Michel Fotsing is a cybersecurity and AI architect, and a consultant at the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs (Quebec), where he works on securing OT environments and structuring cybersecurity strategies aligned with the NIST CSF 2.0 framework. A member of the ISC2 Examination Review Board (CISSP), he contributes to the development of international cybersecurity standards.

Author of the book *The Digital Architect: Orchestrating Intelligence in the Age of AI* (January 2026) and the newsletter followed by over 1,600 executives, CIOs, and experts, Michel is a thought leader in hybrid systems governance. His Three Zones framework (Automated, Augmented, Sanctuary) helps organizations map out where AI should decide autonomously, where it should assist, and where humans should remain in control.

With over 11 years of hands-on experience, Michel has led the securing of critical infrastructures, Azure cloud platforms, and AI solutions (computer vision, autonomous agents). He excels in balancing automation and control, performance and resilience, innovation and governance.

His presentations combine pedagogy, real-life cases (cyberattacks in 2.7 seconds, flash crashes, automation failures), and practical tools for executive committees. Michel addresses professionals who need to orchestrate AI without becoming technicians: executives, CIOs, CISOs, transformation leads, and consultants.

Michel Fotsing is a cybersecurity and AI architect, and a consultant at the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs (Quebec), where he works on securing OT environments and structuring cybersecurity strategies aligned with the NIST CSF 2.0 fram... Show more

Russ Abrams is a seasoned expert in transforming processes and driving efficiency across industries, including mining, manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, information systems, retail, and government. With extensive experience as a Technology and Lean Sigma Master Black Belt consultant and a track record of applying Lean methodologies to significant telecom companies, Russ brings a unique depth of expertise to the modern workplace.

Certified in Change Management by PROSCI and a Microsoft Certified Trainer specializing in AI, Power Platform, and Power BI, Russ blends traditional Lean Six Sigma principles with cutting-edge digital tools to achieve impactful results. He has led corporate process transformations nationwide, championing initiatives that streamlined operations and enhanced customer experience. Now, through Power Lean Sigma, he enables everyone in the organization to tackle real-world challenges, automate tasks, and drive measurable improvements.

As a Master Black Belt in Lean Sigma (certified at IBM), Russ has developed and executed strategies that consistently deliver cost savings and increased customer satisfaction. Beyond his professional achievements, Russ is an Army Veteran, a dedicated father to his comical 14-year-old son and his energetic 2-year-old bulldog, and a passionate volunteer, inventing adaptive devices to support children with disabilities.
Connect with Russ: LinkedIn | Russ@PowerLeanSigma.com

Russ Abrams is a seasoned expert in transforming processes and driving efficiency across industries, including mining, manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, information systems, retail, and government. With extensive experience as a Technolo... Show more

Ahmik Hindman, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience in the industry, demonstrates unwavering commitment to driving enterprise-wide success through proactive change management and strategic initiatives. As a Senior Network & Solution Consultant at Rockwell Automation, he specializes in industrial automation control systems (IACS), with a focused expertise in networks and cybersecurity. His leadership is further exemplified by his role as Chair of the Idaho State University ESTEC Industrial Cybersecurity Engineering Technology Advisory Committee, where he contributes to advancing industrial cybersecurity—a domain critical to modern infrastructure. Confident in his ability to deliver exceptional results, Ahmik Hindman is poised to bring excellence to any organization he engages with.

As a resourceful and technically sophisticated professional, Ahmik has excelled in various facets of the industry, encompassing industrial software programming, control systems industrial hardware, IoT integration, virtualization, IACS network design, and IACS security. His abilities as an articulate communicator and skilled negotiator have enabled him to secure new business opportunities and design cost-effective technical solutions that foster growth and innovation.

Ahmik has been instrumental in driving IT/OT management initiatives that transform organizations and enhance productivity, particularly in underperforming areas. His approach to IT/OT leadership seamlessly blends technical expertise with strategic insight, ensuring alignment with corporate goals. With a credible history of strategic thinking and business acumen, he has contributed to measurable improvements in operations across diverse corporate structures. His strategies reflect an adherence to industry trends and best practices, making him a recognized leader in implementing transformative change.

Ahmik is also highly sought after as a consultant and speaker due to his domain expertise in industrial cybersecurity and networking. He has assisted customers in the following areas:
- Secure Remote Access to OT environments
- iDMZ (Industrial Demilitarized Zone) design
- ICS/OT networking best practices
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for OT with Single Sign-On (SSO) to multiple identity providers
- Zero Trust principles for ICS/OT environments
- ICS/OT system hardening and attack surface reduction
- Intrusion Detection for OT through OT-specific Network Detection and Host Detection Intrusion Systems (NDIS and HDIS)
- Incident response for OT environments

Beyond his professional achievements, Ahmik's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and an MBA with a focus on Information Technology. His dedication to lifelong learning is evident through an array of certifications, including CISSP, CCSP, CCNA, Security+, Fortinet Certified Associate, and four ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity certifications. These qualifications underscore his commitment to professional growth and expertise in cybersecurity and network solutions.

Adding to his technical prowess, Ahmik possesses intangible qualities such as an engaging and collaborative management style and exceptional foresight in navigating operational risks. These attributes enable him to drive sustainable growth and innovation in today's fast-paced technological landscape. His ability to balance technical mastery with visionary leadership positions him as a standout professional in his field.

Ahmik Hindman, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience in the industry, demonstrates unwavering commitment to driving enterprise-wide success through proactive change management and strategic initiatives. As a Senior Network & Solution Consulta... Show more

I am Lead Software Architect at the Schunk Group and design modern, scalable software solutions that address complex requirements in industry and business.

With my many years of experience in software development and architecture, my focus is on .NET technologies, cloud solutions with Microsoft Azure, and the development of powerful web applications. Since 2020, I have been recognized as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for IoT and AI – a recognition of my deep expertise and commitment to the international developer community.

My passion is combining stable software architecture and modern cloud technologies to create solutions that are reliable, secure, and sustainable. I work with great teams who use their creativity and professionalism to implement new ideas and thus create real added value for our customers.

👉 My goal: to combine technical excellence with practical solutions – for future-proof software and successful digital transformation.

I am Lead Software Architect at the Schunk Group and design modern, scalable software solutions that address complex requirements in industry and business. With my many years of experience in software development and architecture, my focus is on .... Show more

Stephanie McColly has spent more than 20 years working alongside business owners across operations, finance, marketing, and growth strategy to simplify process complexity, improve data visibility, and build stronger infrastructure for scale. As CMO and EOS Integrator at Crestwood Associates, she works closely with teams evaluating, implementing, and optimizing ERP and business applications. Her perspective is grounded in the operational realities that shape success, including process design, clean data, reporting, ownership, and adoption. Stephanie is known for making complex systems practical and helping leaders build businesses that are easier to run, easier to grow, and better equipped for long-term success.

Stephanie McColly has spent more than 20 years working alongside business owners across operations, finance, marketing, and growth strategy to simplify process complexity, improve data visibility, and build stronger infrastructure for scale. As CMO a... Show more

Matt has been working with AWS technology since 2011, including 8.5 years at AWS itself; first as a Solutions Architect, and then in a Chief Technologist role for the UK public sector team.

During that time he has presented at 6 separate re:Invents and dozens of other AWS and 3rd party events, covering a range of topics including: networking, DNS, cost optimisation, and the Amazon Culture of Innovation.

Now as CEO of Rayo (an AWS Advanced Partner), Matt continues to help customers make use of cloud to deliver great outcomes for the public sector and beyond.

Matt has been working with AWS technology since 2011, including 8.5 years at AWS itself; first as a Solutions Architect, and then in a Chief Technologist role for the UK public sector team. During that time he has presented at 6 separate re:Invent... Show more

Oluwasegun Adeniyi Adedigba is a cloud software engineer with a strong background in building and managing secure, scalable cloud infrastructures. With extensive experience in AWS, he has implemented solutions involving networking, virtualization, containerization, and serverless architectures. His interests span serverless, event-driven architecture, CAD, CAM, CAE, and robotics. He is 5x AWS Certified and 1x Hashicorp Certified. He is an AWS Community Builder in the AWS Serverless Category. Oluwasegun Adedigba is also a Mechanical Engineer. His hobbies include playing football and basketball.

Oluwasegun Adeniyi Adedigba is a cloud software engineer with a strong background in building and managing secure, scalable cloud infrastructures. With extensive experience in AWS, he has implemented solutions involving networking, virtualization, co... Show more

With 20 years of leadership experience in digital transformation across several manufacturing industries, I am a transformational leader who drives innovation and change while fostering a values based culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.. I also write a blog at www.dynamicsdad.com/blog

With 20 years of leadership experience in digital transformation across several manufacturing industries, I am a transformational leader who drives innovation and change while fostering a values based culture of excellence, collaboration, and continu... Show more

Oluwaseyi Oluwawumiju
Oluwaseyi Oluwawumiju is a dynamic Technical Consultant, Public Speaker, and Author, affiliated with Covenant Technologies, a Microsoft Certified Partner based in Lagos, Nigeria. With over 25 years of professional experience, he is recognized as a leader in the IT industry, specializing in Microsoft infrastructure, data, and artificial intelligence solutions.

Oluwaseyi is a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), a Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in Office Services & Apps, and the MCT Regional Lead for Nigeria. He also serves as the Manager of Data & AI at Wragby Solutions & Technologies Limited, where he drives cutting-edge innovations in AI, data analytics, and cloud technologies. As a Fellow of the Institute of Information Management Africa (FIIM Africa), he holds one of the highest honors for excellence in data and information management.

At Covenant Technologies, Oluwaseyi plays a pivotal role as a senior consulting partner, helping organizations maximize the value of their Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and AI-powered solutions. His expertise extends beyond technical implementations, focusing on empowering businesses to leverage IT for strategic growth.

Prior to joining Covenant Technologies, Oluwaseyi was a Senior Technical Consultant and Support Manager at 1st Intellit Solution, where he led outsourcing teams and spearheaded the development of innovative client systems.

Driven by his passion for IT evolution in Africa, Oluwaseyi is a prominent advocate for cloud technologies and modern workplace solutions across West, East, and Central Africa (WECA). His campaigns for adopting tools like SharePoint, Yammer, Office 365, Azure, and Microsoft Teams have significantly influenced medium and large organizations. The growing response from the Nigerian market and beyond highlights the transformative impact of his efforts in fostering a modern IT ecosystem across Africa.

Oluwaseyi Oluwawumiju Oluwaseyi Oluwawumiju is a dynamic Technical Consultant, Public Speaker, and Author, affiliated with Covenant Technologies, a Microsoft Certified Partner based in Lagos, Nigeria. With over 25 years of professional experience, h... Show more

Aaron LaBeau is a Developer Advocate at Ditto, where he helps developers build offline-first, edge-native applications that stay resilient even without reliable connectivity.

With over 30 years of professional software development experience, Aaron has worked across a wide range of technologies including iOS (Objective-C/Swift), Android (Kotlin/Java), Kotlin Multiplatform, .NET (C#/ASP.NET/MAUI), and Spring Boot (Java/Kotlin). He began programming in 7th grade on an Apple IIe and has since built systems for telecommunications, healthcare, enterprise CRM/DMS, and one of the world’s largest accounting firms—where he led Developer Experience and Advocacy efforts before moving into the mobile and edge space.

At Ditto, Aaron focuses on empowering developers to adopt modern offline-first patterns, bridging the gap between mobile, cloud, and edge computing.

Outside of tech, Aaron is a guitarist, Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master, fishing enthusiast, and a beginner woodworker.

Aaron LaBeau is a Developer Advocate at Ditto, where he helps developers build offline-first, edge-native applications that stay resilient even without reliable connectivity. With over 30 years of professional software development experience, Aaro... Show more

Kristina is a Senior Product Manager in the M365 Copilot Extensibility Product Group at Microsoft, where she leads the development of AI-powered solutions shaping the future of Microsoft products. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the AI strategies of Fortune 500 companies, enabling them to leverage Copilot as a transformative technology. Her work directly influences the evolution of M365 products, collaborating closely with both Microsoft teams and customers to ensure that the product continues to meet real-world needs and deliver meaningful impact. Kristina has been instrumental in launching Copilot experiences across flagship Microsoft apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. She also led the design and rollout of Microsoft’s new emoji set, enhancing digital communication with greater inclusivity and expressiveness. With a robust background as a Cloud Architect and Application Development Engineer, Kristina excels at bridging the gap between complex technical solutions and strategic business objectives. Over the years, her global perspective shaped by living in seven cities around the world has enriched her approach to problem-solving and innovation. She is deeply committed to advocating for diversity and inclusion within the tech industry and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Kristina is a Senior Product Manager in the M365 Copilot Extensibility Product Group at Microsoft, where she leads the development of AI-powered solutions shaping the future of Microsoft products. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the AI strategies... Show more

James Bowen is a Principal Solutions Engineer for AI Business Solutions in Manufacturing & Mobility at Microsoft, helping enterprises drive digital transformation with Dynamics 365, Copilot, AI Agents, Azure, and M365. A longtime leader in the Microsoft Dynamics community, he brings technical sales leadership and a track record of building high-performing teams. Based in Atlanta, Georgia.

James Bowen is a Principal Solutions Engineer for AI Business Solutions in Manufacturing & Mobility at Microsoft, helping enterprises drive digital transformation with Dynamics 365, Copilot, AI Agents, Azure, and M365. A longtime leader in the Micros... Show more

Santosh Vasudevan is a Data Scientist specializing in building AI-driven anomaly detection and
continuous monitoring solutions for large enterprise data environments. He brings close to a
decade of experience designing scalable machine learning systems, automated data pipelines,
and business intelligence products across financial services, retail, and engineering domains.
Santosh began his career as a Control Systems Engineer before pivoting into data science,
bringing a strong foundation in engineering and systems thinking to his work. He holds a
bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering from RV College of Engineering (Bangalore,
India) and master’s degrees in Business Analytics and Project Management from the University
of Connecticut. Santosh actively contributes to professional and research communities
focused on the practical and responsible adoption of AI and machine learning. Outside of work,
he enjoys CrossFit, distance running, yoga, stand-up comedy, concerts, and live sporting
events.

Santosh Vasudevan is a Data Scientist specializing in building AI-driven anomaly detection and continuous monitoring solutions for large enterprise data environments. He brings close to a decade of experience designing scalable machine learning sys... Show more

At the helm of Ideaforage Innovations, my journey as Founder and CEO has been dedicated to merging education with cutting-edge gaming technology under the Toynik brand. With a focus on XR my team and I strive to revolutionize learning experiences through our diverse product suite,. We're on a mission to touch the lives of kinesthetic learners globally, aiming to reach 5% with our innovative Board Games and AR Based Puzzle As a Leader my focus is to demonstrate empathetic openness, introspective intelligence, amplified resilience and empowering innovation

My dual role as Founder and Design Consultant at N6 Designs harnesses my urban design expertise. We're committed to dreaming up spaces that resonate with clients' aspirations while integrating sustainable technology like VR for an immersive planning journey. With over 50 projects designed and executed, I lead by setting a visionary strategy, fostering a growth-driven culture, and driving the organizational mission forward.

At the helm of Ideaforage Innovations, my journey as Founder and CEO has been dedicated to merging education with cutting-edge gaming technology under the Toynik brand. With a focus on XR my team and I strive to revolutionize learning experiences thr... Show more

My role as Senior Vice President of Strategic Development revolves around spearheading initiatives that leverage automation to enhance operational efficiency and strategic growth. My competencies in Microsoft Power Automate and Azure Logic Apps play a critical role in devising innovative solutions that streamline processes and improve workflows.

With a robust background in technology leadership, including a tenure as VP of Technology, I have consistently prioritized the integration of advanced software systems to foster environments of efficiency and compliance. My approach is deeply rooted in a philosophy of servant leadership, aiming to empower teams and drive value creation through cutting-edge technological advancements.

My role as Senior Vice President of Strategic Development revolves around spearheading initiatives that leverage automation to enhance operational efficiency and strategic growth. My competencies in Microsoft Power Automate and Azure Logic Apps play ... Show more

Sai Penumuru is a Technology leader and Principal Director at Accenture, where he spearheads Oracle Cloud growth and transformation across the EMEA region. With more than 23 years of deep enterprise experience, Sai partners with clients to drive innovation, streamline hybrid and multicloud architectures, and unlock tangible business value through next-gen cloud solutions.

A recognised Oracle ACE Director, Sai is also the Co-founder and President of the All India Oracle Users Group (AIOUG), one of the largest and most dynamic Oracle communities worldwide. His commitment to advancing the Oracle ecosystem is rooted in a mission to empower professionals, shape best practices, and champion the future of cloud-first strategies.

Sai is renowned globally for his thought leadership and technical excellence, having delivered over 150+ keynotes and sessions at leading technology conferences. His areas of expertise include Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, multicloud architectures, performance engineering, and digital modernisation.

His contributions have earned prestigious accolades, including Distinguished Cloud Architect of the Year (2024) and multiple nominations as a Finalist for the OCI Excellence Award – Cloud Architect of the Year (2022, 2023, 2025).

Relentlessly driven by impact, Sai continues to bridge the gap between technology and business outcomes—transforming ideas into scalable, future-ready cloud solutions.

Sai Penumuru is a Technology leader and Principal Director at Accenture, where he spearheads Oracle Cloud growth and transformation across the EMEA region. With more than 23 years of deep enterprise experience, Sai partners with clients to drive inno... Show more

Stefano Righi is Senior Vice President and Chief Security Architect at AMI. He has over 40 years of experience in R&D management with a special focus on firmware and software technologies and architectures. His 25+ year tenure at AMI has covered UEFI architecture, Firmware Development Environments, GUI and Pre-Boot solutions, while acting as founder and current leader of security operations at AMI. He also represents AMI on the Board of Directors for the UEFI Forum, which champions firmware innovation through industry collaboration and the advocacy of a standardized interface to simplify and secure platform initialization and firmware bootstrap operations. He also represents AMI on the governing board of CHIPS Alliance, Linux Foundation project developing Caliptra. Mr. Righi holds a degree in electronics engineering from the University of Bologna in Italy.

Stefano Righi is Senior Vice President and Chief Security Architect at AMI. He has over 40 years of experience in R&D management with a special focus on firmware and software technologies and architectures. His 25+ year tenure at AMI has covered UEFI... Show more

At Waterfall Security Andrew leads a team of experts who work with the world's most secure industrial enterprises. Before Waterfall, he led the development of high-end industrial control system products at Hewlett-Packard, of IT/OT middleware products at Agilent Technologies, and of the world's first industrial SIEM at Industrial Defender. Andrew is the author of three books on industrial / OT cybersecurity, a co-author of the Industrial Internet Security Framework, and a co-author of the UITP report on cybersecurity requirements in rail system tendering. He co-hosts the Industrial Security Podcast and contributes regularly to industrial security standards and best-practice guidance.

At Waterfall Security Andrew leads a team of experts who work with the world's most secure industrial enterprises. Before Waterfall, he led the development of high-end industrial control system products at Hewlett-Packard, of IT/OT middleware product... Show more

Omkar Mali is an offensive security researcher specializing in hardware hacking, embedded systems, IoT, automotive cybersecurity, and Operational Technology (OT). His research focuses on firmware reverse engineering, hardware interface exploitation, wireless security, and the security of cyber-physical systems. He has conducted security assessments across drones, industrial control systems, connected vehicles, medical devices, renewable energy infrastructure, and AI-enabled edge platforms.

His work explores how weaknesses in hardware, firmware, and communication protocols can be chained into practical attack paths against real-world systems. Omkar regularly develops proof-of-concept exploits and offensive research that bridge hardware security with modern cyber-physical environments, with an emphasis on actionable defensive guidance for manufacturers and security practitioners.

Omkar Mali is an offensive security researcher specializing in hardware hacking, embedded systems, IoT, automotive cybersecurity, and Operational Technology (OT). His research focuses on firmware reverse engineering, hardware interface exploitation, ... Show more

Seasoned Cloud Solutions Architect

Seasoned Cloud Solutions Architect Show more

Kartik is an Infrastructure, Cloud & Security professional with more than 15 years of experience across IT infrastructure, cloud platforms, DevOps, automation, operations, and information security.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated technical leadership by building teams, establishing DevOps capabilities, and driving cloud and infrastructure modernization initiatives. He combines broad architectural understanding with practical experience in cloud security, DevSecOps, Infrastructure as Code, monitoring and observability, and technology risk management.

As an Infrastructure, Cloud & Security Gardener, Kartik focuses on creating the conditions for technology, teams, and capabilities to grow securely, reliably, and sustainably.

Kartik is an Infrastructure, Cloud & Security professional with more than 15 years of experience across IT infrastructure, cloud platforms, DevOps, automation, operations, and information security. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated techni... Show more

Kalle works as Field CTO, making sure Eficode delivers the best possible offering for our service customers. Having worked in Eficode for over a decade his experience is wide and deep; he is familiar with maintenance, upgrades and migrations of services to cloud as well as the challenges related to adopting new ways of working.

Kalle works as Field CTO, making sure Eficode delivers the best possible offering for our service customers. Having worked in Eficode for over a decade his experience is wide and deep; he is familiar with maintenance, upgrades and migrations of servi... Show more

Joshua Johnson is an American technology executive who serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries, a company founded in September 2017 and headquartered in Washington, Missouri, specializing in sustainable AI innovation to address environmental challenges through ethical, eco-friendly artificial intelligence solutions focused on accessibility, privacy, and open-source technologies. As CTO since the company's inception, Johnson architects next-generation emerging technologies and AI solutions, leading TREE Industries' efforts to integrate sustainability first principles into AI development for global problem-solving, including advancements in voice-powered tools, 3D avatars with open-source AI assistants, and collaborative virtual beings. His notable public contributions, documented since 2017, include spearheading the release of TREE's first video game, Ultimate Disc Golf, in December 2019; developing a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI in February 2020; creating the first 3D avatars integrated with the Mycroft AI assistant in March 2021; launching a desktop control skill for Mycroft AI in June 2021; and developing BlenderGPT, an AI tool for generative 3D modeling, which was featured in NVIDIA's 2023 SIGGRAPH keynote, all emphasizing ethical and environmentally conscious tech innovation. Johnson is further distinguished in the field by his role in collaborations, such as TREE Industries' partnership with Fable on AI-driven projects, and his co-founding of Geppetto AI to advance real-time AI applications.

Joshua Johnson's early career in the technology sector began with roles focused on web development and software engineering, laying the foundation for his later work in AI and sustainable technologies. Alongside his role at TREE Industries, he founded and continues to lead eClarity Web Solutions, where he serves as CEO, assisting businesses and individuals in developing modern content management system (CMS)-powered websites. In this position, Johnson specialized in technologies such as Joomla!, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Flash AS3, and HTML5, gaining expertise in web design and development over several years.These early experiences honed his skills in programming and digital solutions, enabling him to tackle more complex technical challenges in subsequent roles. Although specific timelines for his initial positions are not widely documented, his work at eClarity represented a key period of skill development in software engineering and client-facing tech services before transitioning to executive leadership in AI innovation.

Leadership at TREE Industries

Joshua Johnson was appointed as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries upon its founding in September 2017, where he has led the technical direction since inception. In this executive role, Johnson has focused on initial team-building efforts and aligning the company's technological vision with sustainable AI goals aimed at addressing environmental challenges through ethical and eco-friendly solutions. Key leadership milestones under Johnson's tenure include overseeing the expansion of research and development (R&D) activities from 2018 onward, such as the company's joining of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce in February 2018 to foster industry collaborations and the development of innovative AI tools, including a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI in February 2020. By 2021, his strategic guidance contributed to further R&D growth, exemplified by the creation of 3D avatars integrated with Mycroft AI in March 2021, the release of a desktop control skill for Mycroft AI in June 2021, and the prototyping of an AI virtual being capable of real-time 3D art generation in August 2021 as part of TREE Industries' entry into The Culture DAO. These efforts highlight Johnson's role in hiring key engineers and forming partnerships with environmental and tech organizations to scale sustainable AI initiatives. Johnson's strategic initiatives have emphasized eco-friendly practices, including the implementation of sustainable operations in data centers and AI development processes, though specific budgets remain undisclosed in public records. His leadership has driven organizational growth, positioning TREE Industries as a leader in green AI technologies headquartered in Washington, Missouri.

Innovations in AI Sustainability

As CTO of TREE Industries, Joshua Johnson leads efforts to integrate sustainability principles into AI development, focusing on ethical and eco-friendly artificial intelligence solutions.

Key Projects and Initiatives:

Joshua Johnson has led several AI-driven projects at TREE Industries since joining as CTO in 2017, aligning with the company's vision for sustainable AI innovation to address environmental challenges through ethical and eco-friendly solutions. One notable initiative is the development of Ultimate Disc Golf, a video game incorporating AI and machine learning elements, launched in December 2019. This project aimed to advance accessible gaming technologies while exploring AI applications in simulation and real-time environments, with Johnson discussing its integration of AI for enhanced user experiences during a 2020 podcast interview. The effort contributed to TREE Industries' broader portfolio in ethical AI for entertainment, though specific environmental impact metrics were not publicly detailed. In 2021, Johnson oversaw the creation of DeepSpeech-based automatic speech systems for games, focusing on open-source AI to enable voice interactions in virtual environments. This initiative sought to promote affordable and privacy-focused AI tools, developed as part of TREE's commitment to socially responsible technology, with outcomes including prototypes for real-time 3D art creation. The project underscored ethical considerations in AI deployment for gaming industries.[More recently, in 2024, Johnson collaborated with Fable on an AI project bringing the Sam Altman saga to life through advanced chatbots, emphasizing innovative storytelling via eco-friendly AI practices. According to a Forbes article, these chatbots represented non-traditional applications, highlighting TREE Industries' role in sustainable AI collaborations that minimize computational waste. The partnership demonstrated measurable advancements in ethical AI for narrative simulations. Additionally, under Johnson's leadership, TREE Industries advanced the Unreal Agent plugin in 2025, an open-source AI copilot for Unreal Engine 5 that automates tasks like level design and content generation to optimize development workflows. This tool aims to reduce energy-intensive manual processes, supporting green AI goals through efficient, real-time integrations, with its GitHub release fostering community-driven sustainable innovations.

Industry Influence:

Joshua Johnson has exerted influence in the sustainable AI sector through his thought leadership and participation in high-profile industry events. As CTO of TREE Industries, he spoke at the AI Film and Games Festival in San Francisco in 2023 and GatherVerse Summit 2025.This engagement underscores his role in promoting ethical AI practices that align with environmental goals, as TREE Industries emphasizes "Sustainability First" in its operations. In advisory capacities, Johnson serves as the Interoperability Committee Lead at The Culture DAO since April 2022, contributing to standards development in emerging technologies, including AI interoperability that supports sustainable applications. Johnson's contributions extend to open-source initiatives that advance sustainable AI tools. Under his technical guidance at TREE Industries, the company developed and released open-source projects such as 3D avatars integrated with Mycroft AI, a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI, and a desktop control skill for Mycroft, all launched between 2020 and 2021 to make advanced technologies more accessible and environmentally responsible. These efforts have been adopted in communities focused on conversational AI, promoting energy-efficient offline processing solutions that reduce computational waste. Additionally, TREE's early involvement in open-source speech systems like DeepSpeech has influenced game development and AI applications with lower environmental footprints.Through these activities, Johnson has shaped industry discussions on sustainable AI, as evidenced by his commentary in media outlets like Forbes, where he highlighted innovative AI collaborations that prioritize ethical and eco-friendly advancements. His work has contributed to TREE Industries' promotion of AI adoption among local businesses via chamber of commerce memberships, fostering wider sectoral shifts toward sustainability.

Joshua Johnson is an American technology executive who serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries, a company founded in September 2017 and headquartered in Washington, Missouri, specializing in sustainable AI innovation to addr... Show more

AI ERP Solution Architect at Cegeka specializing in Pharma & Medtech industry solutions with a focus on AI and Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management.

AI ERP Solution Architect at Cegeka specializing in Pharma & Medtech industry solutions with a focus on AI and Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management. Show more

Passionate about mathematics and logic, I am a backend developer with a Computer Science Engineering degree and international speaker since 2020. Argentinian and Spanish, I lived in many countries and speak five languages. I strongly believe in diversity in tech and started giving conferences to act as a role model for women. Outside work, I love dancing, and travelling and have two wonderful cats.
I have been giving conferences since 2020 in French and English (but also speak Spanish and Portuguese).
I have been to major events like SymfonyCon, SymfonyLive, ForumPHP among others.
Check my personal blog for full references https://soflesc.github.io/

Passionate about mathematics and logic, I am a backend developer with a Computer Science Engineering degree and international speaker since 2020. Argentinian and Spanish, I lived in many countries and speak five languages. I strongly believe in diver... Show more

As a Senior Manager at Protiviti, I leverage my 12+ years of experience in ERP consulting to deliver hands-on application expertise to key stakeholders. I am a Microsoft MVP (Business Application) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), with a proven track record of implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations solutions across diverse industries.

I am passionate about streamlining business processes, enhancing service innovation, and enabling customer value. I have successfully led and contributed to multiple projects involving finance, operations, supply chain, and retail modules, using agile methodologies and Six Sigma tools. I am also skilled in Microsoft products and business analysis, and I constantly seek to expand my knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of Microsoft Dynamics 365.

As a Senior Manager at Protiviti, I leverage my 12+ years of experience in ERP consulting to deliver hands-on application expertise to key stakeholders. I am a Microsoft MVP (Business Application) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), with a proven tra... Show more

Simon Parry is a veteran software engineer with 25 years of experience across diverse development ecosystems. Inspired by the open-source hardware movement, he is leveraging advancements in AI to cross-train into hardware engineering. Simon combines declarative software principles via NixOS with LLM-driven pipelines to build intuitive developer bridges into reconfigurable analog silicon.

Simon Parry is a veteran software engineer with 25 years of experience across diverse development ecosystems. Inspired by the open-source hardware movement, he is leveraging advancements in AI to cross-train into hardware engineering. Simon combines... Show more

Latifa DEKHICI is a full professor in computer sciences and vice dean of external relations in mathematics and computer science faculty in the university of sciences and technology of Oran; and a researcher in LDREI, Smart Grid Developement laboratory in the Higher School of Electrical and Energetic engineering of Oran. Her research interests include power dispatch, power system design, healthcare scheduling and green optimization as well as optimization methods especially metaheuristics. DEKHICI has been a member of Inside Project (Inclusion of Students With impairements in Distance Education) in 2023, of DIGITAQ Project about Quality Assurance Digitalization in Higher Education and a responsable of Digitalisation Strategy Office in her university. She partipated as a trainer in many sustainability; digitalization; accessibilty, cyber responsability, soft skills and inclusivity activities and serious game design.

Latifa DEKHICI is a full professor in computer sciences and vice dean of external relations in mathematics and computer science faculty in the university of sciences and technology of Oran; and a researcher in LDREI, Smart Grid Developement laborator... Show more

Deniz "Den" Mutlu is a Senior Cyber Security Engineer, Microsoft Security MVP and Director, member of the ext-board at Swiss Post cybersecurity in Switzerland. He specializes in Blue Teaming strategies, SOC implementation, SIEM architectures, and deploying Microsoft Security solutions.

Previously, Deniz worked as a System & Network Engineer, managing various projects with Microsoft Solutions for 10 years. For nearly a decade, he has specialized in cybersecurity, consulting to improve clients' security posture and implement robust security solutions.

In 2020, Deniz joined Hacknowledge, establishing its first Microsoft Team. He is passionate about Microsoft security solutions, particularly Microsoft Defender XDR, Microsoft Sentinel. Deniz supports clients with a practical, threat-based approach, helping them audit, configure, and improve their security environments.

Additionally, Deniz enjoys sharing his cybersecurity and Microsoft solutions expertise as a lecturer at various universities and schools.

Deniz "Den" Mutlu is a Senior Cyber Security Engineer, Microsoft Security MVP and Director, member of the ext-board at Swiss Post cybersecurity in Switzerland. He specializes in Blue Teaming strategies, SOC implementation, SIEM architectures, and dep... Show more

Customer Advocate | AI Business Applications | Growth Mindset | Foodie | Animal Lover

Dillon Gustafson is a Solution Engineer at Microsoft who helps organizations turn AI innovation into real business impact through Dynamics 365 and Microsoft 365 Copilot. With 7+ years of technical sales experience, she enjoys simplifying complex technology and helping customers focus on outcomes over buzzwords. Dillon is a certified AI and business applications professional, Mandarin speaker, foodie, animal lover, and self-described professional beachgoer.

Customer Advocate | AI Business Applications | Growth Mindset | Foodie | Animal Lover Dillon Gustafson is a Solution Engineer at Microsoft who helps organizations turn AI innovation into real business impact through Dynamics 365 and Microsoft 365 ... Show more