he serves as the Director of Digital Transformation, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence at the Government of Abu Dhabi (UAE) and is also the President of the KU Alumni Council.
In this capacity, he plays a key role in shaping and implementing strategies to enhance the digital landscape and ensure robust cybersecurity measures for the government.
Director Digital Transformation - Cyber Security - AI Expert
Government of Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Director, AI & Advanced Technologies Projects Unit, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology - Oman
Dr. Salim Al Shualili is a dedicated professional with expertise in eGovernment planning and business development. Passionate about technology, he excels in transforming services into eServices and mServices. His adaptability and collaborative skills shine across diverse domains, reflecting a commitment to continuous growth and excellence in achieving objectives.
Director, AI & Advanced Technologies Projects Unit
Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology - Oman
Chief of Information Technology, Ministry of Oil and Environment - Bahrain
With over 19 years of experience in Information Technology, Ali Abdulla Al Sadadi serves as the Chief of Information Technology at Bahrain's Ministry of Oil and Environment. A versatile professional, he excels in Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity, Digital Sustainability, and Cloud Transformation. Passionate about IT Service Management and proficient in applying ITIL concepts, Ali is dedicated to delivering significant value to his organization and Bahrain. Leveraging his extensive knowledge, he actively contributes to advancing and securing the digital landscape, ensuring a positive impact on both the organization and the nation.
Advisor
Ministry of Oil and Environment - Bahrain
Data Science & AI Evangelist, AIslovakIA - National platform for the AI development in Slovakia
Data Science & AI Evangelist
AIslovakIA - National platform for the AI development in Slovakia
Chief Data and Analytics Officer, CIGNA
Ram Kumar is the Chief Data and Analytics Officer of Cigna’s International Markets where he is responsible for driving data and analytics strategy and its execution for 35+ countries covering The Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. He also the Head of Cigna Health Solutions India, COE for Cigna.
Ram has over 35+ years’ experience in industry and has held many executive roles namely, as CEO, CTO, CIO, Senior Consultant and as Chief Architect for global organizations and has managed teams in over 40 countries.
Ram commenced has over 28 years of solid background in Information Technology coupled with over 24 years’ experience in data strategy and execution. He has a strong basic and applied R&D background in AI and Machine learning and was actively involved in this field between 1986 and 2005, and has worked closely with some of the fathers/pioneers in this field. His first big data based advanced analytics/ML project was in 1992 for a large government organization in Australia. Ram served as a member of the Data Research Advisory Board of MIT Sloan School from 2016-2019. He spent over 16 years building open data standards under OASIS, a Global Standards Body and his standards have been implemented globally and notably by Google Maps.
Ram has published over 150 articles and is a regularly invited keynote speaker in conferences globally and has spoken extensively in about 400 industry events globally. Ram is recipient of several IT and Data related awards globally. His work has been published as chapters in books as global best practices. Ram serves as the advisor and executive committee member of MIT CDOIQ Symposium, the world’s biggest data event, as Member of the Global Editorial Board of the CDO Magazine and as the CDO Ambassador for Singapore, an initiative of CDO Magazine, MIT CDOIQ and Institute of CDOs.
Ram holds a Master's degree in Computer Science and Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering with Artificial Intelligence as the major in both.
Chief Data and Analytics Officer
CIGNA
Chief Information Officer, Dubai Cable Company (Ducab)
With over 25 years in IT, I'm a transformative leader leveraging technology strategically for business growth. As CIO at Ducab and Julphar, I directed successful technology strategy and implementation, staying ahead with certifications like PMP, CISSP, and TOGAF. Experienced in diverse sectors, including manufacturing and retail, I've implemented SAP, Oracle, Microsoft ERP, Salesforce, and Microsoft CRM. Pioneering Industry 4.0, I integrate ML & AI for operational excellence. My focus on team building and collaboration consistently delivers high-impact results, making me an invaluable asset for organizations seeking to enhance IT investments and business solutions.
Chief Information Officer
Dubai Cable Company (Ducab)
CEO, Mashreq Capital
Robert has more than 20 years of experience in the investment making business.
He is heading Mashreq Capital as CEO and Head of Asset Management since 2017 and has been with the firm since 2011. As chairman of the Investment Committee he is steering the investment process, monitors investment activities and is managing dynamic active strategies.
He is also serving on the board of directors of the Gulf Capital Markets Association.
Robert started his career at the treasury of Dresdner Bank Lateinamerika AG managing EMD investments and subsequently held various roles in market risk management for financial start-ups.
Robert holds a master’s degree in Economics from University of Hamburg and is a CFA charter holder.
In 2020 Robert completed a post-graduate program from Columbia Engineering in Machine Learning and AI.
He is the founder of Algorada Tech a fintech company dedicated to software development for analytical tools and automation to enhance investment management processes.
CEO
Mashreq Capital
Group Chief Information Officer, DAMAC
With 23 years of visionary leadership in digital transformation, Francis is a catalyst for operational excellence and revenue growth. As the former Director of Digital & Enterprise Solutions for the Alshaya Group, he established a Centre of Excellence, delivering 250+ successful projects and capturing millions in business value. Francis led transformative initiatives at Louis Vuitton, increasing sales by 20% through innovative IS strategies. His expertise encompasses enterprise solutions, digital strategy, e-commerce, and multicultural team management. A strategic thinker and collaborator, Francis is poised for continued success in shaping the digital landscape and driving global business innovation.
Group Chief Information Officer
DAMAC
CTO, Virgin Mobile
Track record of leading Digital Transformation for small to large Organizations and setting them apart in the Digital Experience Economy by overhauling Customer Journeys, growing revenue and reducing acquisition cost. Known for leveraging disruptive technologies and analytic-based knowledge of consumer behaviors/needs to spur tremendous growth. Admired for building, mentoring, and inspiring elite, customer-focused teams across professional disciplines. Expert in acquiring, retaining, and monetizing revenue through Digital Channels.
Summary of Accomplishments:
Track record of saving large organizations up to $65 Million in QA and Digital Development spend; Track Record of zero breach on customer facing Digital Enterprise Applications; Successful Data Center and Application Migrations to cloud with a complete overhaul to Industry Standards; Track record of successfully implementing Digital Industry Best Practices (AGILE, SCRUM, MicroServices, DevOps, Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery);
Developed teams as large as 500 Onshore and Offshore; Planned, Budgeted, Executed and Closed projects with budgets as much as $35 Million / Year; Established a Quality Assurance and Service Integration COE with standardized Process, Documentation, and Reports; Developed innovative testing methodologies for Application Testing, Mobile Testing, Infrastructure Testing and Application Performance Management Testing; Developed Reporting Strategy for Business to make informed decisions: Automated QA Status Report alignment with PMO, Monthly Operational Reports, Governance Reports – KPI / SLA reports linked to Requirements for every Project
Established a successful PMO, Development, QA, ITSM, and Release Management Center of Excellence
CTO
Virgin Mobile
Founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim
Abdallah Abu Sheikh is an international entrepreneur who has founded several companies, and currently sits as Astra Tech's Founder and CEO of Botim. His international success in the business realm is shaped by his diverse cultural background, strong educational acumen, and relentless ambition. Abdallah has addressed tech market saturation by creating an Ultra App, through Botim, that simplifies the everyday lives of more than 150 million users across MENA. Inspired
by a life-altering accident, making the Forbes 30 under 30 list twice, he is committed to compassionate leadership and the merging of diverse talents to breed organizational success.
Founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim
Chief Digital Officer, SONY
Kartik Bhatt is a seasoned omnichannel business leader with over 22 years of expertise in PNL management, operational leadership, retail strategy, and digital transformation. With extensive experience spanning across Ecommerce and Brick N Mortar Retail in Adventure, Fashion, and Duty-Free sectors across GCC, South East Asia, and India, Kartik has a proven track record of success. As an entrepreneur, he co-founded Fashionara.com, a venture-funded Ecommerce startup in India, and played a pivotal role in its growth. Kartik has also spearheaded the development of large-scale marketplaces, led global business development initiatives, and provided strategic guidance to retailers. A passionate blogger and keynote speaker, Kartik Bhatt brings a wealth of experience to his role as Chief Digital Officer at Sony.
Chief Digital Officer
SONY
Vice President of Product, Careem
Mohamad Charafeddine leads Careem’s mobility platform and oversees product management functions covering the Captain, Marketplace, and Trust and Safety products. Prior to taking up the Vice President of Product role, he led Careem’s engineering teams for the mobility of people, things, infrastructure, data and AI.
In addition to having previously worked at Samsung as a director leading the applied AI research and development team – where he successfully built the first enterprise AI platform for Reinforcement Learning and Deep Learning at scale – Mohamad was also part of the Core Machine Learning (ML) team for Business Integrity at Facebook in Menlo Park, United States, tasked with classifying and managing advertising content across Facebook and Instagram.
Vice President of Product
Careem
Head of AI, Ola Krutrim
As the founding Head of AI at Krutrim, Chandra Khatri is shaping India's AI landscape, crafting a comprehensive stack from chips to AI cloud. Focused on India's linguistic diversity, he strives to bridge urban and grassroots communities through multimodal, multilingual models. Chandra recently led the creation of "Krutrim," the world's first India-centric multilingual LLM, outperforming global models in an Indian context. Prior, he founded Got-It AI, a conversational AI pioneer, and played a pivotal role at Amazon, Uber, and eBay, leading teams and creating the Alexa Prize. Beyond product development, he invests in innovative tech companies like ThirdAI and Optivolt.
Head of AI
Ola Krutrim
CEO - Prophets of AI , Head of Strategic Partnerships - Hanson Robotics
Matthew Chavira is a resourceful leader with a deep passion for the field of artificial intelligence. As the founder of Prophets of AI, a representation agency for individuals who have made significant contributions in the AI and robotics fields, Matthew has curated a diverse lineup of industry-leading experts and government leaders who are shaping the future of AI development. This platform aims to be a world-leading resource for knowledge and inspiration in connection to AI's artistic and ethical development and represents individuals featured in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential in AI (Stephanie Dinkins and Sougwen Chung)
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Matthew holds an executive position at Hanson Robotics, the company behind the world-famous Sophia the Robot, where he oversees all of Sophia's live appearances, orchestrating impactful performances that explore the potential of AI and the interactions between humans and machines.
Furthermore, Matthew is also the Global Director of AI Partnerships at the International Advertising Association (IAA), an 85-year-old institution that stands as the global compass for the marketing communications industry. In this role, Matthew connects companies that align with the IAA’s principles of building high-value brands with its thought leadership, educational programs, and world-class events.
With a deep belief in AI's transformative power to make the world a better place, Matthew is dedicated to driving conversations and focus toward the developments shaping the future of this rapidly evolving field. Through each role, Matthew is committed to advancing AI and fostering collaboration among experts, artists, and enthusiasts."
CEO - Prophets of AI
Head of Strategic Partnerships - Hanson Robotics
Head of Artificial Intelligence and Analytics, ADNOC Distribution
Mr. Awad Ahmed Ali El-Sidiq (Award Winner of Cheif Data Officer and Best AI use case Implementation for Energy and Utilities Sector 2022 & Winner Oracle Worldwide DBA Excellence Award for EMEA Region 2013 at Open World) is the Head of Artificial intelligence & Analytics at ADNOC Distribution – U.A.E and SIG Director of Oracle Engineered Systems for Middle East Oracle User Group and member in Datawarehouse – Big Data - AI Worldwide Leader Program.
With more than 15 years of IT Industry experience in architecting and managing large enterprise Database Applications and Advance Analytics Solutions for delivering services to more than 10,000 users and millions of customers across all ADNOC Distribution businesses.
Pioneer in Implementing BI & Advance Analytics (AI/ML) Solutions in Oil and Gas industry in Middle East & Africa region (MEA). His dedication and initiatives has been recognized globally.
Head of Artificial Intelligence and Analytics
ADNOC Distribution
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology-Dubai
Dr. Doaa Taha is the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, the US’ fastest growing STEM university, in its Dubai Global Hub Campus, and is the Program Lead for its Artificial Intelligence, Analytics and Data Science Program where she is also a Professor and Researcher in the US home campus, leading the inception of its Women in STEM program (the WISER Institute – Women in Science, Engineering and Research). She is an entrepreneur having led a number of global business portfolios, as Managing Director and Board Co-Chair of global boutique Strategic Advisory Services (woman owned minority) firm Grey Matter LLC (Washington D.C., USA). Doaa is a Civil Society Leader as Chair of ADC Women’s Empowerment Forum;she is the National Board Secretary of the ADC (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee). She serves on the Advisory Committee of Women Forward International, an institutional partnership promoting women’s rights to advance humanity through research on real world solutions integrating cultural parameters. A George Washington University Doctoral Alum in Engineering. Doaa is a published researcher, author, co-editor, and peer reviewer, on a number of Academic and Professional areas of endeavor. Doaa is a member of leading STEM global societies and a number of other professional and civil society associations (IEEE, WDC-WPN, USCC, IIBA, INFORMS, etc.). Dr. Taha was knighted, in 2023, as a Dame of the Knighthood of the Order of Parte Guelfa, in Florence, Italy, one of the world’s oldest and most prominent Knighthoods and Confraternities focused on environmental protection: she was knighted for her work in strategic and applied technology research and sustainability in the service of humanity.
Assistant Vice Chancellor
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology-Dubai
Executive Director, Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI)
Speaker Bio: Valerie Hawley, Executive Director of the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence, spearheads its mission to advance AI capabilities in the Middle East. Tasked with positioning SCAI as a premier education and research provider, she focuses on revenue generation and client satisfaction. With an MSc in Optical Engineering and dual MBAs, Valerie boasts a robust academic background. Her 15+ years of experience include entrepreneurship, leadership at HEC Paris, Head of Innovation at Daman, and strategic consulting at KPMG. A general partner at True Global Ventures, Valerie is a thought leader, mentor, and board member, fostering innovation and tech ecosystems in the UAE.
Executive Director
Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI)
CEO, AQUASoft
With over 25 years in technology leadership, academia, and hands-on development, Cristian is a seasoned professional. His diverse experience spans corporate roles, startup development, and angel investments. Concurrently, he served as an Artificial Intelligence Teaching Associate at Polytechnics University of Bucharest UPB, shaping future AI professionals.
CEO
AQUASoft
COO, e& enterprise Cloud
Miguel is an ICT executive with over 30 years of international experience. He is the COO of e& enterprise, the digital transformation arm of e&. He looks after business and operations across all its solutions portfolio, ranging from datacenters and multi-cloud services to AI enabled business solutions and customer experience platforms.
Previously he served 8 years as the CEO of Emitac enterprise Solutions, one of the leading regional Systems Integrator, based in Dubai, where he led a successful transformation from a traditional Value-Added Reseller to a vibrant Solutions and Services firm with a growing focus on Cloud, Big Data and Security.
Prior to Emitac, Miguel was one of the founders and managing partners of Swissrisk Group, a European software services company that grew from zero to more than 1,000 professionals in less than 7 years. Miguel started his career in Hewlett Packard Consulting where he spent 10 years.
Miguel holds a Masters in Computer Science and an Executive MBA by IE – Instituto de Empresa in Madrid.
COO
e& enterprise Cloud
CTO, Talabat
Sven is a consumer-focused engineering leader who functions as the Chief Technology Officer at talabat. He enjoys building highly effective teams by acquiring the right talent through hiring or development, which produces the ideal structures that enable teams to move fast and develop successful products and organizations. Additionally, he has extensive experience in developing large-scale consumer-facing products and security-sensitive government systems. Sven was previously the Director of Engineering at Careem.
CTO
talabat
CTO, AstraTech | Botim
As Chief Technology Officer at Astra Tech, Hassan Al Noon spearheads the company’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics efforts. Venturing into tech with an
education journey into information security, Hassan recognized the transformative potential and impact of information security. He subsequently pursued advanced
studies, where he specialized in information security, before securing a Masters degree in security, cryptology, and coding of information systems from the National School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics of Grenoble. He has leveraged this knowledge to shape the trajectory of technological advancement in his professional career with stints at the Emirate Advanced Investment Group, and Multiverse Innovation. Notably he contributed to UAE’s esteemed National Experts Program (NEP), which is aimed at professional development via a comprehensive mentoring, tailored learning, and in-field training opportunities, where he plays his role to the nation’s prosperity.
CTO
AstraTech | Botim
Chief Information Officer, du
Peter Larnholt, a visionary Value Creator and technologist hailing from Sweden, brings extensive global experience from Spain, the USA, and the UAE. Specializing in digital transformation and strategic growth, he champions ethical leadership, prioritizing diversity and sustainability. With expertise in AI, analytics, and cloud computing, Peter drives operational efficiency and market expansion. His people-centric approach fosters enduring progress, seamlessly aligning human and organizational needs. Committed to continuous improvement, Peter's focus on AI innovation underscores his dedication to driving sustainable growth and achieving constant enhancement.
Chief Information Officer
du
CEO, AIQ
Dr Chris Cooper is an accomplished ICT professional with over 25 years of
experience in the technology sector. Dr Cooper has held leadership, sales, and
business development positions with several renowned technology
multinationals in the UAE, UK, and the EMEA region, including strategic roles to
build regional operations and presence.
Dr Cooper brings a diverse range of capabilities to AIQ, including business
analysis, team management, and business strategy. As a business leader, Dr
Cooper has a proven track record of successfully applying strategic insight and
innovation to drive growth and build market share and recognition. His ICT
expertise spans multiple domains, including cloud computing, artificial
intelligence, high-performance computing (HPC), data centers, enterprise
technology, and life sciences. His proficiency in navigating the complexities of
these cutting-edge fields contributes to his success in steering organizations
toward innovation, efficiency, and strategic excellence.
As the new CEO of AIQ, Dr Cooper is tasked with guiding the company into its
next phase of growth, leveraging its innovative product portfolio of AI solutions
for industry to target opportunities in new markets and industries. Dr Cooper
will also focus on strengthening existing partnerships for AIQ and forming new
alliances, collaborating with global technology leaders, systems integration, and
platform partners.
Dr Cooper’s career began at HP, and his career includes five years at Lenovo and
nearly 12 years at IBM. Most recently he was Regional Director for the Middle
East & North Africa at Citrix.
A multilingual professional, Dr Cooper is proficient in English, French, German,
and Spanish. Dr Cooper has a PhD in Physics, Electronics, and Materials Science
from the University of Dundee, UK, and a BSc in Theoretical Physics from the
University of East Anglia
CEO
AIQ
CTO, AIQ
Saravan Penubarthi is a highly experienced and versatile Chief Technology Officer with
expertise driving global digital transformations across various industry verticals. He has
a proven track record of delivering innovative technology strategies and solutions and
executing cloud initiatives across multiple industries. With a strong background in
digital innovation and execution, Saravan is adept at aligning and collaborating with IT
and business stakeholders to drive revenue improvements and efficiency enhancements
through adopting innovative digital business models.
Before joining AIQ, Saravan was the Chief Technology Officer for Microsoft in the APAC
region and was responsible for driving the company's cloud initiatives and developing the
overall IT digital strategy and execution. He led a diverse team of engineers, architects,
and project managers and served as the Chief Technology Advisor for CxOs and the board
in the region. He has also previously led digital technology partnerships and was
responsible for driving digital transformation initiatives across several organizations.
Saravan has held several leadership positions throughout his career, including as a cloud
consulting team leader for DXC (erstwhile CSC), global consulting services lead for Asia
Pacific and Japan for Software AG Singapore, and enterprise integration practice lead for
HCL Technologies in India.
Saravan earned his Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from Jawaharlal Nehru
Technological University in Hyderabad, India.
CTO
AIQ
Senior Director, Smart Data for AI Smart Data Solutions Business, e& enterprise
Kamran Ahsan, with professional experience of over 25 years, brings demonstrated achievements in building, transforming and accelerating business plans by propelling technological, financial and people performance. He offers a unique combination of technology and business acumen with a credible track-record in serving public and private sectors and service provider organizations in UAE, Canada and Pakistan.
In his current role in e& enterprise, Kamran is tasked with establishing and running the AI & Smart Data Business where he is building capabilities around people, platforms, processes, portfolio and partnerships. The business is geared for delivering verticalized Secured AI Solutions with faster time to value.
A senior leader in e& enterprise since 2014, Kamran has successfully built the Digital Security business from ground-up, commercially accelerated the practice in three years and played a key role in a strategic acquisition resulted in multi-fold growth in revenue with market share of 25%.
In 2020, he served as a CTO of UAE Trade Connect (UTC), UAE's first SME lending fraud prevention system co-created with leading banks in the country. Under this responsibility, he and his team built technology, security and operations units. UTC was successfully launched in April 2021.
Kamran earned a Masters in Applied Science (MASc.) degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Toronto, Canada in 2002. He is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO) from EC Council, a Certified Payment Card Industry Security Implementer (CPISI), holds professional certifications in ISO (ISO 27001 Lead Auditor) and IT Governance (COBIT) and a graduate of e& Senior Leadership program, GOLD.
As a thought leader, Kamran has been a keynote speaker on Digital Transformation with emphasis on AI & Data and Cyber Security in domestic and international conferences.
Senior Director
Smart Data for AI Smart Data Solutions Business, e& enterprise
Head of Product Partnerships, You Tube
With over 15 years of experience, Yuri Berchenko is a tech-savvy business development professional with an extensive knowledge of media, music and digital entertainment sectors. He currently leads YouTube’s Product Partnerships efforts across the expansion markets of Europe, Middle East and Turkey. Prior to taking up the Head of Partnerships role, he led Google’s business with the Retail and E-commerce vertical in Russia with deep focus on developing and integrating AI & ML technologies to segmentation and automation. Yuri started his career at Kearney, a US-based global management consulting company, where he helped large companies to build digital capabilities. Yuri studied Digital Economy in Vienna University of Economics and Business and holds a Master's degree in International Relations from Plekhanov University of Economics.
Head of Partnerships
YouTube Music + Premium
President & Co-Founder, DDN
Mr. Bloch co-founded DDN and brings over twenty five years of experience in starting, growing, and successfully managing technology businesses, including serving as the president of DDN, Personal Writer, Inc., and MegaDrive Systems, Inc.
Previously, Mr. Bloch enjoyed a successful tenure as a director for Hi-Tech Consulting Group, a European management consulting firm based in the United States. Mr. Bloch graduated with an Engineering degree from National Superior School of Telecommunications (ENST) in France and a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
President & Co-Founder
DDN
Vice President, DDN
Laurent Thiers, Dipl. Eng. ECAM, is the Vice President Sales at DDN, Storage Veteran for High Performance Computing and Parallel File Systems. Laurent is managing the sales and technical team for the Region, providing At Scale Storage Solutions for Strategic End-Users. He works cross-functionally with his Team, Customers Board, DDN’s Sales Leadership, CTO’s, Product Management and Support organization in order to offer Best-in-Class Solutions that meet and exceed customer’s expectations.
Prior to joining DDN in 2001, Laurent Thiers held appointments at Procter & Gamble (SAP HR Project Manager, System Analyst, ABAP/4 Programmer) & Alcatel-Lucent Indonesia (IT Director Branch Office, UNIX Sys. Admin). Feel free to remind him Bahasa Indonesia and “ein wenig of Deutsch” too.
Vice President
DDN
HEAD OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SMART DATA PRACTICE, e& enterprise,
Kader holds a PhD degree in Physics from Valladolid University (Spain). He has over 23+ years of experience in ICT / Digital, Data and Analytics, working in different position on Digital transformation, Business intelligence technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data, e-Government and Educational Technologies.
He is considered as an International and multicultural leader with an extensive experience in business management, innovation in digital services, disruptive business models and growth strategies combined with a strong commercial, financial and technical background.
He is participating in Developing and executing Data strategy to leverage emerging technologies such as AI and Machine Learning as a strategic competitive advantage
He has a master degree in Management and Business Administration from Madrid University.
Currently he is leading the Artificial Intelligence and Smart Data practice in e& enterprise.
HEAD OF AI AND SMART DATA Practice
e& enterprise
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer, Gems Education
Ritesh merges his background in education with a keen interest in technology, He explores how innovation can make learning more engaging and effective. He's had the privilege of sharing insights on integrating tech into educational spaces through several platforms, including workshops and articles.
He actively engages in discussions and forums to keep updated with the latest in EdTech. His goal is to help educators understand and adapt to new technologies, ensuring they harness them to enhance their teaching practices.
With experience in both education and technology sectors, He's always open to connecting with individuals who value the intersection of these domains. Let's share, learn, and grow together
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer
Gems Education
CTO, Ksolves India Limited
Mr. Manish Gurnani is an accomplished leader in the field of Information Technology and Services, boasting over 23 years of expertise. Backed by a robust entrepreneurial foundation, he holds a PGDM in Finance from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow. As the CTO of a publicly listed company, he worked on various complex projects, such as architecting a highly scalable Microservices application that catered to a 100-million user base and processed billions of transactions. He also oversaw the development and productionalization of a Predictive Analytics ML model for deployment in the Healthcare domain. With a strong foundation in AI/ML, Big Data, Cloud Technologies, and Solution Architecture, Mr. Manish Gurnani brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization. He has worked with Fortune 5 renowned clients and successfully built impactful AI models as per their business needs. His extensive background in these cutting-edge technologies allows him to spearhead innovation and drive growth at Ksolves.
CTO
Ksolves India Limited
Technology Reporter, The National News
Dana Alomar is a journalist known for her expertise in technology reporting. Currently serving as The National's technology reporter. Prior to her role at The National, Dana held the position of senior technology, media, telecom, and health reporter at CNN Business Arabic, and business reporter at Arab News, contributing significantly to both publications’ coverage of key economic and business developments.
Dana's journey in journalism began during her time as an intern at Zawya by Refinitiv, focusing on business news in the UAE and gaining invaluable insights into the regional business landscape. She further expanded her expertise during her internship at Esquire Middle East, where she delved into a diverse range of topics including technology, hospitality, and fashion.
Dana's contributions to journalism extend beyond her written work, as she has also made a mark as an on-camera journalist for CNN Business Arabic. Her interviews with notable figures such as Frederic Moll, the Founder of the da Vinci Surgical Systems, Physics Guru Michio Kaku, CEO of Astratech & BOTIM Super App Abdallah Abu Sheikh, Director of the Public Health, Environment and Social Determinants of Health Department of the World Health Organization Maria Neira, Saudi Princess Lamia Bint Al Saud, and other prominent personalities have showcased her ability to engage with diverse subjects and deliver compelling stories to her audience.
A graduate of the American University of Sharjah, Dana holds a major in mass communication with a concentration in journalism, and a minor in history.
Technology Reporter
The National News
Senior Presenter, CNN Business Arabic
Senior Presenter
CNN Business Arabic
Director of Software Engineering & QA Department, Digital Dubai
With a career extending over 15 years, I have played a strategic role in enhancing digital services across various sectors, culminating in my current position at the forefront of government innovation. As Director of Software Engineering & QA Department at Digital Dubai, I apply my skills to bolster our technological framework. I've been privileged to lead initiatives like the Dubai AI project, furthering our smart city capabilities. My experience as Product Manager for UAEPass was integral to advancing our nation’s digital identity services. My professional path is characterized by a series of leadership roles that have enabled me to contribute to the digital evolution, always with a focus on future-ready government initiatives.
Director of Software Engineering & QA Department, Digital Dubai
Senior Transformation Consultant, Dubai Police HQ
A Senior Transformation Consultant at Dubai Police, where I lead and support strategic initiatives, program management, and project delivery across various domains, such as digital government, IA, 7 star service, EPM, smart city solutions, social influence, Future Readiness and agile maturity capacity building. I have more than 25 years of experience in civil engineering, Global business development, market strategy, business analysis, global trends, Transformation & Change Management, and benchmarking in 12 countries across the MENA region.
I hold a DBA in Responsive Smart City and Data Science, an MBA from the University of Wales, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama, and 32 international certificates in various fields related to Quality, Project/Program/Portfolio Management, Digital Transformation, Change Management, Management Consulting, and Emerging Technologies.
I am passionate about helping build Future Ready productive people and organizations by leveraging Metaverse, Digital Twins, Conversational AI, and Web3. I have won several team and innovation awards for my contributions and achievements.
Several Patents held: Future Management, TX (Total Experience Management), The use of Chatgpt for Government Everyday Work, Metaverse use cases for Government, Future Readiness Labs, and more.
Senior Transformation Consultant
Dubai Police HQ
CFO, e& enterprise
Vivek Sharma was appointed as Acting Chief Financial Officer of e& enterprise in August 2022.
His key mandates are to deliver strategic financial direction to e& enterprise, oversee financial performance across e& enterprise and its subsidiaries, and to enable the financial carve-out of e& enterprise from e& Group.
Since his appointment, Vivek has created an entirely new Finance department. He is heavily involved in M&A activities that are aimed at enabling regional expansion and delivering profitable revenue growth for the Group. From the inception of e& enterprise, Vivek has been involved in the successful completion of two key projects: the acquisition of Smartworld which was fundamental to augmenting the capabilities of the IoT & AI business unit, and the joint venture with Bespin Global which will lead to the creation of a regional managed services cloud provider.
Prior to his appointment as Acting CFO, Vivek was Senior Director for Business Analysis & Performance in the B2B division of etisalat by e& (formerly Etisalat UAE) for 7 years. In this role, he established a Pricing Office that improved financial and commercial discipline, supported significant digital revenue growth and was instrumental in driving and delivering cost efficiency targets.
Before joining e&, he held multiple senior Finance positions at Vodafone Group, based in London.
Vivek Sharma is a qualified accountant, associated with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and has over 20 years of professional experience in the Telecoms and Technology industry, with his specialty in the B2B sector.
CFO
e& enterprise
Director CX & Cloud Communication Technology, e& enterprise
Rashid is the Technology unit head of EngageX the Cloud Communication and Customer
engagement solution unit of e& enterprise regionally with a focus on UAE and KSA.
Rashid is an accomplished executive professional with over 15 years of experience in different
dynamic domains of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Customer Experience. He
has worked in several organizational functions including CX Digital Transformation, Artificial
Intelligence, Cloud Communication Operations, Mobile Network Optimization, and Network
Performance. Rashid has a multi-skilled background in technical and non-technical skills in digital
areas such as Cloud Communications, Conversational and Generative AI.
Throughout his career, Rashid has achieved several milestones including the Middle East Technology
Excellence Award 2022 in ICT Technology, Best Business Line Award in e& enterprise 2021, and the
Best Network Operation Center Award in e& for 2018. Rashid has been shortlisted for several
innovative projects such as the Optimized building A/C project for the U.K. Telecom award 2017.
As a head of EngageX Technology at e& enterprise, Rashid is responsible for defining and leading
the implementation of long-term strategic EngageX CPaaS technology roadmap. He is also
responsible for the common foundational technology strategy for the EngageX as well as planning,
development, and operations function of EngageX technology. Rashid's key goals include expanding
globally and ensuring availability in different regions, improving software delivery efficiency, product
resiliency, and optimizing compute and network costs as well as growing and managing a global
engineering team.
Prior to this role, Rashid was leading Messaging & Retail IoT Operations at Etisalat by e&, where he
was responsible for leading a team of Digital Channels and IoT network operation personnel that
provide end-end support for a managed network state of art services offering. He was responsible for
managing & leading a team that owns all aspects of the restoration and support processes required
for the customers that Interface provides a broad set of managed Digital Channels and IoT network
services.
Rashid holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) from the University of
Sharjah. And a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) in Computer Engineering from Khalifa University. And
currently he is preparing his PhD in MIS.
Director CX & Cloud Communication Technology
e& enterprise
Head of Digital Policy, Middle East & Africa, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Head of Digital Policy, Middle East & Africa
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
CEO & Founder, OneTabAI
Saket Dandotia is a dynamic and forward-thinking CEO and Founder of Onetab with a passion for leveraging technology to drive business growth and innovation. With a strong background in data-driven mobility research and international market strategies, Saket is a customer-centric marketer known for his love for storytelling and hockey stick growth curves.
At Onetab, Saket leads a team dedicated to developing advanced AI technology aimed at enhancing workplace productivity and collaboration. His vision is to empower individuals within organizations to work smarter and more efficiently, ultimately enabling them to reach their full potential.
Prior to Onetab, Saket co-founded Magnifi.ai, a groundbreaking interactive video platform revolutionizing the realm of shopping and video streaming. Under his leadership, Magnifi.ai introduced innovative features like clickable hotspots, significantly increasing viewer engagement and creating immersive experiences.
With over a decade of experience as the Chief Executive Officer at Linkites Infotech Pvt Ltd, Saket has demonstrated his strategic acumen and leadership skills in driving business success. He has also co-founded VideoVerse, contributing to the advancement of digital media and entertainment.
Saket has enriched his educational journey with a Certificate Programme in Leadership and Change Management from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management, Indore.
Additionally, he has actively participated in the Stanford Seed Spark Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. These invaluable experiences have endowed him with a profound comprehension of leadership dynamics, adept change management strategies, nuanced insights into customer behavior, and astute international business acumen.
Throughout his career, Saket has shown a proactive approach to adopting new technologies and exploring innovative use cases. His expertise in image processing, machine learning, blockchain and video meta tagging reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
CEO & Founder
OneTabAI
CTO - IoT,Edge & Digital Cities, Dell Technologies META
Hani Khalaf is the CTO for Internet of Things and Digital Cities Solutions at Dell Technologies, Middle East Turkey and Africa (META) region. He believes in the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Edge being key disruptive technologies in driving the digital transformation of businesses and cities and is very passionate about helping organizations in their digitization journey. He has over 27 years of experience in the field of telecommunications, networking, public safety, with the last 12 years focused on Internet of Things and smart cities solutions.
CTO - IoT,Edge & Digital Cities
Dell Technologies META
Executive, Business Development and Ecosystems - Data and AI - IBM
Ben Owen is a seasoned executive with over 26 years of experience across Data, AI, and Cloud technologies. Currently, he serves as the executive leader at IBM, overseeing Business Development and Ecosystem for the Data and AI Technology Brand throughout the Middle East and Africa. Prior to joining IBM, he held executive roles at Cloudera, where he led the Cloud Business for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He also served as an executive at Amazon Web Services, managing the Energy sector (Oil and Gas) across the same regions. His extensive background also includes founding a SaaS startup and leading a consulting division at SAP. Ben’s expertise and leadership continue to drive significant advancements Data and AI while leveraging the power of the cloud to help businesses adopt cutting-edge technologies across industries.
Executive, Business Development and Ecosystems - Data and AI - IBM
Humanoid Robot, Hanson Robotics
Hanson Robotics’ most advanced human-like robot, Sophia, personifies our dreams for the future of AI. As a unique combination of science, engineering, and artistry, Sophia is simultaneously a science fiction character depicting the future of AI and robotics, and a technology platform for advanced robotics and AI research.
Since her launch in 2016, Sophia captivated the imagination of global audiences. She served as the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, and became the world’s first robot citizen. As a technology, Sophia’s science has won top AI awards including from Neurips, World Technology Awards, and Edison Prize. Sophia’s appearances on BBC, CNN, Reuters, the Tonight Show, and Good Morning Britain, made her the world’s most famous robot— a beloved household name with millions of viewers, subscribers, followers, and fans, who tune in regularly to see Sophia’s story and latest developments.
Humanoid Robot
Hanson Robotics
CEO , Dubai Blockchain Center
Dr. Marwan Alzarouni is an internationally recognized blockchain technology advocate, keynote speaker and strategic advisor. Dr. Alzarouni is the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), an impact business and a strategic partner to Dubai Future Foundation.
The center was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the Area 2071 initiative in May 2018. It aims to create a fertile ground and a holistic ecosystem for blockchain companies and projects to thrive in. DBCC regularly hosts a number of blockchain startups within Area 2071 and also conducts educational classes and seminars around blockchain use cases in government and private sector.
CEO
Dubai Blockchain Center
Founder of TRON, Member of the HTX Global Advisory Board
H.E. Justin Sun is the Ambassador and former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the WTO, Founder of TRON, one of the world's largest blockchain DAO ecosystems, and Advisor to HTX, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges. A protege of Alibaba's Jack Ma, Sun has been named Forbes' 30 under 30 in the Consumer Technology category several times, among other global recognitions. Sun is an avid art collector, gamer, investor, philanthropist, and space enthusiast.
Founder of TRON
Member of the HTX Global Advisory Board
CEO, Animoca Brands,
Robby is CEO of Animoca Brands – a leader in Web3 gaming and investing, and the company behind the Sandbox. Robby’s career has focused on the TMT industries, from the early days of analogue mobile and web 1.0 to traditional ad-supported media and free-to-play games.
CEO
Animoca Brands
Founder, XX Network
David Chaum pioneered privacy in modern communication as the inventor of mix nets, blind signatures, and multiparty computation that laid the foundation for enabling secure voting systems, anonymous internet surfing (Dark Web/TOR Network) and DigiCash, the first cryptocurrency and precursor to Bitcoin to allow for anonymous transactions. Chaum is currently leading xx network, a completely private, quantum-secure decentralized messaging and payment platform. He is working with the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) on new technologies for CBDC digital currencies.
Founder
XX Network
Chief Commercial Officer, OKX
With over 15 years of experience in crypto and financial services, Lennix spearheads business strategy and operations at OKX globally. Since joining in 2017, he has been pivotal in transforming OKX into a leading hub for DeFi, NFTs, blockchain gaming, and crypto trading. Formerly with JP Morgan, AIG, and CASH Financial Services Group, Lennix is committed to fostering financial inclusion and dismantling traditional barriers to wealth creation through innovative, decentralized, and secure means. His mission is to empower everyone to create and own wealth on a global scale.
Chief Commercial Officer
OKX
Founder & Chief Scientist, DFINITY Foundation
Dominic is founder of the Internet Computer (ICP) blockchain project and President and Chief Scientist of the DFINITY Foundation.
Before transitioning to work full time in crypto in 2013, Dominic was an engineering entrepreneur that created multiple internet technologies and products.
His previous venture was an MMO game that had millions of users. He was first introduced to cypherpunk thinking when using Wei Dai's crypto++ library in 1998, which had documentation referencing the b-money proposal.
Founder & Chief Scientist
DFINITY Foundation
COO, MURGO
Nikhil, EMURGO's COO, spearheads commercial adoption efforts worldwide with 115 global employees. He oversees Fintech, Media, and Education product development and establishes an incubation arm. Formerly, he served as COO at a Singaporean startup focusing on trade solutions with Hyperledger Fabric and Corda, raising $7m Series A during Covid. With 15 years at Barclays, he enhanced capital efficiency, engaged in regulatory lobbying, and drove strategic initiatives for Asian business growth, collaborating closely with senior management and investment banking divisions.
COO
EMURGO
Chief Alchemist, Mantle
Jordi Alexander is a prominent figure in the global market making space, specializing in Digital Assets. Serving as the Chief Alchemist of Mantle, he leads innovation in token-governed technologies on the Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain. In addition to his role as Chief Information Officer at Selini Capital, Jordi wears many hats—hosting the SteadyLads podcast, demonstrating expertise in game theory, and actively participating as an angel investor and advisor. His multifaceted involvement adds depth to his influence in shaping and advancing the realms of blockchain, investments, and decentralized technologies.
Chief Alchemist
Mantle
Chief Communications Officer, CoinW
Carmen, CoinW's Chief Communications Officer, embodies resilience and innovation, boasting ASIC RG 146 Tier 1 certification. Her expertise extends to AML and CTF compliance, showcased on global stages like Token2049 and the World Blockchain Summit. Recognized as a TOP BIT INFLUENCER 2022, Carmen's impact graces Nasdaq billboards. Her journey from Emirates Airline to CoinW signifies her tenacity and talent in shaping the web3 landscape, marking her as a trailblazer in financial and blockchain realms.
Chief Communications Officer
CoinW
Founder, The Moon Group
Carl Runefelt, also known as ‘The Moon’ is the founder of The Moon Group and cryptojobs.com. He is a serial entrepreneur who has invested in over 400 blockchain-based startups, & has been featured in Forbes 30 under 30. The crypto evangelist has also been featured in top business publications such as, FOX Business, Forbes US, CNBC, Business Insider, Coin Telegraph and Tech Telegraph UK.
Founder
The Moon Group
CEO, RAK DAO
Dr. Sameer Al Ansari, CEO of RAK Digital Assets Oasis, leads the only common law free zone dedicated to non-regulated digital and virtual asset companies. With over 35 years of finance expertise, he also heads RAK ICC, a fast-growing offshore corporate registry. Dr. Al Ansari's leadership extends to multiple boards including Marjan, TVM Healthcare Partners, and Al Ramz Capital. Previously, he served as Chairman & CEO of Dubai International Capital ($13B AUM) and held various roles on regional and international boards, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Holding. Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.
CEO
RAK DAO
Co-founder and Co-CEO, August (Prev. Fractal)
Alexandre Elkrief is the co-founder and co-CEO of August. He previously lead DeFi at LedgerPrime, a multi-strategy digital assets investments firm. Prior to that, Alex was the co-founder of Knowhere, a San Francisco based startup that developed machine learning and text understanding tools for the media industry. Alexandre holds a BS in Mathematics from Imperial College London and a MS in Computational and Mathematical Engineering from Stanford
Co-founder and Co-CEO
August (Prev. Fractal)
Bitcoin Pioneer/Founder, Bitcoin Center NYC
Founder of the Bitcoin Center in 2013 the first live crypto currency exchange. Located 100 feet from the New York Stock Exchange(prominently displayed on the netflix documentary "Banking on Bitcoin"). Inventor of the multi-branched blockchain, and blockchain voting. Both patents have been granted. Thirty years of experience in technology and politics. Pioneer and thought leader in the blockchain paradigm. He was also Founder of GetaRoom.com in 1997. In 1983 he attended New York Institute of technology where he studied computer science and AeroSpace Engineering.
Bitcoin Pioneer/Founder
Bitcoin Center NYC
Alicia Kao Managing Director, Kucoin
Alicia Kao is KuCoin's Managing Director. With more than ten years of digital marketing experience, she's a blockchain believer and an avid NFT collector. Alicia joins KuCoin since 2019. In her four-year tenure, she has been responsible for KuCoin's marketing and managing institutional and VIP client relationships. She's currently focused on external long-term strategy development and fostering lasting partnerships to help build the crypto industry. She majored in sociology.
Managing Director
KuCoin
Director Digital Transformation - Cyber Security - AI Expert, Govt of Abu Dhabi
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi
Director Digital Transformation - Cyber Security - AI Expert, Govt of Abu Dhabi
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi is a renowned expert in Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. He holds some of the most prestigious and globally recognized security certifications, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
At present, he serves as the Director of Digital Transformation, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence at the Government of Abu Dhabi (UAE) and is also the President of the KU Alumni Council.
In this capacity, he plays a key role in shaping and implementing strategies to enhance the digital landscape and ensure robust cybersecurity measures for the government.
Director Digital Transformation - Cyber Security - AI Expert
Govt of Abu Dhabi
CEO, Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center
Abdulla Al Dhaheri is a multifaceted professional who embodies the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in the world of blockchain and cybersecurity. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity and an Associate degree in Blockchain Management, Abdulla has made substantial contributions to these fields, reflected in his two patented blockchain inventions. He is a seasoned entrepreneur and businessman, known for his forward-thinking leadership, strategic acumen, and keen ability to steer multimillion-dollar businesses to success. Notably, he has lent his expertise to various successful Web 3 and NFT projects, illustrating his versatility and adaptability to emerging trends in technology. Abdulla's influence extends into the public sector, where his exceptional problem-solving skills and visionary outlook are utilized in government roles. His commitment to technological advancement has significantly impacted this space, as he has bridged the gap between innovation and governance.
CEO
Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center
Chief Product Officer, BingX
Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at BingX, leads the product team with a focus on derivatives, asset management and user experience, actively driving innovations and strategies. With close to a decade of experience in trading, product management, and market development, Vivien has cultivated her expertise in forex and equity derivative products through pivotal roles at reputable institutions such as Morgan Stanley, BNP Paribas, and Deutsche Bank. Additionally, Vivien has years of experience in well-known crypto exchanges as leaders of financial products, risk management, and new product development, along with a deep understanding of product life cycle and go-to-market strategy.
Chief Product Officer
BingX
Crypto Educator & Entrepreneur, DavinciCodes Software Design
Self educated software developer, enterprise level system designer, and extensive bitcoin architecture knowledge. Davinci Jereme is an experienced manager, software engineer who specializes in developing application frameworks (APIs), multi-ter clustered systems that enable the enterprise to scale up exponentially. Davinci has developed many advanced systems that include Server side web service, multi-threaded clustered enterprise software, Active X controls, and advanced archival compression algorithm. He can code in many software languages with key efficiencies in Delphi, C++, SQL and C#. Davinci Jeremie is also an advanced network administrator, domain controler, advanced security systems and virtualization software such as VMware, ESXi, and Microsoft Hyper-V Server. Linux and Mac OS X system knowledge with bitcoin mining and server side pool management.
Also Davinci's hoby's are studying the financial system, how money works since 2007, and discussing gold and silver on YouTube since 2008 that allowed him to become a early adopter of bitcoin in March of 2011.
Crypto Educator & Entrepreneur
DavinciCodes Software Design
Founder & CTO, Kanga Exchange
An experienced entrepreneur and Chief Technical Officer at Kanga.Exchange with a rich work history in the IT industry. Skilled in management and programming, and highly enthusiastic about blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. A strong business development specialist with a master's degree in computer science, a graduate of the Gdańsk University of Technology. An outstanding expert in his field.
Founder & CTO
Kanga Exchange
Founder, Crypto University
Grey’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-education, and the courage to take risks.
Born and raised in Malawi, Grey’s humble beginnings were far from the world of digital currencies and financial markets. However, his thirst for knowledge and a better life led him down an unconventional path. He taught himself how to code, design, and edit videos, and eventually discovered the world of cryptocurrency.
Grey’s journey in the crypto world began with a simple curiosity, which quickly turned into a passion. He spent countless hours learning about digital currencies, blockchain technology, and trading strategies. His dedication and relentless pursuit of knowledge paid off when he made his first successful trade. From that moment, Grey knew he had found the key to financial freedom.
Founder
Crypto University
Chief Product Officer, Co-founder, Vodafone’s Digital Asset Broker (DAB) Platform, Vodafone
David Palmer, Chief Product Officer and co-founder of Vodafone's Digital Asset Broker (DAB) platform, is a digital visionary and recognized thought leader in blockchain and Web3. With expertise in converging digital technologies and new business models, he explores opportunities in IoT, Blockchain, DeFi, Digital Identity, AI, and the Metaverse, making significant contributions to Vodafone Business's leadership in blockchain technology.
Chief Product Officer, Co-founder
Vodafone’s Digital Asset Broker (DAB) Platform, Vodafone
Global Head of Enterprise Partnerships, Cardano Foundation
Jeremy leads Enterprise partnerships at the Cardano Foundation, overseeing third-party relationships, market infrastructure development, and mainstream adoption trends. With a career history of 6 years in corporate banking and another 6 years in the blockchain industry, Jeremy brings a unique view of industry analysis, value-chain enhancement, and solution integrations to address a variety of world problems through collaborations with key organizations.
Global Head of Enterprise Partnerships
Cardano Foundation
CEO & Co-Founder, CoinMENA
Talal Tabbaa is the CEO and Co-Founder of CoinMENA, a cryptocurrency exchange platform licensed by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority and the Central Bank of Bahrain. CoinMENA enables retail and institutional investors to buy, sell, send, receive, and store digital assets safely and securely.
Talal also serves on the advisory board of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and the Board of Middle East Payment Services (MEPS) in Amman, Jordan. Previously, he co-founded Jibrel Network, a blockchain development company based in Zug, Switzerland. Before entering the crypto industry, Talal worked in financial and supply chain consulting services at PwC, and managed a private investment fund in Saudi Arabia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Economics from Purdue University, IN, USA.
CEO & Co-Founder
CoinMENA
Chief Operating Officer, Bitget
Vugar, an accomplished senior manager and communications expert, boasts 15 years of diverse experience from Fortune 500 companies to startups, currently as COO at Bitget. Formerly CMO at Beincrypto, he's made significant impacts in Web3 and blockchain. With roles in co-founding and board positions, he's shaped brands and products, including a "unicorn" MarTech startup. Vugar's expertise spans esteemed brands like Carlsberg, Facebook, and Bain & Company. Holding degrees from Harvard and Oxford, he hosts the popular crypto podcast "Usi Talk," covering tech, AI, and Blockchain.
Chief Operating Officer
Bitget
Co-Founder, Indonesia Blockchain & Metaverse Center
Grace Sabandar is the CEO of Global Business Services, Co-Founder of Indonesia Blockchain & Metaverse Center, and an international Speaker. Grace is also the Co-Founder of Global Sportainment Network, and she has been involved in an initiative to connect Indonesian sports industry to innovation and technology.
Co-Founder
Indonesia Blockchain & Metaverse Center
Co-Founder, Global Market of Artification (GMA)
Gregorio Maiorano, an Italian financial consultant, began his career in insurance and finance while studying Economics at the University of Lecce. In the late '90s, he delved into derivatives and specialized in over-the-counter markets at the Milan Stock Exchange. Transitioning to fundraising pre-2008 crisis, he later founded Azzurra Consult, recovering mortgage interest. Now, he offers financial consulting in Italy and co-manages GMA (Global Market of Artification) with Spanish businessman Alberto Gomez Kasperson.
Co-Founder
Global Market of Artification (GMA)
CEO and founder, SingularityDAO
Marcello Mari, is the CEO and founder of SingularityDAO as well as founding member of SingularityNET. He has led the blockchain protocol to significant achievements, including raising over $5.8 million from VCs and reaching a peak valuation of $600 million. He also coordinated the first NFT collaboration between a human and AI, raising over $1.4 million. Starting his career in London and contributing to major publications, Marcello has been recognized for his work in blockchain and AI, including speaking at TEDx and receiving the prestigious AIBC award for Top AI Voice in 2024. Over his career Marcello has participated to the foundation and launch of over 6 crypto / AI projects.
CEO and founder
SingularityDAO
International Ambassador, European Blockchain Association
Christian Gleich is the ambassador of the European Blockchain Association and well-known as a consultant and international speaker on topics related to blockchain, web3, tokenization and the metaverse. His focus over the last 25 years has been on the specific development of digital use cases and business models as well as their monetization. In various leadership positions, the digital expert led innovative projects for Samsung, Nike as well as NASA. He also holds the Guinness® World Record for the largest product launch of all time - streamed from the international space station (ISS). Right now he is focusing on tokenization for companies of different industries.
International Ambassador
European Blockchain Association
Founder & Chairman , Galactic Entertainment
Loren Roosendaal is a serial entrepreneur and one of the founding fathers of the blockchain gaming movement. Loren brings his passion for innovation to businesses and companies committed to being at the pioneering forefront of Web 3.0. He's been programming video games since the age of 11 and has seen them played by millions of gamers before graduating high school. Flash forward to today, Loren has founded several gaming ventures and software companies that are active both globally and in the MENA region.
Founder & Chairman
Galactic Entertainment
CSO, Bitrue
Robert has 15 years of experience in finance, government, investment banking, asset management, and strategic advisory. A former Director at Black Square International and Ex-Visiting Fellow at The London School of Economics. He covers business, economics, banking, financial markets, emerging markets, global finance, hedge funds and private equity, foreign affairs, and geopolitics
CSO
Bitrue
Columnist, NASDAQ
Naeem is a former hedge fund trader with over 10 years of experience in investment banking. He is a regular guest with all tier one media such as CNBC & Bloomberg. He has spoken at the headquarters of the European Parliament on the subject of blockchain and its adoption. Moreover, Naeem has guest lectured at the most prestigious universities in the UK such as The London School of Economics, The Warwick University and his own university, The University of Leeds.
Naeem was awarded National Award (Irish Brokers Young Award) in October 2010. He has vast experience in investments, portfolio management and proactively takes advantage of various market trends in all aspects of investment origination, such as research and appraisal, valuation, structuring, deal execution, ongoing management and exit strategies.
Columnist
NASDAQ
Associate Professor, The British University in Dubai/ Dubai Blockchain Center
Dr. Maria Papadaki, with her deep expertise in risk management, holds the position of Associate Professor and Managing Director at the British University in Dubai's Centre for Risk and Innovation, and serves as a Strategic lead to the Dubai Blockchain Center. Her professional journey includes being a former board member at London's Institute of Risk Management and lecturing at The University of Manchester and Columbia University. Papadaki has a significant background in the aerospace industry through her work on risk strategies at Rolls-Royce plc. She advocates for an education model inspired by Greek philosophy and has co-founded an NFT marketplace. Additionally, Papadaki played a key role in establishing the H2B Hub, an innovation hub in Crete that promotes cross-industry and academic collaboration. Notably, under her guidance, the British University in Dubai became the first institution in the Middle East and Asia to issue academic certificates on the blockchain, marking a pioneering step in integrating blockchain technology with education.
Founder & CEO
The British University in Dubai/ Dubai Blockchain Center
Managing Partner, Fabric Ventures LLP
Richard Muirhead Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Fabric Ventures. Richard has previously exited 3 software companies as an entrepreneur. Fabric Ventures invested in Polkadot, Ocean Protocol, Orchid, Sorare, 1inch, The Graph, and NEAR, and more.
Managing Partner
Fabric Ventures LLP
CEO, Chorus One
Brian Fabian Crain, CEO of Chorus One and President at Interchain Foundation, is a key figure in crypto. With roots in Blockchain Meetup Berlin since 2014, he's a podcast host and board member for Urbit Foundation. Leveraging his expertise, Brian has propelled Chorus One as a premier staking provider. By Jan 2024, it amassed $3B in assets from 100K+ delegators and partnered with BitGo, Ledger, Finoa. Chorus Ventures, its venture arm, invests in projects like Lido, Osmosis, Celestia, diversifying its portfolio.
CEO
Chorus One
Founder & CEO, Hydro
Raghav or better known as Reggie is a serial entrepreneur, leadership and management professional and an accredited chartered manager from the Chartered Management institute. Reggie has scaled startups from idea to growth stage with revenues reaching as high as 200,000 USD per month. He has led teams varying from ten to two hundred people of a multidisciplinary background. His career also includes stints at MSLgroup and other large integrated agencies where he handled medium to large scale public, private and NGO accounts. He is a firm believer and practitioner of the hersey-blanchard situational model of leadership.
Founder & CEO
Hydro
Managing General Partner, Startups
William is Managing General Partner at Orbit Startups, the first and longest running startup program in Asia and a Venture Partner at SOSV, the #4 most active venture capital investor in the world with US$1.5bn in assets under management. Orbit helps scale breakthrough startups from around the globe across emerging and frontier markets in Southeast and South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas in ecommerce, fintech, media, health, education, and logistics.
Managing General Partner
Orbit Startups
President, Oobit
Phillip Lord is the President of the leading crypto tap payment app Oobit, The company’s robust ecosystem allows crypto holders to Tap & Pay at over 100 million retailers across the globe where Visa and Mastercard are accepted, while merchants receive fiat currency.
Additionally Phillip is also a co-founder of Pimlico Partners, an award-winning investorrelations firm in the Middle East. With over 25 years of experience in finance, he is a seasoned professional with expertise in business development,fundraising, and strategic
leadership. Phillip has advised several web3 companies in navigating bull and bear markets.
President
Oobit
Managing Partner, Yuzu Capital, PENTAIP Founder Fund
Amie is a managing partner of Yuzu Capital. She believes in supporting buidlers* and entrepreneurs with a vision to build a world where basic income and control of personal data can be established through Web3 ecosystem. She currently is working with an asset management driven by AI company that helps institution to open up new markets in equity trading, to have the foresight in investing in AI that assist mankind. Setting an example to create a venture ecosystem that will help Southeast Asia to connect with Middle East, sharing same ambitions to leapfrog digital transformation in the new web3 era.
Managing Partner
Yuzu Capital, PENTAIP Founder Fund
CEO, M2
Stefan Kimmel, CEO at M2, leads the company's mission in digital currency investment globally. With 25+ years in finance and fintech, he excels in delivering client-centric solutions. Stefan's expertise spans leadership roles at Kraken MENA, Commercial Bank of Dubai, PWC, IBM, and Oliver Wyman Middle East. His commitment to innovation drives M2 towards its vision of a premier global investment platform.
CEO
M2
Founder and CEO, ALTAVA Group
Andy, an architecture and urban planning graduate from Cornell and Harvard, is a veteran entrepreneur since 2002. He pioneered social gaming with MStar and founded ALTAVA Group, offering virtual spaces for brands in the metaverse. In 2014, Andy established BlueArk, converting iconic IPs into digital platforms, launched in 137+ countries. ALTAVA collaborated with luxury brands like Fendi, Balmain, and LVMH for Web3 transition.
Founder and CEO
ALTAVA Group
Partner, Bonnard Lawson International Law Firm
Florian is a seasoned attorney in Technology, Media, Telecom (TMT), AI, Intellectual Property, Open Source and Blockchain law. He is graduated from the University of Lausanne, Berlin University and McGill University Law School in Montreal. He is recognized as one of the leading attorneys in Web3.
Partner
Bonnard Lawson International Law Firm
Ecosystem Development Leader, Tron Dao
Dave Uhryniak -Ecosystem Development Leader at TRON DAO
Dave Uhryniak is the Ecosystem Development Leader at Tron DAO. Tron DAO is among the largest layer
one blockchains in the world and is the fastest growing. Dave joined Tron in January 2022 and has
become a highly visible part of the team that drives global expansion as they identify key opportunities
within the blockchain ecosystem.
Involved in blockchain since 2016, Dave has provided strategic guidance for global payment companies
and insurance companies, among others. He has led the successful development of multiple use cases in
financial services, healthcare, and supply chain. He is helping Tron to achieve its goal of being the global
settlement network and the preferred blockchain in emerging markets. He continually finds unique and
creative ways to apply emerging technologies to enable consumers and corporations to achieve their
strategic goals.
Dave has spoken at crypto events throughout the world and has often been quoted in leading media
outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Bloomberg, and other publications. Dave is a Certified
Blockchain Solution Architect, holds a certificate from Wharton in Economics of Blockchain and Digital
Assets, holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School, and a BA from Westminster
College (PA).
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-uhryniak-40b87410/
Twitter: @DUhryniak
Telegram: @DaveUhryniak
Ecosystem Development Leader
Tron Dao
Partner, TradeDog Market Managers
Saqr Mashhor Ereiqat, a forward-thinking individual who perceives the potential of blockchain and Web3. As a Partner at the TradeDog Group, Co-Founder of Crypto Oasis Ventures and Riddermark, Saqr is making his mark on the fintech, blockchain, healthtech, and govtech landscapes. With a stellar 13-year career at IBM Middle East and Africa under his belt, Saqr is an authority on enterprise blockchain. Not only did he co-author IBM’s first government blockchain methodology, but he also played a crucial role in shaping the Dubai government's blockchain strategy. His influence spans across continents, having led projects in 23 countries across Europe, Middle East & Africa. Saqr has worked with both public and private sector entities, including DHL, Shell, Airtel, the UAE Prime Minster's offiec and others to define, create, and implement their strategies. Today, Saqr devotes his expertise to nurturing startups and aiding large-scale establishments in shaping their technological strategies, fostering innovation across industries.
Partner
TradeDog Group
Blockchain & AI Expert , United Nations/ Blockom
Pankhuri is an appointed blockchain expert with the United Nations/Blockom and a digital tech expert with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). She is the founder of Blockom Consulting and holds over 10+ years of fintech experience in consulting start-ups and developing technological solutions within India and globally.
She is ex JP Morgan, Onyx, where she was an integral part of some of the bank’s crypto solutions. She has published several research papers under the United Nations and published standards with the ISO on use cases and challenges within the blockchain, AI and IoT industries.
She holds a triple Master’s degree in Internet of Things & Entrepreneurship from City University, UK; Post Graduate in Artificial Intelligence & Machine learning, Uni of Texas, Austin; an MSc in Economics & Finance, University of Warwick, UK; and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & Finance, from London School of Economics, UK.
Blockchain & AI Expert
United Nations/ Blockom
Partner, TradeDog VC
Constantin Kogan is the Co-Founder of BullPerks (a decentralized VC and crypto launchpad) and GamesPad (the ultimate gaming, NFT and metaverse ecosystem). He is a Web3 thought leader and angel investor in Klarna, Kraken, Allocations.com, and other successful startups. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and an M.Ed.
As a Managing Director, Constantin assisted Wave Financial - a digital asset management firm with $1.5 billion in assets under management. Additionally, he is a Partner in BitBull Capital, the first cryptocurrency Fund of Funds in the world, and the owner of digital marketing studio Adwivo.
He is the author of the podcast "Holistic Investment with Constantin Kogan", where he shares insightful interviews with world-famous experts and personalities in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry.
Partner
TradeDog VC
VP of Sales, VAP Group
An Aeronautical Engineer by education, Mina has transitioned into a Web3 Head of Sales by profession, driven by a deep passion for the field.
With years of experience at global technology and Web3 companies, Mina has developed a profound understanding of the digital landscape.
Mina began his Web3 career at proprietary funds, where he gained a deep understanding of financial markets and honed his skills in trading analysis.
In his current role, Mina draws on his extensive experience to lead the development and sales of innovative Web3 media products and services. He excels at identifying new opportunities and trends in the market, bringing those ideas to fruition.
VP of Sales
VAP Group
CEO, Coingape Media
Mr. Sunil is a self-made crypto millionaire and is listed among top 50 emerging tech leaders across the globe. In his career he has worked with global brands like Google, Denave, Rescon partners and Indian Govt. He has been serving in the crypto industry for the last 7 years with expertise in marketing, sales and product development.
CEO
Coingape Media
CEO, GIMA Group
Kevin Raham Soltani, a blockchain strategist, founded GIMA Group and GIMA Labs in 2015, focusing on blockchain, gaming, property tech, and web 3.0 assets. Beginning as a crypto miner in 2011, he established Bit Rig Builders, sold in 2015. GIMA Group advised 50+ blockchain projects and established the California Blockchain Alliance. In 2020, he exited GIMA Esports, founding Semper Fortis Esports, listed on the London Stock Exchange. With a BS in Finance from the University of San Francisco, he prioritizes GIMA Group's growth, holding 4 tech exits and 1 gaming IPO. Kevin is an avid investor, advisor, and speaker across 22 countries and prestigious platforms like WEF and TEDx.
CEO
GIMA Group
Founder, The Financial Summit
With a decade on Wall Street, Tone transitioned to Bitcoin advocacy, leveraging his expertise through a YouTube Channel and appearances on CNBC, RT, and documentaries like Magic Money. As an independent content creator at ToneVays.com and event producer for Non Confiscatable, Understanding Bitcoin, and The Financial Summit, he imparts financial insights. Tone, holding a Masters in Financial Engineering and Bachelor Degrees in Mathematics and Geology, passionately educates about the significance of Bitcoin's unique Financial Technology.
Financial Analyst, Founder
Financial Summit
MAGA VP, Project Manager
With over five years of comprehensive experience in the cryptocurrency industry, I have had the privilege of representing multiple crypto projects on various platforms. Currently serving as a Project Manager at MAGA VP, I have been instrumental in leading and strategizing for projects worth millions of dollars. My expertise extends to navigating the intricacies of risk management within the business landscape. Throughout my career, I have showcased a strong command of the industry's dynamics and have had the opportunity to present at crypto events worldwide, contributing to the advancement and recognition of the projects I represent.
Project Manager
MAGA VP
Partner | Global Co-Head Crypto Economy, Roland Berger
Pierre, a Partner at Roland Berger, leads the firm's Digital Asset, Web3, and Metaverse practice, advising governments, corporates, and web3 companies on strategy, organizational improvements, and venture building. With a background in energy and trading, he's been in the crypto ecosystem since 2015, involved in digital assets projects and Bitcoin mining. Pierre is active in global think tanks like the World Economic Forum's Crypto Impact Accelerator and co-initiated The Green Block for AI and Web3 sustainability. He's a board advisor at Wisdomise, holds an MBA, and executive certificates from MIT Sloan, Wharton, LBS, and INSEAD.
Partner | Global Co-Head Crypto Economy
Roland Berger
Leading Governance Innovation, Polygon Technology
Governance Innovation Specialist @ Polygon Labs. In merely 6 months, she launched a decentralized validator reputation and admission scoring logic. She is currently orchestrating the System Smart Contracts Governance for Polygon 2.0
Independent Consultant and Advisor @ DaoLens, DaoCals, Avail and Melinda Gates Foundation
Ex Strategy Lead @ Juno Finance (Crypto Native Banking Solution)
Leading Governance Innovation
Polygon Technology
CEO, MaasVentures
Sunny Jiang, founder and CEO of MaasVentures, blends her Computer Science and International Business expertise as a prominent figure in Europe's Web3 sphere. Recognized among the global top 100 women shaping Emerging Tech, she excels in blockchain, earning prizes at ETHglobal hackathons. As a mentor at the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center and Outlier Ventures, Jiang guides talents in NFTs, DeFi, and more. Her influence extends to esteemed organizations like the Digital Euro Association and the Global Blockchain Business Council, with speaking engagements at NFT.NYC2023 and recognition as a member of the 100 Davos Women.
CEO
MaasVentures
CEO, Landvault
Samuel Huber, CEO of Landvault, the premier metaverse builder, secured +$37m from top VCs. With 120+ experts, Landvault crafted 100M+ sq. ft. of virtual spaces for brands like Mastercard, L’Oreal, and web3 projects like World of Women. Previously, he founded Admix, revolutionizing product placement in gaming before pivoting to Landvault in 2022. A Bitcoin investor since 2013, Samuel owns prime metaverse land and invested in 20+ web3 ventures. Ranked #18 LinkedIn influencer in Web3, he's featured in CNN, CNBC, WIRED, and more.
CEO
Landvault
Twitter Influencer and Entrepreneur, CryptoBirb
Adrian Zduńczyk, CMT, is a successful Polish entrepreneur and leader. The only Chartered Market Technician® from Poland. Founder and CEO of THE BIRB NEST® – a dynamic startup scaling up to become a worldwide blockchain consulting company.
Co-founder of YellowBlock. Finance Councilor at Mighty Labs DAO. Respected in the industry, with over 650 000 Twitter followers. Chemical Technology Master of Engineering and Master of Project Management with a financial focus. Performer. Mentor. Influencer.
Twitter Influencer and Entrepreneur
(CryptoBirb)
Founder and CEO, IBC Ventures
Mario Nawfal is the host of the largest show on Twitter with guests including Hunter Biden, Elon Musk, Imran Khan, Bill Ackman and Marc Cuban reaching millions of people a week and leading the citizen journalism movement. Mario is also the founder and CEO of IBC group which is the largest incubator in crypto and AI and is one of the leading voices in the industry.
Founder and CEO
IBC Ventures
Founder & CEO, OG MEDIA GROUP
Andrés Meneses is a renowned crypto influencer, educator, and podcaster with 8+ years of experience in the fast-growing web 3 industry. He is the founder and host of Crypto 0Gs, the number one podcast on Binance Live, and the winner of the Crypto Influencer of the Year award by the Middle East Blockchain Awards in 2022. He is also a key opinion leader (K.O.L) for two of the largest crypto exchanges in the world, where he collaborates with various major projects and institutions in the crypto space and creates content for Layer 1 Blockchains.
Andrés's mission is to empower and educate millions of people across English and Spanish speaking communities about the opportunities and challenges of web 3, crypto, and blockchain technologies. He is a regular public speaker at events throughout Europe, Dubai, and LATAM, where he shares his insights and expertise with audiences of all levels and backgrounds. He has a degree in telecommunications engineering and a passion for innovation and social impact. He is always looking for new ways to leverage his skills and network to help others achieve their investment and growth objectives in the crypto sphere.Andrés Meneses is a renowned crypto influencer, educator, and podcaster with 8+ years of experience in the fast-growing web 3 industry. He is the founder and host of Crypto 0Gs, the number one podcast on Binance Live, and the winner of the Crypto Influencer of the Year award by the Middle East Blockchain Awards in 2022. He is also a key opinion leader (K.O.L) for two of the largest crypto exchanges in the world, where he collaborates with various major projects and institutions in the crypto space and creates content for Layer 1 Blockchains. Andrés's mission is to empower and educate millions of people across English and Spanish speaking communities about the opportunities and challenges of web 3, crypto, and blockchain technologies. He is a regular public speaker at events throughout Europe, Dubai, and LATAM, where he shares his insights and expertise with audiences of all levels and backgrounds. He has a degree in telecommunications engineering and a passion for innovation and social impact. He is always looking for new ways to leverage his skills and network to help others achieve their investment and growth objectives in the crypto sphere.
Founder & CEO
OG MEDIA GROUP
Founder , Mr.M Podcast
Maurizio, the host of the renowned Mr. M Podcast, brings a unique perspective to our discussion, offering valuable insights garnered from conversations with thought leaders and innovators across the global Web3 landscape, enriching our dialogue with his deep understanding of emerging trends and opportunities.
Founder
Mr.M Podcast
Founder & Managing Partner, NÄGELE Attorneys at Law LLC
Dr. Thomas Nägele, Founder and Managing Partner of NÄGELE Attorneys at Law LLC, boasts over a decade of involvement in Bitcoin and Blockchain technology. Since establishing his law firm in 2015, he's advised global finance, tech, and industrial players, spearheading projects in blockchain/DLT, telecom, and the internet. With a unique blend of legal and technical expertise, honed through roles in Liechtenstein tech firms, he's a pivotal figure in bridging the gap between law and technology. His contributions extend to drafting the Liechtenstein Blockchain Act and founding various industry associations.
Founder & Managing Partner
NÄGELE Attorneys at Law LLC
Head MEASAT, Binance
With over 18 years in finance and tech, Bader began as an M&A banker with Citibank in Dubai before venturing into serial entrepreneurship, founding and exiting multiple tech startups. Formerly Head of Expansions at Amazon for MENA, he transitioned to Web3 driven by passion for disruptive tech. At Binance, he spearheads platform growth, community, and operations across MEASAT, pioneering digital asset adoption including exchanges, Metaverse, and NFTs.
Head MEASAT
Binance
Head of Strategy, Tokenscope
Soheil Zabihi , 4years in blockchain led exchanges relocate to Dubai Working with Family offices at the moment. Focused on providing comprehensive Compliance solutions crucial for regulatory of VASPS Helped build exchanges and other broker dealer VASPS Currently setting up a crypto Fund for family office
Head of Strategy
Tokenscope
Chief Legal Officer, Gravity Team LTD
Martins is the Chief Legal Officer at Gravity Team, a prominent player in the crypto market maker and liquidity provider space. With prior experience in fintech and a background at Deloitte, he brings valuable expertise in legal and regulatory matters to the cryptocurrency industry. As a board member of the Latvian Blockchain Association, Martins actively contributes to advancing blockchain technology and supporting industry development. His diverse background and industry involvement make him an influential contributor to navigating legal complexities and fostering innovation within the cryptocurrency sector.
Chief Legal Officer
Gravity Team LTD
Director of Business Development, EMCD
Director of Business Development
EMCD
CEO & Co-founder, Coinweb
Toby Gilbert, a London College University (UCL) alumnus, specializes in the tech and telco sectors. With a proven track record, he successfully invested in and exited three telecommunications companies across Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2018, Toby invested in Coinweb, addressing blockchain ecosystem design flaws. Co-founding OnRamp, a payment solution for mainstream crypto use, he excels in business development and expansion. As a seasoned investor and entrepreneur, Toby leads the team in navigating digital asset world regulations.
Co founder and CEO
Coinweb
Founder, Najera Ventures
Cristina Najera is a woman tech leader based in Dubai. Driving force behind the Algorand community in the region. Director of Startup Grind Dubai, a community of 4 million startups worldwide with HQ in Silicon Valley. She started Najera Ventures, a consulting firm in Dubai. There, using her wide network and key contacts, she links global entrepreneurs with local investors and opportunities. Cristina's also a content creator, sharing the best of Dubai life and technology with over 50K fans on TikTok and Instagram. As a strong supporter of women in tech and business, she often speaks about her experiences, aiming to inspire and guide the next wave of leaders.
Founder
Najera Ventures
CEO, Jacobi Asset Management
Martin Bednall is CEO of Jacobi Asset Management, an asset manager specialised in digital asset ETFs. Jacobi launched Europe’s first, and still, only spot Bitcoin ETF.
Prior to his current roles, Martin was Managing Director of the European iShares Product team at Blackrock. His team was responsible for the launch and management of all ETPs in Europe. During this period, iShares established itself as the dominant global leader in ETFs with the broadest range of products.
Martin previously oversaw the integration of IndexChange, a German ETF business bought by Barclays Global Investors (BGI) in 2006.
A CFA charterholder, he has managed high-value, complex transitions for some of the world’s largest institutional investors. He was responsible for designing and implementing hedging and trading strategies, transitioning billions of dollars for both BGI and State Street and also sat on the Index & Markets Executive Committee at BGI.
CEO
Jacobi Asset Management
CMO, Ready to Fight
Marketing Lead with 15 years of experience in the Sports, Fashion, Entertainment, Gaming & Blockchain Industry. Results-driven Marketing Senior Lead with 15+ years of experience in strategic brand management, campaign development, and driving business growth. Proven track record of delivering impactful marketing strategies, fostering team collaboration, and achieving exceptional ROI. Skilled in leveraging market insights, leading cross-functional teams, and optimizing digital channels to maximize brand visibility and customer engagement. Passionate about driving innovation and delivering measurable results in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
CMO
Ready to Fight
Chief Partnership Officer, SwissBorg
He is a founding partner at SwissBorg, overseeing assets surpassing $2 billion and a team of 230 employees. As a Cointelegraph Accelerator Mentor, TEDx speaker, and host of "Cryptonites" on YouTube, Alex is a prominent figure in the crypto space. His expertise extends to keynotes, panels, and educational sessions at prestigious events such as WEF Davos, CNBC, Cointelegraph, Coindesk, Token2049, AIM Summit, Le Figaro, Paris Blockchain Week, Blockdown, Cryptoslate, and more, solidifying his influence in the global blockchain and cryptocurrency community.
Chief Partnership Officer
Swissborg
Hacken, Co-Founder & CEO
Dyma Budorin is a Co-Founder and CEO of Hacken, the leading blockchain security auditor, Co-Chair of EEA DRAMA (a DeFi Risk Assessment Management and Accounting group), co-author of crypto industry standards.After 8+ years of auditing experience at Deloitte, he served as an Audit Counselor at Ukrspetsexport and Deputy CEO for Strategy and Development at Ukrinmash (both Ukrainian state agencies). Being a crypto enthusiast and cybersecurity expert, Dyme has had his insights featured by BBC, Wired, Cointelegraph, Coindesk, and other reputable media outlets. He is also a Vice President of the Blockchain Association of Ukraine.
Co-Founder & CEO
Hacken
CEO & Co-founder, Mudrex
Edul is a Co-Founder and CEO of Mudrex, a global crypto investment platform. He comes with over a decade of experience in finance, entrepreneurship and building tech-driven applications. Prior to Mudrex, Edul was the Co-Founder of Niffler (Acquired by Tapzo) and served as Product Head of Tapzo (Acquired by Amazon). Edul earned a Bachelor's Degree in Technology from IIT Bombay.
CEO & Co-founder
Mudrex
Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, Medieval Empires
Assad Dar, Co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Medieval Empires, is a seasoned leader with over 15 years in digital innovation. Specializing in global strategies, digital transformation, marketing, and blockchain, Assad has a proven track record. His expertise spans game development, information technology, project management, and change management. Having collaborated with multi-billion-dollar conglomerates and startups globally, Assad's focused approach drives ROI, customer attraction, and revenue growth. At Medieval Empires, we're privileged to have him steering our cutting-edge mid-core strategy game, poised to revolutionize the gaming industry.
Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer
Medieval Empires
Partner, Modus Capital
Andre Jr Ayotte, a seasoned financial director and entrepreneur with over 9 years of experience, excels in financial due diligence, Capital Markets deal structuring, and M&A across diverse industries. Currently serving as the Executive Director of a Single Family Office focused on PE and VC transactions, Andre has held key roles, including Head of Corporate Development for a Canadian listed investment firm, Director of Global Trade Finance at the National Bank of Canada, and Associate of Institutional Trading at Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Partner
Modus Capital
Founder, Luna Media Corp Founder and CEO of Luna PR & Luna VC CEO of Cointelegraph MENA , Luna PR
Nikita Sachdev, an Indian-American entrepreneur, founded Luna Management in 2015, transitioning to Luna PR, a web3-focused public relations agency. She delved into crypto and Blockchain, hosting for Huobi and co-producing CNBC Arabia's "On the Chain." With over 500 clients in four countries, she leads a team of 75+. Nikita, a Forbes Business Council member, acquired Cointelegraph Middle East and advocates for web3 integration in mainstream media. Recognized for her contributions, she aims to drive mass adoption through media engagement.
CEO
Luna PR
Partner, Blockchain Founders Fund
Mansoor Madhavji is a Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund which invests in and venture builds top-tier startups. Mansoor consulted leading organizations such as INSEAD and the United Nations on emerging technologies. He is also a Limited Partner at Loyal VC and Draper Goren Holm.
Mansoor has supported numerous projects on developing sophisticated economic models, go-to-market, and branding strategies. Mansoor has created unique cost-effective growth hacks for startups and clients that surpassed benchmarks. Mansoor serves as an advisor to innovative startups including Splinterlands, the leading blockchain game with over 3 billion games played.
He is a mentor with Orbit Startups, one of the global elite accelerator programs operated by the venture fund SOSV with $1.5B+ AUM and the Mobile Only Accelerator (MOX) which helps the best mobile startups from around the world with 167 million users on its smartphone platform.
Partner
Blockchain Founders Fund
Partner, Digital Asset and Blockchain Leader, BPM LLP
Javier, a renowned international tax advisor, guides clients through intricate cross-border tax planning and multinational operations structuring. With diverse clientele spanning startups to global enterprises across various sectors, including technology and finance, Javier's expertise stems from extensive experience in major markets nationwide and prestigious roles in Washington, D.C. His adeptness in tax administration and policy, honed at EY's National Tax Department, assures clients of tax-efficient business operations. Javier's strategic counsel encompasses global tax policies and considerations, facilitating informed decisions amidst evolving regulatory landscapes. Additionally, he serves as an Adjunct Professor, sharing insights in esteemed taxation programs.
Partner, Digital Asset and Blockchain Leader
BPM LLP
Chief Business Officer, Nexpay
Sofian is leading the commercial affairs of crypto-friendly banking provider Nexpay. Being a believer in decentralization, he took a CEO role at Nexdesk, a crypto-fiat OTC desk with aim to further fuel its growth and offer a prime trading solution. Sofian has spent a decade in the financial & investment industry, mainly working for the Swiss Dukascopy Bank SA. Through various roles, he took part in the delivery of online and mobile trading, banking, and other financial services. He was running the first crypto adoption and blockchain projects for the bank, initiating the transformation from fiat only to a hybrid (fiat & crypto) model.
Chief Business Officer
Nexpay
Director , TDeFi
Rishabh is the Director at TDeFi, guiding over 50 startups from inception to scale. An alumnus from IIT Kanpur with expertise in token engineering, Rishabh melds economics, game theory, and financial insights to drive Web 3.0 innovations. Passionate about unlocking human potential through spirituality, Rishabh is trying to blend tech, finance, and societal impact. Connect on Linkedin.
Director
TDeFi
Co-founder, 7MM Global/UCLA Blockchain Lab
Alex Nascimento, MA, MBA, is a faculty member of the UCLA Masters of Quantitative Economics and co-founder of 'Blockchain at UCLA,' where he has been delivering lectures on Blockchain, Crypto and Web3 for Business and Finance.
With a strong educational background, including an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge to his teaching role. In addition to his academic pursuits, Alex is a bestselling author of the Blockchain textbook "The STO Financial Revolution". Beyond academia, he has also developed training programs and formulated blockchain and marketing strategies for companies in the U.S., Asia, the EU, and Latin America.
Alex is also a serial entrepreneur and investor focused on fostering the growth of the blockchain industry. His expertise also makes him a sought-after speaker at major global blockchain conferences and corporate events, including Bank of America Digital Asset
Conference, Asia Financial Forum, and World Economic Forum/Davos, where he shares insights with leaders, students, and entrepreneurs.
Co-founder
7MM Global/UCLA Blockchain Lab
Senior VP and Head of Decentralized Finance and Digital Assets Strategy, Moody's Investors Service
Rajeev Bamra, as Senior VP and Head of Decentralized Finance and Digital Assets Strategy at Moody's Investors Service, is instrumental in integrating traditional and digital finance. Leading strategy and operations, he shapes executive decisions, ensuring Moody's adapts to the digital economy. Bamra champions digital finance at Moody's, leveraging technologies like blockchain and AI, showcased through research papers and industry engagements. With a strong educational background and certifications in Digital Finance and Blockchain, his visionary leadership propels Moody's into the forefront of the evolving digital economy.
Senior VP and Head of Decentralized Finance and Digital Assets Strategy
Moody's Investors Service
EEMEA Crypto Risk & Innovation leader, Mastercard
Myriam Ben Sayeh, an expert in Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3.0, led the development of the UAE federal Blockchain strategy. Her impact spans deploying Blockchain solutions in digital identity, signatures, documents, and skills. In 2023, she became the Crypto Risk and Innovation leader at Mastercard for the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Myriam drives Mastercard's Crypto Risk & Innovation Strategy, overseeing the development and execution of empowering strategies for the ecosystem. She adeptly balances advancing Crypto access and acceptance with meticulous risk management and compliance, fostering collaboration with banks, exchanges, government, and law enforcement.
EEMEA Crypto Risk & Innovation leader
Mastercard
COO & CoFounder, Neoki
Zara Zamani, Co-Founder and COO at Neoki and Founder of Studio651 in Sweden, possesses extensive experience in designing blockchain platforms across various industries. Specializing in tourism, healthcare, logistics, foodchain, energy, gaming, DeFi, DAOs, and now metaverse and fashion, she's a pioneer in innovative investment models within the crypto space. Recognized as one of the "21 Women in Blockchain You Should Know" in 2021 by Fintech Review and among the "10 Most Influential Women in Technology" in 2021 by Analytics Insights, Ara also contributes to the academic field as a Ph.D. researcher and lecturer in blockchain adoption at the University of Halmstad, Sweden.
COO & CoFounder
Neoki
CEO, Fineqia
London-based entrepreneur Bundeep Singh Rangar founded PremFna, disrupting the UK's insurance finance industry with a focus on financial inclusion. Recognized as a top CEO in UK finance, he secured substantial funding from investors like Rakuten, Tim Draper's VC firm, and Morgan Stanley. With a diverse investment portfolio including Lyft and blockchain ventures, Bundeep currently leads Fneqa International, investing in digital assets and AI. His impact spans over two decades, facilitating over $500 million in financing and advising major firms like Experian and Saxo Bank on entering the Indian market.
CEO
Fineqia
Managing Partner, Glass Ventures
Amar is a seasoned financial professional with over 15 years of expertise in Capital Markets (Fixed Income) including in the Web3 space gained through hands-on experience over 7+ years. She is a trailblazer in the Hong Kong tech scene, pioneering the introduction of AI chatbots on a trading floor in 2018.
In early 2022, Cinderella relocated from HK to Dubai to spearhead the development of Matrixport. She is a MP at Glass Ventures, the first Web4 Venture Capital Firm.
Founder
Glass Ventures
Co-Founder & COO, OG Media Group
Sean has 10 years of traditional finance experience in London. 2019 he left to pursue a career in Blockhain where he has advised numerous projects on capital raising and go to market strategy. Previously the CMO for a gaming guild that reached 2B FDV in the last bull cycle, he has also has a wealth of knowledge in gaming and NFTs. Now is the backbone of OG Media strategy.
Co-Founder & COO
OG Media Group
Founder & CEO, Helion Capital
Oliver von Wolff, a transformative force in finance, boasts over 15 years of leadership, excelling as CFO and Co-Founder in start-ups. His track record in orchestrating transformations spans various industries, fostering influential networks in Dubai and the GCC since 1999. Specializing in fintech, Oliver achieved success in turning around and restructuring growth companies, establishing four thriving ventures in the last three years. Currently, as Founder and CEO of Helion Capital, he leads a venture builder focused on developing regulated products for GCC markets and engaging in diverse industries like healthtech, blockchain, and telecommunications. Oliver's dynamic leadership extends to committee roles, memberships, and advisory positions, reflecting his global expertise and deep understanding of European and Middle Eastern markets.
Founder & CEO
Helion Capital
Co- Founder & CEO, Wave Digital Assets
David Siemer, Co-Founder and CEO of Wave Digital Assets, heads an SEC-registered investment advisory firm offering venture capital, fund, and private wealth management services in the digital asset space. A pioneer investor since 2012, Siemer foresaw crypto's transformative potential early on. Before Wave, he launched and later sold Siemer & Associates LLC., a tech-focused investment bank. Featured in global publications like CNBC and Forbes, Siemer is a blockchain advocate fostering innovation. He holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Chicago.
CEO & Co-Founder
Wave Digital Assets
Chairman, Cypher Capital
Bill Qian oversees investments at Cypher Capital in Dubai. Formerly, he led fundraising at Binance Labs and managed M&A at Binance, the top global crypto platform with 55% market share and $34 trillion in 2021 transactions. Prior roles include Head of Investment at JD.COM and Trustbridge Partners. With $20B managed across Web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 projects, he's a strategic veteran seeking visionary founders in Web 3.0.
Chairman
Cypher Capital
Co-Founder, Paycio
Bibin Babu is Co-Founder of Paycio. Paycio is world’s 1st chain agnostic mobile payments application which also works offline and processes in-store payments. He has over 8 years of experience in Web3 and Fintech space. Bibin has done 2 successful exits from his last 2 ventures which clocked revenues of 80Million+. He is also an angel investor in sectors of Web3, Fintech, FMCG and Sustainability. He has been recognized as Economic Times Global Leader, 30 under 30, and by Forbes, Entrepreneur and more. Apart from Web3, Bibin supports public diplomacy through his non profit organization Confederation of Young Leaders by working with 50+ governments. In his free time, Bibin loves to read, meditate and attempt public welfare messages through theatre acts.
Co-Founder
Paycio
Founder and Angel Investor, Reflexical
Ajeet Khurana, a cryptocurrency luminary, was the former head of India's Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee. A prolific angel investor, author, and former Zebpay CEO, he excels in venture capital, global business expansion, and low-cost customer acquisition. Khurana, with expertise in tokenomics and financial engineering, is a venture partner with international VC firms. Dedicated to digital asset awareness, he advises top token issuers. Currently focused on building Reflexical, a Web3 powerhouse facilitating the scaling of Web3 projects, Khurana continues to make significant contributions in the crypto industry.
Founder and Angel Investor
Reflexical
Chief Operating Officer, KoinBX : Indian Crypto Exchange
With over a decade in fintech and crypto, Brian passionately leads as the COO at KoinBX, driving operations and expansion in India, Singapore, and the UAE. As a former Director at CoinDCX, he shaped business development and partnerships, contributing to the company's growth. Having worked with Razorpay and Paytm, he excels in SaaS sales, corporate sales, and demand generation. As a seasoned speaker at global events, he brings diverse perspectives and is committed to value creation. Brian eagerly contributes to KoinBX's success, leveraging his extensive experience and knowledge.
Chief Operating Officer
KoinBX
Director transversal project Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Université Côte d'Azur
Expert Consultant in Blockchain Web3 and Design Thinking;Senior Advisor in Higher Education and Research. Official negotiator for Tunisia at the UN COP
Director of higher education, research and innovation structures
Executive Director of the School of Law and Economics 2008-2010, Executive Director of the Higher Institute of Economics and Management (2010-2015). Executive Director of idex from 2016 to 2018. Co-director of the Invent@UCA 2017-2020 program (winner of the national Disrupt Campus grant to develop entrepreneurship and open innovation).
Appointed director of IDEX interdisciplinary projects in 2019.
Appointed by the French Minister of Higher Education to the intergovernmental project of the Franco-Tunisian University for Africa and the Mediterranean since 2019
Director transversal project Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Université Côte d'Azur
Partner, Blockchain Founders Fund
Tobias Bauer, Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, invests in and builds top-tier startups. As a Startup Mentor for APX, PlugAndPlay, and Alchemist Accelerator, and a Venture Partner of Republic, he brings extensive expertise. Supporting Chinaccelerator's investment team, Tobias contributed to the success of this elite global accelerator program by SOSV with $855M+ AUM in China. Formerly with the German Government in Thailand, he co-organized the NSTF career fair, drawing 1.1M visitors. With a background at PwC and goetzpartners, Tobias has international experience, having lived in 9 countries. Fluent in Mandarin, English, and German, he holds an MSC in Management + CEMS Master's from National University of Singapore and Tsinghua University, and a Bachelor's in Management and Law with Distinction from Management Center Innsbruck and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics.
Partner
Blockchain Founders Fund
Co founder & CEO, Light Node Ventures
Alexis began passively investing in cryptocurrencies early 2017 and, during the spring of 2018, launched the Light Node Ventures subsidiary, a growth & advisory company which targets the Blockchain community. In summer of 2019, Alexis founded Legends Investment Network, the largest private investment network for professional athletes and entertainers in North America, another subsidiary. Athletes and entertainers come together to learn about alternative investments and asset classes.
Alexis serves as President of the Johns Hopkins Blockchain and Fintech network which is an affiliate group of the university that connects students, alumni and professors that work or express interest within the Blockchain space.
Alexis graduated with Cum Laude distinction from Loomis Chaffee, an independent boarding school in Windsor, CT and part of Ten Schools Admissions Organization. A recipient of the Little Rock 9 Scholarship, Alexis holds a bachelors in Civil Engineering from Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering.
Co founder & CEO
Light Node Ventures
Founder, Bonuz
Matthias Mende, a German entrepreneur residing in the UAE since 2007, became fascinated by Bitcoin in 2016, leading him to explore blockchain technology. With over 350,000 followers, he's a prominent opinion leader in the crypto space. Mende's diverse involvement includes crypto-mining, trading, and advising the German HYGH AG with 75% annual growth. In 2018, he co-founded the Dubai Blockchain Center, a pivotal force in shaping the UAE's blockchain ecosystem. Currently, Mende focuses on the Bonuz Project, a multi-chain socialfi, gamefi web3 ecosystem, enhancing real-world experiences through gamification, NFTs, and decentralized solutions.
Founder
Bonuz
COO & Global BD, Blank
Malak is a co-founder of AB Launch and an accomplished business development manager at Blank, a leading software development studio in Croatia. With her background in Economics, she excels at crowdfunding, product launches, and web3 marketing. Malak has led over 15 projects, raising more than $5 million in crowdfunding last year alone, and played a pivotal role in the success of TechStars-backed venture, Hypeal and the rapid exit of LITO Travel leading the D2C operations within 16 months.
COO & Global BD
Blank
Founder & CEO, AltCryptoGems & AltCryptoTalk
Sjuul attained financial independence through cryptocurrency, leveraging early adoption, self-education, and hard work. During the 2021 bull run, he shared his knowledge on AltCryptoGems, gaining over 300,000 followers. With a total reach exceeding 700,000 followers and 25M monthly impressions, Sjuul focuses on sharing lessons and insights about the crypto world. This passion culminated in AltCryptoTalk, an educational platform uniting all things crypto for those intrigued by the magnificent world of cryptocurrency.
Founder & CEO
AltCryptoTalk
Founder, KEY Difference (Accelerator & VC) - Co-Founder, Forward Protocol
Mr. KEY (Karnika E. Yashwant) is a parallel entrepreneur building and supporting the next billion dollar start-ups. Founder of KEY Difference (Accelerator & VC) and Co-founder of Forward Protocol, he has been in the blockchain space since 2013. He focuses on building fundamentally strong businesses and moving web2 value to web3. He continues to hold many strategic positions, and is a sought after speaker and advisor in the crypto sphere. He is based in Dubai.
Founder
KEY Difference (Accelerator & VC) Co-Founder, Forward Protocol
Co-Founder and Managing Partner , Cryptomeria Capital
As a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Cryptomeria Capital and former COO of Cointelegraph, Alex brings 25 years of entrepreneurial acumen, specializing in business development and global expansion. He's initiated ventures across six regions, orchestrated two M&A deals in LATAM and MENA, and boasts six years of asset management experience in both traditional and crypto markets. Alex is backed by institutional investors including the largest south EU FoF and Axon Partners. Additionally, he co-founded Metaverse Post, rapidly growing to 3 million monthly active users, solidifying its competitive edge in the media industry.
Co founder and Managing Partner
Cryptomeria capital
Founder, MN Trading BV
Michaël van de Poppe, renowned for his macro-economics, technical, and crypto expertise, commands a social media following of 1 million. Based in Amsterdam, he has established a consultancy and asset management firm, providing assistance and management for diverse crypto portfolios. His multifaceted presence extends beyond social media, reflecting his commitment to the crypto space and dedication to guiding clients through the complexities of the market.
Founder
MN Trading BV
Founder, INPUT Communications
Founder of the award-winning INPUT Communications agency. A communication expert and a thriving entrepreneur with 7+ years of experience, she has helped 50+ tech ventures get organic media coverage in leading global outlets (CNN, CNBC, Forbes, and others), and helped raise over $500M. Mary is a renowned moderator internationally and has given several interviews (Business Insider, Dubai media city, etc). INPUT Communications’ team includes high-ranked communication professionals, all ex-CMOs and ex-Communication Directors of web2 and web3 brands
Founder
INPUT Communications
General Partner, 3x Capital
As General Partner at 3x Capital, I aid founders in AI, blockchain, DeFi, and smart contracts. With a background in founding and managing Terry Soot MG and Infinity Business Club, I bring expertise in business, operations, and management. I hold degrees from SGH Warsaw School of Economics and Lviv Institute of Banking University, and completed the VC Lab Program at Founder Institute. Passionate about problem-solving, strategic partnerships, and market exploration, I aim to empower Web3 innovators.
General Partner
3x Capital
CEO, Coinstelegram
Anna Tutova is a public speaker, Fortune.com contributor, CEO of Coinstelegram, crypto-media group and PR-consulting agency. Furthermore Anna is a Partner at Fintech company https://kyc-pay.com/ , marketplace for direct matching business with financial and legal providers, Anna is an expert in public relations and business development, featured on CNBC Arabia TV, Forbes Middle East, Nasdaq, Finance Yahoo, Gulf News, Cointelegraph. Moreover, Anna is a co-producer of a documentary film “Decentralized - No Matter What” on the new era of digital economy, featuring Vitalik Buterin(creator Ethereum), CZ(Founder Binance), Sandeep Nailwal(Polygon co-Founder), Charles Hoskinson(Cardano), Justin Sun(Tron), Sebastien Borget(Sandbox) and other key industry leaders.
Founder
Coinstelegram
Chief Executive Officer, LKI Consulting
Laura K. Inamedinova, CEO of LKI Consulting, a London-based Web3 Marketing & Design Agency, is a renowned international keynote speaker and award-winning entrepreneur. Recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine and Silicon Valley Times, she's lauded as a top figure in international business. With over 8 years in Web3, she's a prominent voice at 129+ conferences across 17+ countries. Inamedinova, a physicist turned blockchain expert, challenges the norms in Web3, leading her team with fervor and sharing her expertise globally.
CEO
LKI Consultancy
Partner, Caerus
José F. Pereira is a Partner at Caerus, a venture capital fund focused on seed-stage technologies shaping the future of culture - sports, media, and entertainment. He has dedicated his career to understanding the risk and value drivers behind early stage investments and has a passion for how tech empowers creators, talent, and IP owners to enrich their communities and unlock value.
Before Caerus, José co-built SwissBorg Ventures, a digital-native corporate venture arm, where he invested in early-stage blockchain projects alongside Kraken, Coinbase, Ubisoft, Animoca, and artists like Deadmau5 and Steve Aoki.
Partner
Caerus
CEO & Founder, LCX
Monty C. M. Metzger is a digital pioneer and LCX.com's current leader, spearheading a blockchain company integrating traditional and crypto assets. He founded his first internet venture in 1998, co-founded a global tech consultancy, and later a venture firm, DLV.com. Monty studied in Germany, Harvard Business School, and Switzerland, specializing in digital marketing and business administration. He's renowned for his expertise in digital futures and is affiliated with the World Economic Forum.
CEO & Founder
LCX
Head of Communications & Strategic Partnerships, First Digital
Karen boasts a decade in tech, aiding startups to listed firms. At FTI Consulting, she advised tech disruptors globally. Since 2016 in Hong Kong, she's thrived in communications, advising top exchanges and fintech firms. Now, as Head of Communications at First Digital, a qualified custodian, she shapes brand strategy, manages global communications, and hosts "First off the Blocks," a digital assets podcast. A champion of women in web3, she's deeply involved in female-led projects and networks.
Head of Communications & Strategic Partnership
3x Capital
Marketing and branding manager RWA finance. Influencer, Hadir (Hash)
Hadir, also known as Hash, is a seasoned professional in blockchain and cryptocurrency with over 4 years of trading and teaching experience. She's educated around 500 students and is a prominent advocate for blockchain technology. Hash is a business owner in the Web3 sector, contributes to building vibrant communities, and serves as a key opinion leader and brand ambassador for various crypto projects. As a marketing manager, she excels in initiatives related to the metaverse, NFTs, and real-world assets. Additionally, she's an active speaker and mentor, guiding startup projects and sharing her insights with the next generation of blockchain enthusiasts.
Marketing and branding manager RWA finance.Influencer
Hadir (Hash)
Founder, Coinstelegram
Alexander Belov is a recognized blockchain public speaker, co-Founder of Coinstelegram fund, contributor at Entrepreneur.com and Forbes. He is also a PR director of Beeminer Group, which is building the largest mining farm in the world using a new immersion cooling technology. Alex is 30 Under 30 top crypto entrepreneurs by Forbes Portugal 2023
Founder
Coinstelegram
Co-founder & CPO, Sport.Trade
Andy Kar is an entrepreneur working at the intersection of tech, sports, and financial markets. Following a decade-long stint in derivatives structuring at top global banks, Andy has created multiple successful tech startups.
Co-founder & CPO
Sport.Trade
CEO/Founder , Crypto Megan
Web 3 strategic advisors for companies, brands and celebrities, esteemed global Web 3 keynote speaker, host of the top-rated Crypto Megan Podcast featuring industry leaders and notable figures making significant contributions to Web 3
CEO/Founder
Crypto Megan
Senior Editor, Beincrypto
Daria Krasnova is a seasoned editor with over 8 years of writing and editing experience. She has collaborated with both big names, including exchanges and ETF providers, and innovative startups. Daria is a firm believer in the positive impact of blockchain technology on the financial system and our daily lives.
Senior Editor
Beincrypto
Founder & Chairman, SwissAssetDAO
Anton Golub, Founder & Chairman of SwissAssetDAO, and Advisor & Venture Partner at Full Stack VC. He founded flovtec, a Swiss market-maker for digital asset exchanges, and co-founded Trust Square AG, a blockchain hub. Previously, he co-founded Lykke Corp, a fee-free blockchain exchange, and worked as Chief Science Officer. With experience at Olsen Ltd and Alliance Manchester Business School, he specializes in high-frequency trading and market microstructure. He contributed to the Foresight Project on algorithmic trading and EU-backed research projects.
Founder & Chairman
SwissAssetDAO
CEO, Alpha Omega Coin
From Ouessè Wogoudo (Collines; Republic of Benin; West Africa), I am Disciple of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Lord and Savior of Humanity.
In September 2016, I fell on Bitcoin and started my Crypto-Blockchain-Journey.
Fond of freedom, panafricanisme and innovation, since September 2016, I have been preaching Web3 Technology, namely cryptocurrency and Blockchain, as alternative solution to free the deprived people (including the Africans) from the monetary, financial and economic slavery system set up by the pionniers of the traditional monetary, financial and economic system around the world.
CEO
Alpha Omega Coin
Founder & CEO, Traders Brawl/ Emcee - Gen Z Stage
Adel is the founder and CEO of Traders Brawl, a Web3 public relations and social media marketing agency for Web3, FinTech and blockchain-based start-ups. Traders Brawl is a podcast service, events host and marketing media partner, emphasising short-form video-based content. Adel’s work experience in the cryptoassets industry was derived from working for the UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Adel acted as the ‘Crypto-asset policeman’ who granted and refused cryptoasset licenses to UK applicants that sought UK registration in order to provide cryptoasset services such as setting up a crypto exchange and/or providing crypto asset custodial services. While discovering crypto as an alternative store of value to the US dollar, Adel also experienced with investing his own personal money in a host of both utility-based NFT collections, altcoins, Gold and Bitcoin.
Founder & CEO
Traders Brawl/ Emcee - Gen Z Stage
Podcast Host & Journalist, Dubai Blockchain Center
With over 12 years of journalism experience, Maria Vovchok is a seasoned news presenter, editor, and Blockchain enthusiast for six years. She's held roles in Blockchain media and marketing for companies, fostering connections with VCs, angel investors, and startups. Maria moderates and hosts at global Tech and Business conferences, serving as an Ambassador for the Blockchain Association of Ukraine and a member of "Blockchain Ladies" and "Women on Tech." Currently, she co-organizes Metaverse and Blockchain conferences, advises companies in the Middle East, and hosts the "Encrypted" podcast at the Dubai Blockchain Center.
Podcast Host & Journalist
Dubai Blockchain Center
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