I sit right at the messy intersection of hard science and market strategy. As a Technology Transfer Officer at UM6P, my day job is helping inventions survive the 'Valley of Death'—that difficult gap between a lab discovery and a shelf-ready product.

I’m an engineer by training (Arts & Métiers) and PMP certified, so I’ve been in the trenches. Having co-authored research on frugal innovation, water treatment and mining platforms, I know the frustration of engineering challenges firsthand.

Right now, I’m focused on one thing: using AI to streamline the innovation process. I’m currently building workflows that help researchers and startups use Google's multimodal models to validate inventions, analyze prior art, and simulate complex systems before they ever hit the market.

I sit right at the messy intersection of hard science and market strategy. As a Technology Transfer Officer at UM6P, my day job is helping inventions survive the 'Valley of Death'—that difficult gap between a lab discovery and a shelf-ready product. ... Show more

Passionate Engineering Manager at Datadog, mentoring aspiring engineers and advocating for the importance of soft skills in achieving success. Sometimes I like to define myself as "proud holistic hobbyist".

Passionate Engineering Manager at Datadog, mentoring aspiring engineers and advocating for the importance of soft skills in achieving success. Sometimes I like to define myself as "proud holistic hobbyist". Show more

Doudou BA is Senegalese, Founder and CEO of OneNine, a Swedish Startup focused on AI data infrastructure for low-resource (African) languages, supplying training data to AI tier labs such as OpenAI, Google, Meta, Anthropic... His vision: make AI truly global so anyone can communicate with technology in their native language.
He also serves as Operations Research Scientist at A.P. Moller-Maersk, building intelligent systems across 200+ countries. His PhD at Charles University Prague focused on deep learning for environmental modeling. Publications in Journal of Hydroinformatics (2025) and Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics.

more: https://www.doudouba.tech/

Doudou BA is Senegalese, Founder and CEO of OneNine, a Swedish Startup focused on AI data infrastructure for low-resource (African) languages, supplying training data to AI tier labs such as OpenAI, Google, Meta, Anthropic... His vision: make AI trul... Show more

Kashif Khan is a co-chair of CNCF TAG Infrastructure and maintainer of the CNCF project Metal3.io for 6 years. He works as an open source Architect for Ericsson Software Technology, Finland. He holds a PhD in Computer Science. Kashif is a research and open source enthusiast and his current area of interest is kubernetes deployments on baremetal systems in distributed cloud scenarios.

Kashif Khan is a co-chair of CNCF TAG Infrastructure and maintainer of the CNCF project Metal3.io for 6 years. He works as an open source Architect for Ericsson Software Technology, Finland. He holds a PhD in Computer Science. Kashif is a research an... Show more

Ajit Gajre is an accomplished automotive engineering professional with over 12 years of experience specializing in software requirements, design release, and validation. He has more than 6 years of leadership and project management expertise, consistently driving cross-functional collaboration and delivering milestones on time.
At General Motors, Ajit has held multiple engineering leadership roles, including Subsystem Lead Engineer, Software Design Release Engineer and Operational Excellence & Quality Execution Lead where he defined subsystem-level requirements, managed design reviews, and led teams in delivering advanced occupant positioning features and safety-critical systems. He has also been instrumental in developing and validating chassis electronics, hybrid powertrains, active safety subsystems, and functional safety features, leveraging hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test benches and advanced validation processes.
Ajit’s career includes significant contributions to occupant positioning, steering, driveline, active safety, and hybrid control systems, as well as experience in mentoring engineers and leading global validation workshares. His achievements include transitioning outsourced software development in-house, resulting in projected multi-million-dollar savings, and delivering fully integrated software and calibration packages across multiple vehicle programs.
He holds dual master’s degrees, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and an M.S. in Project Management from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology along with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Pune.
Certified as a DFSS Black Belt and Green Belt, and currently a Master Black Belt candidate, Ajit has also coached over 25 DFSS projects and guided 40+ engineers to certification. He is a certified SAFe 5 Practitioner and has advanced technical expertise in tools such as dSPACE Control Desk, DOORS Next Gen, Jira, Vehicle Spy, and CAN/GMLAN communications.

Ajit Gajre is an accomplished automotive engineering professional with over 12 years of experience specializing in software requirements, design release, and validation. He has more than 6 years of leadership and project management expertise, consist... Show more

Bishop Elias Lorenzo was born in Brooklyn in October 1960 and raised in Sunset Park, where he attended a parish elementary school that helped shape his early understanding of faith, learning, and community life. Growing up in this environment taught him the value of steady routines, careful study, and a sense of responsibility toward others. These early influences encouraged him to develop habits that supported personal growth and service. Over time, the lessons he gained in childhood guided him toward a vocation centered on humility, dedication, and a willingness to learn at every stage.

Bishop Elias continued his education at a Catholic college, where he completed a degree in philosophy before entering a Benedictine monastery to begin religious life. When he professed vows in the mid-1980s, he embraced the rhythm of prayer, work, and community that shapes monastic living. He was later ordained a priest, taking on responsibilities that required thoughtful attention to both spiritual and practical needs. Through these early years, he grew in his understanding of how patient listening and steady guidance foster trust and support within a faith community.

Lorenzo began his ministry as a teacher at a secondary school connected to his monastery. He taught religion, helped organize retreats, and supported students through service programs that encouraged them to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. His work placed him in direct contact with young people, helping him understand their hopes and challenges. As his responsibilities expanded, he also collaborated with administrators and the school’s board. Despite these added tasks, he continued teaching because he believed meaningful leadership begins with personal engagement.

Bishop Elias Lorenzo deepened his ministry through advanced academic studies. He completed graduate work in liturgical theology, gaining insight into how worship nurtures community life and shapes shared experiences of faith. He later pursued studies in counseling, learning practical ways to support individuals facing emotional and personal difficulties. He then completed formal studies in canon law, preparing him to help religious communities navigate governance and pastoral care matters. These combined disciplines strengthened his ability to serve consistently, clearly, and with understanding.

Bishop Elias accepted leadership roles within monastic communities in the United States and abroad. He first served as prior at his home abbey before assuming the same position at an international Benedictine community in Rome. There, he worked with members from many nations, gaining experience in cross-cultural cooperation across diverse environments. He later represented monastic communities in matters requiring communication with the Vatican. These responsibilities broadened his awareness of global religious life and strengthened his appreciation for the varied needs of communities worldwide.

Lorenzo contributed to international Benedictine education by supporting programs that enhanced academic formation and spiritual development in schools across several continents. His background as a teacher helped him connect easily with educators, students, and administrators. In addition to his educational involvement, he participated in humanitarian medical missions in several countries, supporting teams and providing assistance as needed. These experiences reinforced his belief that service thrives when approached with openness, humility, and respect for different cultures.

Bishop Elias R Lorenzo remained committed to promoting safe environments and responsible structures within religious and educational settings. He worked with organizations focused on protecting vulnerable individuals and establishing procedures that encourage transparency and accountability. He also served in diocesan roles requiring thoughtful communication with clergy, religious communities, and laypeople. Through this work, he became known for his steady approach to addressing concerns and his dedication to building trust within institutions.

Bishop Lorenzo was appointed an auxiliary bishop in 2020 and later received episcopal consecration in the cathedral of his archdiocese. In this role, he serves a large county, supporting parishes, pastoral programs, administrative needs, and canonical matters. His daily responsibilities require careful judgment, clear communication, and a willingness to understand the situations of diverse communities. He continues to approach these duties with humility, seeking to guide and support others through steady and thoughtful service.

Bishop Elias Lorenzo offers an example of leadership formed through gradual growth, quiet dedication, and consistent commitment. His life reflects how meaningful influence develops not through sudden recognition but through the accumulation of small, faithful actions. Those who know his journey often observe his attentive manner and his readiness to serve wherever needed. His path encourages others to see that lasting contributions arise from patience, integrity, and a sincere desire to support others' well-being.

Bishop Elias Lorenzo was born in Brooklyn in October 1960 and raised in Sunset Park, where he attended a parish elementary school that helped shape his early understanding of faith, learning, and community life. Growing up in this environment taught ... Show more

Burke Scott is an academic writer at Native Assignment Help Australia from the last many years. Known for precision-driven solutions, he empowers students with reliable, high-impact academic support, including Help With Physics Assignments, that simplifies complex formulas and theories. His approach blends clarity, accuracy, and deadline-focused delivery to boost academic confidence fast. If you’re struggling with tough numerical problems or theoretical concepts, now is the time to act. Connect today and turn academic stress into academic success.

Burke Scott is an academic writer at Native Assignment Help Australia from the last many years. Known for precision-driven solutions, he empowers students with reliable, high-impact academic support, including Help With Physics Assignments, that simp... Show more

Ankita is a Senior Engineering Technical Leader with 10+ years of Tech industry experience. She is currently an Educator and creates digital products such as her [E-book](http://bit.ly/3grSPSI) on taking control of your first 90 days, best suited for newer leaders or her [course](http://bit.ly/3tUPRcr) on Next.js.

She is passionate about growing developers and leaders. She worked for several companies such as WealthSimple, IBM, Loblaw Digital - ShoppersDrugMart, Rangle.io and more. As a senior leader, she has grown a lot of folks in her career, and her mission is to help mentor folks in all stages of their career. She has architected and scaled many web and mobile apps for clients using React, GraphQL, React Native and Next.js. You may know some of them: Tim Hortons, Borrowell, WealthSimple, Moleskine and more. In addition, she enjoys teaching, public speaking and being outdoors.

Ankita is a Senior Engineering Technical Leader with 10+ years of Tech industry experience. She is currently an Educator and creates digital products such as her [E-book](http://bit.ly/3grSPSI) on taking control of your first 90 days, best suited for... Show more

A Computer Science student at Maseno University, Community Manager and Crowdsource influencer, GDG on Campus Event Organizer. Loves attending and organizing community events

A Computer Science student at Maseno University, Community Manager and Crowdsource influencer, GDG on Campus Event Organizer. Loves attending and organizing community events Show more

Nahush Rao is a seasoned People’s Manager and Solution Architect with over 16 years of global experience driving digital transformation, enterprise-scale SAP implementations, and cross-functional leadership across diverse industries including manufacturing, life sciences, energy, consumer goods, and technology services.
Currently serving as Leader, PMO & Functional Integration Architect at First Quality Enterprises, Nahush spearheads SAP S/4HANA transformation initiatives, leading end-to-end project lifecycles and enabling Industry 4.0 innovations such as predictive maintenance, real-time analytics, and process automation.
Previously, at Deloitte Consulting, Nahush partnered with marquee clients such as 3M HealthCare (Solventum), Westrock, Google, and Disney, delivering complex SAP-driven transformations and integrations. His contributions included implementing SAP DRC e-invoicing in Europe, managing large-scale data migrations with BODS, leading OTC/ITO functional integration, and designing innovative solutions like SAP Fiori apps and SAP Event Mesh. He also played a pivotal role in pre-sales activities, helping Deloitte secure $12M in new consulting engagements.
Earlier in his career, Nahush held senior roles at Capgemini, Colgate, Ostindo International, Bristlecone, and Connex Metals, where he built a strong foundation in SAP ABAP development, techno-functional leadership, and data integration. His expertise spans SAP modules including OTC, ACM, FICO, MM, SD, PM, PP, RAR, and EWM, alongside deep technical knowledge of BODS, IDOCs, APIs, ODATA, Fiori, and BRF+.
A results-driven leader, Nahush is recognized for his ability to influence decision-making, drive change management, mentor teams, and align technical solutions with business goals. His work consistently delivers operational excellence, scalability, and measurable business value for Fortune 500 clients.
Nahush holds a Bachelor’s in Information Technology Engineering from the University of Mumbai and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Operations Management) from Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning.

Nahush Rao is a seasoned People’s Manager and Solution Architect with over 16 years of global experience driving digital transformation, enterprise-scale SAP implementations, and cross-functional leadership across diverse industries including manufac... Show more

Con oltre 15 anni di esperienza nel business management e un background tecnico in elettrotecnica, io sono Iryna Kozar e ho trasformato la mia passione per l'innovazione in una missione: rivoluzionare il modo in cui le aziende apprendono e crescono.
Certificata ICF con Executive MBA e formazione in Data Science, sono anche mediatore civile e commerciale iscritto al Ministero della Giustizia. Sono la fondatrice di Auromed, dove combino metodologie Agile con neuroscienze e coaching per creare esperienze formative che generano risultati misurabili.
La mia metodologia innovativa - trasforma team tecnici in squadre ad alte prestazioni attraverso un approccio scientifico che parla il linguaggio degli ingegneri e dei professionisti IT.
Da commercial director a mental coach, porto sul palco una prospettiva unica: quella di chi ha vissuto le sfide del mondo industriale dall'interno e ha sviluppato soluzioni concrete per superarle.
"L'agilità non è solo una metodologia, è una mentalità che trasforma le persone e le organizzazioni"
Oggi condivido la mia expertise con aziende dei settori industriale, lighting ed elettrico, dimostrando che l'evoluzione umana e quella tecnologica possono procedere di pari passo.

Con oltre 15 anni di esperienza nel business management e un background tecnico in elettrotecnica, io sono Iryna Kozar e ho trasformato la mia passione per l'innovazione in una missione: rivoluzionare il modo in cui le aziende apprendono e crescono. ... Show more

Chike is an expert in business and technology strategy, with over a decade of experience leading global, hybrid teams to deliver large-scale, high-value transformation programmes. He combines lean agile and design thinking to deliver results on client projects across multiple sectors. Chike advises business leaders on key technology trends, helps translate user needs into a bold vision and strategy for change, designs new business propositions, and defines a solutions portfolio and roadmap. He is passionate about solving complex challenges using innovative digital and data technologies. As an intrapreneur, he leads the Capgemini Invent UK Business Apps and Low Code No Code team.

Qualifications
Cambridge Judge Business School | Digital Innovation & Transformation
Imperial College Business School | MSc International Health Management
Kings College London | BSc Biomedical Sciences

Certifications & Accreditations
Microsoft Certified Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate
Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals
SAFe Agilist & Scrum Master

Chike is an expert in business and technology strategy, with over a decade of experience leading global, hybrid teams to deliver large-scale, high-value transformation programmes. He combines lean agile and design thinking to deliver results on clien... Show more

I work as a mid-level Software Engineer, focusing primarily on backend development with Python.

In addition to my professional work, I code extensively in my free time: exploring procedural generation, designing video games, diving into computer vision, and automating processes.

With three years of practical experience and a degree in Software Engineering, programming isn't just my career, it's my personal superpower. Python is my trusted companion day in and day out.

Even during holidays, going a week without coding feels like something is missing. For me, coding isn't merely about writing lines of code; it's about solving problems. That's why I see myself as more of a problem-solver and builder enthusiast than just a programmer.

I work as a mid-level Software Engineer, focusing primarily on backend development with Python. In addition to my professional work, I code extensively in my free time: exploring procedural generation, designing video games, diving into computer v... Show more

With 15+ years of experience in the ERP industry, I have progressed from support roles to becoming a Solution Architect, specialising in manufacturing solutions across diverse sectors including plastics, design-driven manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage. My passion lies in designing and implementing systems that not only streamline business operations but also enhance people's lives by reducing stress and enabling smarter, more efficient workflows. Witnessing the transformative power of technology in driving business growth is what fuels my dedication and passion to this field.
Academically, I hold a BA (Hons) in English Literature and am currently pursuing an MSc in Computer Science with a focus on AI. Alongside my academic endeavours, I maintain professional Microsoft certifications and continue to expand my expertise in the latest technological innovations.

With 15+ years of experience in the ERP industry, I have progressed from support roles to becoming a Solution Architect, specialising in manufacturing solutions across diverse sectors including plastics, design-driven manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, ... Show more

Przemysław Mikulski is the co-founder of Kodlot ApS, a boutique consultancy delivering cloud-native data platforms across Europe and the US. With hands-on experience across AWS, Kubernetes, and modern data architectures, he helps enterprises in regulated industries and high-growth sectors scale platforms, automate operations, and align engineering with business goals.

He has led cross-border teams in the Nordics, Switzerland and Poland. He specializes in implementing data mesh, optimizing cloud costs, and integrating AI into operational workflows. Przemysław combines deep technical expertise with a strong focus on practical outcomes, making his talks both actionable and grounded in real-world delivery.

Przemysław Mikulski is the co-founder of Kodlot ApS, a boutique consultancy delivering cloud-native data platforms across Europe and the US. With hands-on experience across AWS, Kubernetes, and modern data architectures, he helps enterprises in regul... Show more

Dr. Muhsin Tamturk is currently a Senior Researcher in R&D at Antares Global. He is also a Quantum Advocate and a certified IBM Quantum Computing Developer. His academic background includes a BSc in Mathematics, an MSc in Financial Mathematics, a PhD in Actuarial Mathematics, and an additional MSc in Applied Quantum Computing.

Dr. Tamturk has previously held positions as a Senior AI Engineer, Data Scientist, and Analytical Developer. He has authored several academic papers in the fields of quantum computing, insurance, and finance.

Dr. Muhsin Tamturk is currently a Senior Researcher in R&D at Antares Global. He is also a Quantum Advocate and a certified IBM Quantum Computing Developer. His academic background includes a BSc in Mathematics, an MSc in Financial Mathematics, a PhD... Show more

Directeur adjoint de GreenAlp, j'ai en charge des missions de Gouvernance & Organisations. J'ai porté des projets de transformation, d'innovation ou de refonte d'activité.

Coach professionnel, je m'attache à faciliter la mise en mouvement, en particulier de collectifs.

Directeur adjoint de GreenAlp, j'ai en charge des missions de Gouvernance & Organisations. J'ai porté des projets de transformation, d'innovation ou de refonte d'activité. Coach professionnel, je m'attache à faciliter la mise en mouvement, en part... Show more

Eyal Wirsansky is a Staff AI Engineer, a seasoned software developer, and a recognized leader in the AI community. He currently designs and implements agentic AI applications in the healthcare space, with a focus on explainability, safety, and real-world decision support.
Eyal’s graduate research focused on genetic algorithms and neural networks, culminating in a novel supervised learning method that fuses the strengths of both. Over the past 25+ years, he has contributed to breakthroughs in Voice over IP, healthcare systems, developer tooling, and drone technologies.
He is the author of Hands-On Genetic Algorithms with Python (Second Edition), a comprehensive guide to applying evolutionary strategies to modern machine learning problems.
In addition to his professional work, Eyal teaches AI as an adjunct professor at Jacksonville University, leads the Jacksonville Java User Group and the AI for Enterprise Virtual User Group, and writes the AI4Java blog to help developers bridge the gap between software engineering and artificial intelligence.

Eyal Wirsansky is a Staff AI Engineer, a seasoned software developer, and a recognized leader in the AI community. He currently designs and implements agentic AI applications in the healthcare space, with a focus on explainability, safety, and real-w... Show more

I am a Senior Researcher at Bruno Kessler Foundation and Chief Scientific Officer at Pulse.io. I obtained my PhD in November 2023 from the Faculty of Computer Science at the Free University of Bolzano. During my PhD, I was a Visitor Researcher at MIT Connection Science and a Visiting Ph.D. Student at CSIC-IFISC. I am currently working on socially aware foundation models, human-intelligent agents cooperation and spatially-aware deep learning for urban, transportation and mobility.

I am a Senior Researcher at Bruno Kessler Foundation and Chief Scientific Officer at Pulse.io. I obtained my PhD in November 2023 from the Faculty of Computer Science at the Free University of Bolzano. During my PhD, I was a Visitor Researcher at MI... Show more

Vijaya Kumar Katta is an accomplished IT professional with over 17 years of experience in software engineering, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and enterprise application development. Currently working as a Technical Architect at Infinite Computer Solutions in Tampa, FL, he specializes in leading large-scale technology transformations, with a strong focus on security engineering, cloud-native development, and AI/ML-driven solutions.

Vijaya’s career spans leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase, Cognizant, Tata Consultancy Services, and Unistring Tech Solutions, where he successfully led cross-functional teams in delivering mission-critical applications across domains such as telecommunications, finance, networking, and data science. He has architected and implemented scalable microservices, cloud migrations, and enterprise-grade security frameworks, while also mentoring teams in Agile and DevOps practices.

Academically, Vijaya holds a Master’s degree in Data Science from Bellevue University, USA, and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering from Kakatiya University, India. His technical portfolio is vast, with expertise in Java, Spring Boot, microservices, RESTful APIs, AWS, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, and modern frontend frameworks. He also possesses hands-on knowledge in AI/ML, NLP, and computer vision, making him well-positioned to drive innovation in emerging technology areas.

Certified in AWS Cloud, SAFe Agile (Practitioner & Advanced Scrum Master), and Data Science & Big Data Analytics, Vijaya is recognized for his ability to design robust architectures, optimize business processes, and ensure compliance with stringent security standards. His strong background in communications, networking, and finance domains further enhances his ability to align IT strategies with business outcomes.

With a reputation for being both a visionary technologist and a collaborative leader, Vijaya thrives in dynamic environments where he can combine his technical depth with strategic thinking to deliver impactful solutions that accelerate digital transformation and business growth.

Vijaya Kumar Katta is an accomplished IT professional with over 17 years of experience in software engineering, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and enterprise application development. Currently working as a Technical Architect at Infinite Computer So... Show more

Anwar Ahmad is a distinguished technology leader and enterprise architect with over 16 years of experience transforming complex financial systems and pioneering AI-driven automation solutions. Currently serving as Vice President of Enterprise Architecture at Newrez LLC, one of America's leading mortgage lenders, Anwar has architected systems that process over 30 million transactions daily and has successfully migrated more than 3 million customer identities to modern platforms.
As a recognized expert in AI and intelligent automation, Anwar has developed groundbreaking solutions that have revolutionized customer service operations. His AI-powered intelligent inquiry routing system processes over 1,25,000 monthly customer communications with 93% reduction in manual processing time, while his knowledge-assist chatbot has transformed customer support across multiple departments. His work in AI-driven email classification has reduced customer response times from 15+ days to less than 24 hours, demonstrating measurable impact on customer experience and operational efficiency.
Anwar's expertise spans the complete spectrum of enterprise modernization, from legacy system transformation to cloud-native AI solutions. He led the modernization of a proprietary loan origination platform that has funded hundreds of billions in loans, implementing microservices architecture that reduced hardware costs by 65% while dramatically improving scalability. His architectural frameworks and internal development platforms have become enterprise standards, enabling rapid development and deployment across multiple business units.
A thought leader in regulated industry automation, Anwar's research on AI-driven process automation and human-AI collaboration has been published in academic journals and industry publications. His work demonstrates how financial institutions can achieve significant cost reductions and efficiency gains while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. His implementations have saved millions in operational costs while improving customer satisfaction and regulatory adherence.
Anwar holds a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology and brings deep expertise in Microsoft technology stack, AI/ML platforms including Azure OpenAI and Cognitive Services, microservices architecture, identity management, and cloud-native solutions. His unique combination of hands-on technical expertise, enterprise architecture vision, and proven business impact makes him a sought-after speaker on digital transformation, AI automation, and modernization strategies in regulated industries.

Anwar Ahmad is a distinguished technology leader and enterprise architect with over 16 years of experience transforming complex financial systems and pioneering AI-driven automation solutions. Currently serving as Vice President of Enterprise Archite... Show more

Aaron Harrison is a Director of Advisory in Gartner's Information Technology Leaders practice. Mr. Harrison advises Application, Enterprise Architecture, and Software Engineering Leaders on subjects such as agile, modernization, API strategy, application rationalization, business architecture, creating ARB / CAB, test automation, metrics, coordinating product lines, team and org management and change, project to product transformation, as well as skills and competencies within Applications orgs. As an Advisor with over 25 years professional experience within the IT industry, he's adept at translating between technologists and the C-Suite.

Aaron Harrison is a Director of Advisory in Gartner's Information Technology Leaders practice. Mr. Harrison advises Application, Enterprise Architecture, and Software Engineering Leaders on subjects such as agile, modernization, API strategy, applica... Show more

Erica is currently an AI cybersecurity architect and consultant, and was a software engineer and cybersecurity hobbyist for several years before becoming an application security red-teamer in 2018. Since then, she has been earning bug bounties, releasing new CVEs and original exploit techniques, training penetration testers and conducting R&D projects as a cybersecurity technical lead. Erica organizes 2600, a local offensive cybersecurity meetup, and has spoken about hacking, bot writing, and various hacking topics at many conferences and meetups, including DC207, IC2, Tyler Connect, as well as SkyTalks, CactusCon, Live360! and DEFCON, the world's largest hacker conference. She has also volunteered at Red Team Village at DEFCON in Vegas. Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Southern Maine.

Erica is currently an AI cybersecurity architect and consultant, and was a software engineer and cybersecurity hobbyist for several years before becoming an application security red-teamer in 2018. Since then, she has been earning bug bounties, relea... Show more

Yael is a distinguished AI leader with a specialization in cybersecurity, shaped by her 8-year tenure in the Israeli defense forces. Her foundational experience equipped her with invaluable skills that led to her spearheading various R&D AI initiatives. Her leadership left a significant mark in both the defense forces and the private sector, notably contributing to the growth and success of a company that was later acquired for $600 million.
An accomplished strategist, Yael brings a unique blend of hands-on experience, strategic insight, and a proven track record of steering organizations towards data-driven excellence. With a wealth of experience spanning various industries, Yael serves as a trusted advisor and leader, guiding businesses across sectors to establish and manage highly successful AI ventures.

Yael is a distinguished AI leader with a specialization in cybersecurity, shaped by her 8-year tenure in the Israeli defense forces. Her foundational experience equipped her with invaluable skills that led to her spearheading various R&D AI initiativ... Show more

Sonam Saxena is a Product Lead at Meta, where he drives the next generation of AI infrastructure and developer productivity systems within Ads Ranking AI. His work focuses on enabling faster model iteration, intelligent automation, and measurable developer efficiency through programs like Model Velocity and Experimentation Infrastructure. Previously at Google, he led platform and developer experience initiatives across large-scale systems. With deep experience spanning ML infrastructure, experimentation, and agentic AI, Sonam brings a practical and data-driven perspective on how AI can transform developer workflows and organizational velocity. He is also a speaker at industry events on topics of AI infrastructure, experimentation, and product strategy.

Sonam Saxena is a Product Lead at Meta, where he drives the next generation of AI infrastructure and developer productivity systems within Ads Ranking AI. His work focuses on enabling faster model iteration, intelligent automation, and measurable dev... Show more

With a broad, multidisciplinary background in software development, architecture, product ownership, and marketing, Fernandez is a gifted technology leader. He holds degrees in informatics and computer science and a Master’s in Finance, which shaped his combined expertise in technical and business realms.

Over the past 20 years, Fernandez has overseen more than 250 projects across four continents and 25 countries, delivering technical solutions in content, commerce, mobile, and martech for some of the world’s most renowned companies. From writing code as a developer and designing systems as an architect to training teams, serving as a CTO, advising global enterprises, defining product roadmaps, and developing marketing strategies, he has taken on nearly every role in technology and digital innovation.

Fernandez has led multicultural teams of managers, content experts, engineers, strategists, and architects (he is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English). His professional mission is to constantly close the gap between business vision and technical execution. His work in media, retail, banking, hospitality, telecoms, and technology has given him a comprehensive view of the possibilities and challenges businesses face in the digital age.

Currently serving as Executive Director of Technology in VML, Fernandez is focused on the future of content, marketing, and automation platforms, investigating how companies can produce, distribute, and profit from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, composable architectures, and data-driven personalization.

With a broad, multidisciplinary background in software development, architecture, product ownership, and marketing, Fernandez is a gifted technology leader. He holds degrees in informatics and computer science and a Master’s in Finance, which shaped ... Show more

Pradeep Rao Vennamaneni is a distinguished technology innovator and Staff Software Engineer at Inovalon, specializing in Generative AI, applied machine learning, and large-scale data architecture. He leads initiatives that integrate advanced AI models into enterprise and healthcare systems, transforming complex data into intelligent, actionable insights. With a proven record in building ethical, scalable, and human-centered AI solutions, Pradeep is recognized for driving innovation that bridges technical excellence with societal impact. His expertise spans AI integration strategy, data-driven transformation, and cloud-scale system design. Passionate about shaping the future of responsible AI, he is dedicated to advancing global innovation where intelligent systems empower people, organizations, and sustainable progress.

Pradeep Rao Vennamaneni is a distinguished technology innovator and Staff Software Engineer at Inovalon, specializing in Generative AI, applied machine learning, and large-scale data architecture. He leads initiatives that integrate advanced AI model... Show more

Bhaskardeep Khaund is a highly accomplished Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft with over 20 years of experience in building secure, scalable, and compliant cloud-native systems. He currently leads a Security Green Team focused on implementing systemic security solutions for Microsoft’s massive Kubernetes infrastructure, which supports Microsoft 365 and other mission-critical services. Bhaskardeep specializes in Kubernetes security, container identity management, and secret lifecycle automation, working closely with Red and Blue teams to proactively close security gaps and ensure end-to-end policy enforcement. His leadership plays a key role in passing major audits like FedRAMP, SOC, IRAP, and GDPR. Holding a Master’s degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity from Florida Institute of Technology and an advanced certificate in Information Security from Stanford University, Bhaskardeep combines deep technical knowledge with strategic oversight. He holds multiple Microsoft certifications and patents related to cloud secret management and serverless security. Over his 15-year tenure at Microsoft, he has held engineering and leadership roles across Office 365, Exchange, and Azure-based platforms, consistently driving innovations in DevOps, compliance automation, and large-scale system resilience. His career also includes prior experience at Accenture and other firms, where he led teams developing enterprise software for sectors ranging from airlines to government manufacturing. A published blogger at nerdbackbone.blog, Bhaskardeep is an active voice in the cybersecurity and cloud engineering community.

Bhaskardeep Khaund is a highly accomplished Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft with over 20 years of experience in building secure, scalable, and compliant cloud-native systems. He currently leads a Security Green Team focused on imp... Show more

Emily Hemingway is the Founding Executive Director of TechSTL and the Wedge Innovation Center. A 20-year veteran in building innovation ecosystems around the country, Emily is driving economic growth across the St. Louis metro by catalyzing tech jobs, tech startups, and tech innovation. She is the lead organizer for STL TechWeek.

Emily Hemingway is the Founding Executive Director of TechSTL and the Wedge Innovation Center. A 20-year veteran in building innovation ecosystems around the country, Emily is driving economic growth across the St. Louis metro by catalyzing tech jobs... Show more