AI, Sustainability & Smart Cities Strategist | Startup Ecosystem Leader

Isaac Agya Koomson is a Ghanaian sustainability strategist, AI innovation advocate, and startup ecosystem builder focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation through technology, entrepreneurship, and smart systems development.

He is the Founder & CEO of KIA-Start Up Consult, Civitas Estate & Maintenance, and Farmers Haven, and Team Lead of HopeFusion Africa — an initiative with a bold vision to reduce Africa’s unemployment by 10% by 2030. His work integrates AI-driven innovation, smart urbanization, renewable energy, and agribusiness transformation to build scalable, impact-driven enterprises.

Isaac has delivered keynote addresses on AI for smart urbanization, the Human + AI hybrid workforce, and reskilling for the generative AI age at platforms including Ghana Digital & Innovation Week, Africa Education Trust Fund, and DataGlobal Hub. He has represented Ghana and African youth as an official delegate at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, World Bank Youth Summit, UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), IPBES-12, Global Youth Environment Assembly, and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville, contributing to global discussions on climate finance, sustainable development, and digital transformation.

With over seven years of leadership across entrepreneurship, humanitarian operations, and green innovation, Isaac has supported more than 50 startups in achieving product-market fit, investment readiness, and scalable growth. His thought leadership publications have generated over 2 million views, shaping conversations around AI infrastructure, economic resilience, and Africa’s future of work.

Recognized as Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2023) by the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, Isaac speaks at the intersection of technology, sustainability, policy, and inclusive economic growth — challenging audiences to rethink how Africa builds its future.

AI, Sustainability & Smart Cities Strategist | Startup Ecosystem Leader Isaac Agya Koomson is a Ghanaian sustainability strategist, AI innovation advocate, and startup ecosystem builder focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation through... Show more

Ken Evans has over three decades of experience creating product and go-to-market strategies for emerging technologies. His career encompasses senior roles at industry leaders such as Compaq Computer (now HP) and NYNEX (now Verizon), as well as pivotal positions in venture-backed startups across diverse sectors, including data and network security, systems and applications management, internet infrastructure, forensics, and entertainment media distribution.

In 2019 Ken created and led the Startup Accelerator at the Tampa Bay Innovation Center, which conducted 10 cohorts and served over 70 B2B companies creating enterprise solutions in areas including supply chain, artificial intelligence, blockchain, GRC, FinTech, HealthTech, information security, ClimateTech, AgTech, energy, and others.

Ken is dedicated to mentoring early-stage tech startups, guiding them toward achieving product-market fit and formulating sustainable go-to-market strategies.
His commitment to the tech community includes serving on the board of TechNova, an organization known for hosting collaborative tech ecosystem events such as Ignite and BarCamp Tampa Bay. He also has served on advisory boards for companies including Economic Impact Catalyst, Phonism, and MADTech.AI.

Ken holds a degree in Economics from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and is a graduate of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, specializing in Management Information Systems.

Ken Evans has over three decades of experience creating product and go-to-market strategies for emerging technologies. His career encompasses senior roles at industry leaders such as Compaq Computer (now HP) and NYNEX (now Verizon), as well as pivota... Show more

Rainer Karcher ist Gründer und Geschäftsführer der Heartprint GmbH, einer Beratung für Twin Transformation – die Verbindung von Digitalisierung und Nachhaltigkeit .
Zuvor verantwortete er Transformationsprojekte bei Siemens, Allianz Technology, IBM und Arvato/Bertelsmann .
Als Chief Sustainability Officer bei der NGO SustainableIT.org engagiert er sich international für Responsible AI und Sustainable IT .
Im BMBF-geförderten Verbundprojekt NABIT bringt er als Praxispartner betriebliche Perspektiven in die Entwicklung offener Bildungsressourcen ein – gemeinsam mit der BHH Hamburg und der Europa-Universität Flensburg .
Sein Antrieb: Bildung darf nicht in Silos stattfinden. Echte Zukunftsfähigkeit entsteht dort, wo Wirtschaft, berufliche und akademische Bildung zusammenwirken.

Rainer Karcher ist Gründer und Geschäftsführer der Heartprint GmbH, einer Beratung für Twin Transformation – die Verbindung von Digitalisierung und Nachhaltigkeit . Zuvor verantwortete er Transformationsprojekte bei Siemens, Allianz Technology, IBM... Show more

Licenciada en Tecnologías de la Información, con enfoque en análisis de datos y mejora continua. Con experiencia en entornos industriales aplicando análisis de datos para la toma de decisiones y con la iniciativa de apoyar la formación de mujeres en STEM/TECH, compartiendo casos prácticos y herramientas desde experiencias reales.

Licenciada en Tecnologías de la Información, con enfoque en análisis de datos y mejora continua. Con experiencia en entornos industriales aplicando análisis de datos para la toma de decisiones y con la iniciativa de apoyar la formación de mujeres en ... Show more

Angélica est spécialiste en Lean-Agile, Business Process Management, Management de projets, Transformation Organisationnelle/Numérique et Numérique Durable. Issue du milieu des télécommunications, elle accompagne des entreprises et institutions publiques en France et à l’International depuis plus de 19 ans.
Après avoir dirigé de nombreux projets d’organisation et management de projets en Amérique et en Europe dans des firmes internationales, elle créa en 2004 son cabinet de Conseil en s’orientant vers le management de projets complexes et l’agilité. Angélica intervient pour le compte des industries d’énergies électriques, pétrole, gaz, chimie, métallurgie, aéronautique, pharmaceutique, télécommunications, construction, environnement, et secteurs tiers divers, institutions publiques, universités et cabinets de conseil internationaux : www.cs-horizon.com
Animée par une conviction profonde face à l’urgence climatique, Angélica Calvet conjugue depuis plusieurs années son engagement environnemental avec une exigence de performance opérationnelle pour les organisations. Cette double ambition l’a conduite à explorer et mettre en œuvre des approches de management et de gouvernance innovantes, afin d’accompagner les entreprises vers des trajectoires de sobriété, d’écoconception et d’usage éthique et responsable des technologies.

Elle analyse les impacts systémiques du numérique, ses effets rebond, ainsi que les cadres réglementaires du Green IT à l’échelle mondiale. Elle s’intéresse également aux stratégies bas carbone sectorielles mises en œuvre par les États et évalue l’état d’avancement de leurs engagements climatiques, à la croisée du numérique et de la transition écologique. Elle anime la Commission Numérique Responsable de la Fédération Cinov et est Présidente de la Fédération Cinov Nouvelle Aquitaine.
Angélica est Ingénieur en génie physique et titulaire d’un MBA spécialisé en Economie Internationale et Administration des Entreprises, ainsi que des masters en Technologies de l’Information et des Télécommunications. Elle est diplômée de l’Université of Texas A&M, du Tech de Mty et du Scientific Research Center, Californie, USA ; de l’INSA Toulouse et de l’université de l'Adour, France.

Elle est certifiée : SAFe Agilist; Professional Scrum Master, Professional Product Owner; Business Process Management; Lean Six Sigma ; PMP/PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) PMI, Player in Energy and ICT Transition et Engagé RSE AFNOR.

Angélica est spécialiste en Lean-Agile, Business Process Management, Management de projets, Transformation Organisationnelle/Numérique et Numérique Durable. Issue du milieu des télécommunications, elle accompagne des entreprises et institutions publi... Show more

Bharat Sarawat is a Senior Software Engineer at New Relic, specializing in React, cloud technologies, observability, and software agents. As an active open-source contributor, Bharat is committed to advancing community-driven projects and sharing his expertise with fellow developers. He is also an aspiring speaker, eager to engage audiences with insights into emerging technologies and best practices.

Bharat Sarawat is a Senior Software Engineer at New Relic, specializing in React, cloud technologies, observability, and software agents. As an active open-source contributor, Bharat is committed to advancing community-driven projects and sharing his... Show more

Ingénieur IA et data science, engagé pour l’inclusion numérique et le développement durable. Je développe des solutions data-driven pour la résilience climatique, la protection de l’environnement et l’impact social dans les pays du Sud.

Ingénieur IA et data science, engagé pour l’inclusion numérique et le développement durable. Je développe des solutions data-driven pour la résilience climatique, la protection de l’environnement et l’impact social dans les pays du Sud. Show more

Student an der Hochschule München und seit März 2025 als studentische Hilfskraft im Studentischen Green Office der Hochschule München tätig

Student an der Hochschule München und seit März 2025 als studentische Hilfskraft im Studentischen Green Office der Hochschule München tätig Show more

Simon is a development and applied statistics professional with strong experience in official statistics, food security analysis, labour statistics, and poverty measurement. He works as a data scientist with the Ghana Statistical Service, and his work spans Small Area Estimation (SAE), time-use statistics, and SDG-aligned frameworks, with a particular focus on data for policy and development planning in Africa. He has hands-on experience working with household survey data, labour and spatial statistics, and is increasingly engaged in research on labour markets and human development.

Simon is a development and applied statistics professional with strong experience in official statistics, food security analysis, labour statistics, and poverty measurement. He works as a data scientist with the Ghana Statistical Service, and his wor... Show more

Susanne Hensel-Börner ist Professorin für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Marketing und Sales. Sie ist Initiatorin und Studiengangsleiterin des innovativen Masterprogramms MSc Digital Transformation & Sustainability.
Sie lehrt und forscht zur Themenverknüpfung von Digitalisierung & Nachhaltigkeit, zur interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit und zu Bildungsfragen für eine digitalisierte Welt.

Susanne Hensel-Börner ist Professorin für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Marketing und Sales. Sie ist Initiatorin und Studiengangsleiterin des innovativen Masterprogramms MSc Digital Transformation & Sustainability. Sie lehrt und forscht zur... Show more

Rajendra Prasad Bandi is a distinguished Principal Engineer and internationally recognized technical expert in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV), hybrid propulsion, and electrified powertrain systems. With nearly two decades of global experience across the United States, Europe, and Asia, he has led pioneering advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology and sustainable mobility solutions, contributing directly to the evolution of next-generation zero-emission transportation.
Mr. Bandi has played a critical leadership role in advancing fuel cell research from conceptual stages to commercial deployment. His technical direction has enabled the development of scalable fuel cell system architectures, high-efficiency power modules, and advanced control strategies tailored to diverse power ranges and vehicle applications. His contributions have been central to the industrialization and successful rollout of production-ready FCEV platforms across multiple global markets, accelerating the availability and adoption of clean mobility technologies.
A certified DRBFM Level 4 Expert, Mr. Bandi is widely trusted for his mastery in failure mode analysis, design robustness, and risk mitigation. He has significantly enhanced product reliability through model-based engineering, multi-domain control optimization, and systematic validation frameworks. His expertise in freeze-start durability, thermal management, and extreme-climate readiness has strengthened system performance in demanding environmental conditions, ensuring the reliability of hydrogen fuel cell systems for real-world, commercial deployment.
Throughout his career, Mr. Bandi has made influential contributions to major government-funded hydrogen and mobility initiatives in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. His work has supported national and international energy goals, advanced the state of hydrogen innovation, and enabled industry-government collaboration on high-impact clean transportation programs. He has also authored multiple patent applications and earned prestigious innovation awards for his role in advancing fuel cell commercialization and electrified propulsion technologies.
Beyond his technical achievements, Mr. Bandi is an accomplished mentor and global collaborator. He has guided cross-functional engineering teams, shaped strategic technology roadmaps, and cultivated innovation across the fields of fuel cell systems, hybrid powertrains, and power electronics. His career reflects an enduring commitment to engineering excellence, environmental sustainability, and leadership in the transition toward zero-emission mobility.

Rajendra Prasad Bandi is a distinguished Principal Engineer and internationally recognized technical expert in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV), hybrid propulsion, and electrified powertrain systems. With nearly two decades of global experience acr... Show more

Sanika Chavan is an AI Engineer at IBM, creator of SpoonShare—ranked Top 3 globally in the Google Solution Challenge 2024. She is a Reliance Foundation YoungFellows, IIM-incubated entrepreneur, CEO & Co-founder, and liaison officer, driving real-world AI adoption and innovation.

Sanika Chavan is an AI Engineer at IBM, creator of SpoonShare—ranked Top 3 globally in the Google Solution Challenge 2024. She is a Reliance Foundation YoungFellows, IIM-incubated entrepreneur, CEO & Co-founder, and liaison officer, driving real-worl... Show more

Phu (Foo) Nguyen is a senior research scientist at SINTEF, Norway. He works in the Trustworthy Green IoT Software group, developing new tools and methodologies for software development and operation of intelligent and trustworthy systems spanning across the IoT, edge, and cloud continuum with a particular focus on sustainability. Phu has an international education and research background, from Vietnam (BSc) to the Netherlands (MSc), Luxembourg (Ph.D.), and Norway. He is highly experienced in international research projects, mostly in Europe, as well as research and development projects with industry in Norway. Many of such projects address cyber security challenges.

Phu (Foo) Nguyen is a senior research scientist at SINTEF, Norway. He works in the Trustworthy Green IoT Software group, developing new tools and methodologies for software development and operation of intelligent and trustworthy systems spanning acr... Show more

I’m a Senior Machine Learning Engineer with proven track record of building AI systems across domains including finance, geospatial intelligence, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. My experience spans startups, research labs, and global enterprises, delivering real-world impact through deep learning, computer vision, and scalable MLOps pipelines.

Currently, at Schneider Electric, I'm a part of the Global Finance team working on AI-based solutions for financial intelligence. Previously, I led aerial imagery computer vision-based pipelines at MGGP Aero and developed end-to-end MLOps infrastructure at AI Clearing. My academic work at Shanghai Jiao Tong University focused on deep learning models for mammographic diagnostics where I published research articles at international IEEE conferences.

I’m a Senior Machine Learning Engineer with proven track record of building AI systems across domains including finance, geospatial intelligence, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. My experience spans startups, research labs, and global enterp... Show more

With 15 years of expertise in the design and research domain, Nandini is currently a Lead UX Designer at Salesforce, where she shapes cutting-edge user experiences for the Energy and Utilities Cloud. Her career spans both design studios and global enterprises, where she has driven products from ideation to execution, seamlessly aligning business objectives with user needs.

During the lockdown, Nandini co-founded Crafty Delights, a creative venture dedicated to fostering connection among parents and children through engaging activities and thoughtful content.

Passionate about promoting team well-being, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring future talent, Nandini is committed to delivering meaningful impact in every project she undertakes. Outside of work, she’s an avid trekker and explorer, always drawing inspiration from the world around her.

With 15 years of expertise in the design and research domain, Nandini is currently a Lead UX Designer at Salesforce, where she shapes cutting-edge user experiences for the Energy and Utilities Cloud. Her career spans both design studios and global en... Show more

Laolu leads Leke Services, a firm focused on helping leaders build data‑driven, scalable mobility and energy systems. He has supported ecosystem research, market intelligence, and strategy work across Africa’s EV and battery sectors; including contributions to climate‑tech ecosystem analyses. His recent work focuses on building Nigeria’s EV market intelligence foundation, mapping key players across vehicles, batteries, and charging, and identifying the conditions required for bankable scale. He blends systems thinking, operational diligence, and clarity of execution to help stakeholders reduce risk, improve unit economics, and accelerate the mobility transition.

Laolu leads Leke Services, a firm focused on helping leaders build data‑driven, scalable mobility and energy systems. He has supported ecosystem research, market intelligence, and strategy work across Africa’s EV and battery sectors; including contri... Show more

After a decade of selling Tech/AI powered search across countries & working with teams globally I am now on a mission to inspire people to “relate”. Never before have humans faced an empathy deficit as grave as today. Imagine a world where AI inherits your biases and empathy deficit. Aashima simplifies her journey as an AI educator to help you understand what AI can do for you. My Master's in human resources and a degree in Journalism helps with group exercises that inspire teams of all sizes to relate better and become AI champions!

After a decade of selling Tech/AI powered search across countries & working with teams globally I am now on a mission to inspire people to “relate”. Never before have humans faced an empathy deficit as grave as today. Imagine a world where AI inherit... Show more

A farmer and management advisor focused on agriculture, food systems and organizational agility. Over the years, he has led initiatives with forward thinking organizations across a range of sectors like banking, app development, biotech and agriculture. After witnessing environmental challenges and participating in group studies in the EU Commission he founded Rural PM: Incubation & Management Academy in 2016. His goal is to help strengthen management practices in agri food systems, promoting value creation in a simple and regenerative way.

A farmer and management advisor focused on agriculture, food systems and organizational agility. Over the years, he has led initiatives with forward thinking organizations across a range of sectors like banking, app development, biotech and agricultu... Show more

Asasira Arthur is a Software Engineering student at Makerere University, passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges. He actively contributes to the developer ecosystem as the Media Lead for Google Developer Groups on Campus at Makerere University and as the Tech & Media Lead for the IEEE Student Branch. Arthur’s interests span IoT, blockchain, data science, and cybersecurity. He has interned at the IoT-ra Lab, participated in major Web3 hackathons, and is the founder of Prodomate, a platform dedicated to creating impactful, tech-driven solutions, with a strong passion for community building and innovation.

Asasira Arthur is a Software Engineering student at Makerere University, passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges. He actively contributes to the developer ecosystem as the Media Lead for Google Developer Group... Show more

William P Billy Davis is Executive Director of Bronzeville Community Development Partnership (BCDP), a Chicago-based nonprofit advancing preservation, economic revitalization, and clean mobility innovation in the historic Bronzeville Black Metropolis National Heritage Area community. Under his leadership, BCDP has developed initiatives spanning cultural tourism, smart mobility infrastructure, and zero-emission transportation, positioning Bronzeville as a model “Community of the Future.” His work integrates heritage preservation with climate-forward economic development strategies that expand equitable access to emerging technologies.

William P Billy Davis is Executive Director of Bronzeville Community Development Partnership (BCDP), a Chicago-based nonprofit advancing preservation, economic revitalization, and clean mobility innovation in the historic Bronzeville Black Metropolis... Show more

Eric Broda is the Founder and President of Broda Group Software, a boutique consulting firm that specialized in building GenAI, agent, and data ecosystem solutions. He is an expert in delivering large scale data management solutions and is the author of O’Reilly’s Implementing Data Mesh book. Eric has delivered GenAI and agent solutions in with international banks, global insurers, large retailers, and global technology firms. Mr. Broda’s next book will be available in November 2025 on highly reliable autonomous agents for the emerging agent ecosystem.

Mr. Broda has written extensively about his Agents experiences, architecture, and implementation at medium.com/@ericbroda

Eric Broda is the Founder and President of Broda Group Software, a boutique consulting firm that specialized in building GenAI, agent, and data ecosystem solutions. He is an expert in delivering large scale data management solutions and is the autho... Show more

JuanJo Ciarlante is a Principal Engineer at GrafanaLabs and Assistant Professor at Mendoza Uni. His industry experience includes working for Google as SRE TL, as well as other SRE roles at Canonical Ltd, and Bitnami.
His OSS journey started in 1998 when he contributed IP Aliasing support to Linux, and since then to several other OSS projects. He's particularly passionate about Cloud-y OSS projects like Kubernetes, Prometheus, Grafana, etc which made cloud computing accessible for the rest of us.

JuanJo Ciarlante is a Principal Engineer at GrafanaLabs and Assistant Professor at Mendoza Uni. His industry experience includes working for Google as SRE TL, as well as other SRE roles at Canonical Ltd, and Bitnami. His OSS journey started in 1998 ... Show more

Fred Drapari is a digital security practitioner and a technology enthusiast working at the intersection of civic space, human rights protection, and technology. His work is shaped by close, hands-on engagement with civil society organisations, journalists, and land and environmental defenders operating under persistent digital risk, surveillance, and disruption. He focuses on digital resilience, organisational security, secure digital infrastructure, and digital accessibility, translating complex technical threats into practical tools, security clinics, audits, and trainings grounded in the lived realities of frontline actors. His work is guided by a clear conviction that technology is never neutral, and that access, power, and accountability must be confronted directly if digital systems are to serve the public good rather than quietly exclude or expose people to harm.

Fred Drapari is a digital security practitioner and a technology enthusiast working at the intersection of civic space, human rights protection, and technology. His work is shaped by close, hands-on engagement with civil society organisations, journa... Show more

My name is Richard Conway. I'm a Microsoft Regional Director and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Azure. I'm a Director of Elastacloud which is a Data Science consultancy working across key business sectors such as retail, finance, engineering and others.

As well as my role in business, I'm an author of books and courses and a key contributor to Apache open source projects with a love for all things cloud and data. Over the years I've become proficient in C++, C#, Java, Scala, Python and R and I mix and match these skills for my customers and community on a daily basis.

I love speaking to new audiences on aspects of cloud, data science and data platform and have spoken all across Europe over the last few years.

I'm a strong advocate of communities and over the years founded @ukazure and a few others.

As an advocate for child education in IT I've been working closely with Code Club in the UK. My most recent community contribution has been AzureCraft, an annual two day event for developers, parents and kids to teach the Cloud and Programming through Minecraft.

My name is Richard Conway. I'm a Microsoft Regional Director and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Azure. I'm a Director of Elastacloud which is a Data Science consultancy working across key business sectors such as retail, finance, engineering... Show more

Harikuttan Kochukunju is a global PMO and enterprise delivery transformation leader with over two decades of experience driving governance, portfolio management, and strategic execution across consulting, insurance, healthcare, engineering, and financial services. Recognized as a PMO Leader of the Year finalist, he has architected governance frameworks for portfolios exceeding $500M and led cross-functional teams of 20–100+ professionals to deliver measurable business outcomes. With certifications spanning PMP, DASSM, PRINCE2, ITIL, and CISA, Harikuttan blends operational rigor with visionary thinking, championing AI-first enterprise transformation, carbon-conscious PMO practices, and volunteer-driven impact. His passion lies in empowering organizations to scale responsibly, align strategy with delivery, and inspire communities through authentic leadership.

Harikuttan Kochukunju is a global PMO and enterprise delivery transformation leader with over two decades of experience driving governance, portfolio management, and strategic execution across consulting, insurance, healthcare, engineering, and finan... Show more

Suyash has helped in setting up projects and businesses including Codevigor (a startup specialized in the development of blockchain applications), Horizon Africa (a blockchain focused on NFTs and Metaverses), StoragePlus (the first commercial Blockchain Application in Mauritius), Loot NFT (an international NFT Metaverse project) and many other businesses in the last 8 years.

Suyash has helped in setting up projects and businesses including Codevigor (a startup specialized in the development of blockchain applications), Horizon Africa (a blockchain focused on NFTs and Metaverses), StoragePlus (the first commercial Blockch... Show more

Yuri Nijsen is a seasoned digital leader. CTO at the largest independent software vendor of Zeeland, (The Netherlands). On a mission to enable skilled trades workers to work more effective and assist them in changing the world to become more sustainable and transition to renewable energy solutions.

Yuri Nijsen is a seasoned digital leader. CTO at the largest independent software vendor of Zeeland, (The Netherlands). On a mission to enable skilled trades workers to work more effective and assist them in changing the world to become more sustaina... Show more

Passionate, solution-oriented, and creative platform engineer.

Passionate, solution-oriented, and creative platform engineer. Show more

In 2017, Tom Sherman discovered the 5th season of the year after nearly a decade of studying timekeeping and measurement systems. He then spent the next 3 years deconstructing the Gregorian Calendar and re-engineering a New Calendar system using modern math, science and logic that divides time evenly, precisely, and accurately, for the first time in the history of time. With humor, philosophy, and curiosity, Tom is able to expand your perception of reality and uncover new systems and patterns that are currently hiding in plain sight.

In 2017, Tom Sherman discovered the 5th season of the year after nearly a decade of studying timekeeping and measurement systems. He then spent the next 3 years deconstructing the Gregorian Calendar and re-engineering a New Calendar system using mode... Show more

Florence is all about making the digital world work for everyone, especially where technology, disability, and gender intersect.

Florence is all about making the digital world work for everyone, especially where technology, disability, and gender intersect. Show more