Thought Leaders

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

ALEXANDER SAVERYS

ALEXANDER SAVERYS

CEO, CMB

My name is Alexander Saverys, I’m the CEO of CMB, a diversified shipping company owning 135 ships active in dry bulk shipping, container transport, chemical tankers and offshore wind support. Our cleantech division, CMB.TECH, is a market leader in the development of hydrogen applications for the marine and other industries....

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

CARIN ERIKSON

FOUNDER OF CUREVO HEALTH

In an age where it’s never been easier to build something flashy, the real challenge is building something useful. Purpose is the anchor in that process. It keeps you honest, focused, and resilient. And surprisingly often, it becomes your unfair advantage. I’ve seen this firsthand at Curevo Health, the company...

INNOVATE™ Oeiras

Marco Costa

Marco Costa

Chief Operating Officer International, Talkdesk

When Talkdesk came into existence there was no contact centre entirely hosted in the cloud. We were game changers and that is what we aim to continue to be and do. We do not rest on our laurels and continue to lead, build the future of contact centres and set...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

CAROLINA LAHDO & FARIDEH WALLQVIST

CO-FOUNDERS, WIB CAPITAL

WiB Capital is a Stockholm-based ecosystem and platform designed to strengthen how early-stage founders and investors meet—through community, visibility, and clearer decision-making. It began with a small observation in a coworking office: people shared space, but rarely spoke. So we made a rule, say hi to everyone new who walks...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

Dr. Gregory Olsen

GHO Ventures - “Angel” Investor

GHO Ventures

In order to understand what GHO Ventures is, we need to talk about Dr. Gregory Olsen. Greg started the company EPITAXX, a fiber-optic detector manufacturer in 1984 together with Vladimir Ban. It was sold in 1990 for $12 million. He then founded Sensors Unlimited, a near-infrared camera manufacturer in 1992...

INNOVATION Quebec

SOPHIE D’AMOURS

RECTRICE, UNIVERSITÉ LAVAL

Le mot innovation est utilisé à plusieurs sauces. Il est toutefois clairement défini par le Larousse comme l’« ensemble du processus qui se déroule depuis la naissance d’une idée jusqu’à sa matérialisation ». Au-delà de l’idée, une solution nouvelle doit être utilisée, commercialisée, achetée ou déployée pour être innovante. Dans...

INNOVATE® Miami

Jorge Ruiz

Jorge Ruiz

Founder & CEO - Finconecta

  Jorge Ruiz, Founder & CEO, Finconecta Innovation itself has evolved. It used to be that you could create something, patent that something, and it would serve its purpose until a new and superior product came along and replaced it. Now, innovation is not just about solving a problem that...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

DR. NIMA ZIRAKNEJAD – FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NZ TECHNOLOGIES

DR. NIMA ZIRAKNEJAD – FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NZ TECHNOLOGIES

Can we convert high-touch surfaces in such public spaces into safer and more hygienic areas? Research has shown that elevator buttons have caused the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 taught us that we need to eliminate high-touch surfaces. Through the pandemic, we developed an awareness to remain as hygienic as possible...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

KEET VAN ZYL

KEET VAN ZYL

CO-FOUNDER, KNIFE CAPITAL

Adversity is a pressure cooker that fosters innovation. This is a philosophy that was entrenched in my formative years. Having had some heavy, life questioning challenges thrown my way very early, I had to adapt and adjust, and this learning has set me in good stead. It’s also given me...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

HEATHER CROALL

DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ADELAIDE FRINGE

Innovation is a core value at Adelaide Fringe. It’s something I’ve focused on since I took on the role as Director and Chief Executive in 2015, implementing an agile and inclusive model to help artists, producers and presenters thrive in South Australia’s arts industry. Adelaide is the ultimate city for...

AI Québec

STEVEN WEST

STEVEN WEST

PROFESSOR, CBE, DL.

On the 27th March I attended a meeting on campus with colleagues from the NHS, army logistics, architects, designers and building contractors. Over the next two hours we agreed the site was viable and the preferred option to support the region. I made the decision there and then to handover...

INNOVATE® Blockchain

ANTHONY DUCA

ANTHONY DUCA

CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, CAVRNUS INC

I have been involved in the 3D computer graphics field for over 25 years and have helped build tools that simplify workflows for creators. Early on in my career, I came to understand that in any industry, creators are the key players driving progress and different perspectives forward. Creators have...

INNOVATE® Tampa Bay Vol.3

Vik Bhide

Vik Bhide

Director of Mobility-City of Tampa

Mobility or the ability to move around freely is at the heart of personal liberty. As Director of the City of Tampa’s Mobility department I have the privilege of overseeing many aspects of this essential function of civilization. In the context of mobility the challenges of our times manifest themselves...

INNOVATE® Minnesota

Peter Frosch

Peter Frosch

CEO - Greater MSP

Entrepreneurship and innovation aren’t new to Minnesota. They’re the source of our current economic success and the key to even greater future prosperity, equity and growth. We have the potential to be the problem-solving capital of the new economy and the GREATER MSP Partnership is working to make that vision...

INNOVATE® Kansas City

PHIL ABRAHAM

THE VISION OF BRILLIANCY QUANTUM BRANDS

VISIONARY “BRILLIANCY COMPLEXITY SCIENCE METHODOLOGIES” INTEGRATE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI), BLOCKCHAIN, AND QUANTUM TECH TO DELIVER SOLUTIONS THAT ESCAPE TODAY’S LIMITS WITH TOMORROW’S CAPABILITIES In the fast-paced world of frontier technologies, Phil Abraham stands out as a transformative leader, expertly connecting legacy systems with cutting-edge innovations. As the visionary founder of...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

KARM SUMAL

KARM SUMAL - CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF DAILY HIVE

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF DAILY HIVE

KARM SUMAL CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF DAILY HIVE Being an entrepreneur can be extremely rewarding and extremely difficult — and that’s all before lunch.You never know what the day, week, or year can bring. Innovation is an integral part of staying relevant, so if you’re thinking of taking the entrepreneurial...

INNOVATE® Gainesville

Christine E. Schmidt

Christine E. Schmidt

J. Crayton Pruitt Family Chair & Department Chair Of Biomedical Engineering - University Of Florida

One of the most important jobs of any leader is to create a vision for what they want to accomplish and to implement a realistic plan to realize that vision. It was fundamentally important to me in executing my vision to identify what voices were not being heard and to...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

STEFAN MORITZ

HEAD OF INNOVATION AT MAX MATTHIESSEN, KEYNOTE SPEAKER & PROFESSOR

Having worked around the globe, I choose Stockholm every time. Close to nature, stunning water all around, super digital, wellbeing and family focused. Also, I believe Stockholm is best placed to lead a united Europe in human-centric innovation. In a world grappling with profound shifts — from volatile stocks, climate,...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

FRANCIS J. GIANTOMASI

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, CSG LAW

Francis J. Giantomasi (Frank), a member of the Executive Committee of CSG Law, plays a critical role in the firm’s Real Estate, Development & Land Use Group. Over the course of his career, Frank has guided clients through a wide variety of planning, zoning and development projects throughout the Garden...

INNOVATE™ Bristol & Bath

Professor Hugh Brady

Professor Hugh Brady

Vice-Chancellor And President, University Of Bristol

Innovation is the application of creative solutions to real-world problems – a basic maxim, and one that perhaps obscures the more complex processes that underpin its subject. In reality, innovation can require patient investment in both fundamental and applied research, cross-discipline and cross-sector collaboration, risk-taking, iteration, trust, vision and civic...

Global Innovation Spotlight

LAUREN S MOORES

PHD DIGITAL INNOVATION LEADER, TEACHING FELLOW AT HARVARD BUSINESS ANALYTICS PROGRAM, USA FOR UNHCR

Digital transformation is a 20th century phenomena. As an early adopter of new technologies – and the digital age – I quickly embraced digital data structures and tend to think in data matrices, looking for the data keys to join data and discover new patterns. When I look to create...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

KIENO KAMMIES

KIENO KAMMIES

CO-FOUNDER, INNOVATION CITY

I’m a capitalist with a social conscience. We should be trying to make a difference in other people’s lives so that they can also see the path ahead. Your future can only happen once you start living what you want to be. It is especially true in business as well....

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

GEERT VERACHTERT

GEERT VERACHTERT

DIRECTOR STRATEGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, GROEP VAN ROEY

“Our Iceberg is Melting”, the book by John Kotter on change management was given to me as a present from my mentor at Philips. I’ve always associated myself with the mindset of Fred the penguin: someone who creates a feeling of urgency by helping others realise why change is necessary...

AI Québec

MADELEINE JEAN

MADELEINE JEAN

DIRECTRICE GÉNÉRALE PAR INTÉRIM,PROMPT

En matière d’intelligence artificielle, le monde de la recherche académique continue d’exceller au Québec. Il nous a donné des figures de renom en recherche opérationnelle, et plus récemment, en apprentissage profond. Nous avons ici des chercheurs qui se distinguent à l’échelle internationale. Des étudiants gradués de partout au monde souhaitent...

ALEXANDER SAVERYS

ALEXANDER SAVERYS

CEO, CMB

My name is Alexander Saverys, I’m the CEO of CMB, a diversified shipping company owning 135 ships active in dry bulk shipping, container transport, chemical tankers and offshore wind support. Our cleantech division, CMB.TECH, is a market leader in the development of hydrogen applications for the marine and other industries....

CARIN ERIKSON

FOUNDER OF CUREVO HEALTH

In an age where it’s never been easier to build something flashy, the real challenge is building something useful. Purpose is the anchor in that process. It keeps you honest, focused, and resilient. And surprisingly often, it becomes your unfair advantage. I’ve seen this firsthand at Curevo Health, the company...

Marco Costa

Marco Costa

Chief Operating Officer International, Talkdesk

When Talkdesk came into existence there was no contact centre entirely hosted in the cloud. We were game changers and that is what we aim to continue to be and do. We do not rest on our laurels and continue to lead, build the future of contact centres and set...

CAROLINA LAHDO & FARIDEH WALLQVIST

CO-FOUNDERS, WIB CAPITAL

WiB Capital is a Stockholm-based ecosystem and platform designed to strengthen how early-stage founders and investors meet—through community, visibility, and clearer decision-making. It began with a small observation in a coworking office: people shared space, but rarely spoke. So we made a rule, say hi to everyone new who walks...

Dr. Gregory Olsen

GHO Ventures - “Angel” Investor

GHO Ventures

In order to understand what GHO Ventures is, we need to talk about Dr. Gregory Olsen. Greg started the company EPITAXX, a fiber-optic detector manufacturer in 1984 together with Vladimir Ban. It was sold in 1990 for $12 million. He then founded Sensors Unlimited, a near-infrared camera manufacturer in 1992...

SOPHIE D’AMOURS

RECTRICE, UNIVERSITÉ LAVAL

Le mot innovation est utilisé à plusieurs sauces. Il est toutefois clairement défini par le Larousse comme l’« ensemble du processus qui se déroule depuis la naissance d’une idée jusqu’à sa matérialisation ». Au-delà de l’idée, une solution nouvelle doit être utilisée, commercialisée, achetée ou déployée pour être innovante. Dans...

Jorge Ruiz

Jorge Ruiz

Founder & CEO - Finconecta

  Jorge Ruiz, Founder & CEO, Finconecta Innovation itself has evolved. It used to be that you could create something, patent that something, and it would serve its purpose until a new and superior product came along and replaced it. Now, innovation is not just about solving a problem that...

DR. NIMA ZIRAKNEJAD – FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NZ TECHNOLOGIES

DR. NIMA ZIRAKNEJAD – FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NZ TECHNOLOGIES

Can we convert high-touch surfaces in such public spaces into safer and more hygienic areas? Research has shown that elevator buttons have caused the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 taught us that we need to eliminate high-touch surfaces. Through the pandemic, we developed an awareness to remain as hygienic as possible...

KEET VAN ZYL

KEET VAN ZYL

CO-FOUNDER, KNIFE CAPITAL

Adversity is a pressure cooker that fosters innovation. This is a philosophy that was entrenched in my formative years. Having had some heavy, life questioning challenges thrown my way very early, I had to adapt and adjust, and this learning has set me in good stead. It’s also given me...

HEATHER CROALL

DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ADELAIDE FRINGE

Innovation is a core value at Adelaide Fringe. It’s something I’ve focused on since I took on the role as Director and Chief Executive in 2015, implementing an agile and inclusive model to help artists, producers and presenters thrive in South Australia’s arts industry. Adelaide is the ultimate city for...

STEVEN WEST

STEVEN WEST

PROFESSOR, CBE, DL.

On the 27th March I attended a meeting on campus with colleagues from the NHS, army logistics, architects, designers and building contractors. Over the next two hours we agreed the site was viable and the preferred option to support the region. I made the decision there and then to handover...

ANTHONY DUCA

ANTHONY DUCA

CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, CAVRNUS INC

I have been involved in the 3D computer graphics field for over 25 years and have helped build tools that simplify workflows for creators. Early on in my career, I came to understand that in any industry, creators are the key players driving progress and different perspectives forward. Creators have...

Vik Bhide

Vik Bhide

Director of Mobility-City of Tampa

Mobility or the ability to move around freely is at the heart of personal liberty. As Director of the City of Tampa’s Mobility department I have the privilege of overseeing many aspects of this essential function of civilization. In the context of mobility the challenges of our times manifest themselves...

Peter Frosch

Peter Frosch

CEO - Greater MSP

Entrepreneurship and innovation aren’t new to Minnesota. They’re the source of our current economic success and the key to even greater future prosperity, equity and growth. We have the potential to be the problem-solving capital of the new economy and the GREATER MSP Partnership is working to make that vision...

PHIL ABRAHAM

THE VISION OF BRILLIANCY QUANTUM BRANDS

VISIONARY “BRILLIANCY COMPLEXITY SCIENCE METHODOLOGIES” INTEGRATE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI), BLOCKCHAIN, AND QUANTUM TECH TO DELIVER SOLUTIONS THAT ESCAPE TODAY’S LIMITS WITH TOMORROW’S CAPABILITIES In the fast-paced world of frontier technologies, Phil Abraham stands out as a transformative leader, expertly connecting legacy systems with cutting-edge innovations. As the visionary founder of...

KARM SUMAL

KARM SUMAL - CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF DAILY HIVE

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF DAILY HIVE

KARM SUMAL CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF DAILY HIVE Being an entrepreneur can be extremely rewarding and extremely difficult — and that’s all before lunch.You never know what the day, week, or year can bring. Innovation is an integral part of staying relevant, so if you’re thinking of taking the entrepreneurial...

Christine E. Schmidt

Christine E. Schmidt

J. Crayton Pruitt Family Chair & Department Chair Of Biomedical Engineering - University Of Florida

One of the most important jobs of any leader is to create a vision for what they want to accomplish and to implement a realistic plan to realize that vision. It was fundamentally important to me in executing my vision to identify what voices were not being heard and to...

STEFAN MORITZ

HEAD OF INNOVATION AT MAX MATTHIESSEN, KEYNOTE SPEAKER & PROFESSOR

Having worked around the globe, I choose Stockholm every time. Close to nature, stunning water all around, super digital, wellbeing and family focused. Also, I believe Stockholm is best placed to lead a united Europe in human-centric innovation. In a world grappling with profound shifts — from volatile stocks, climate,...

FRANCIS J. GIANTOMASI

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, CSG LAW

Francis J. Giantomasi (Frank), a member of the Executive Committee of CSG Law, plays a critical role in the firm’s Real Estate, Development & Land Use Group. Over the course of his career, Frank has guided clients through a wide variety of planning, zoning and development projects throughout the Garden...

Professor Hugh Brady

Professor Hugh Brady

Vice-Chancellor And President, University Of Bristol

Innovation is the application of creative solutions to real-world problems – a basic maxim, and one that perhaps obscures the more complex processes that underpin its subject. In reality, innovation can require patient investment in both fundamental and applied research, cross-discipline and cross-sector collaboration, risk-taking, iteration, trust, vision and civic...

LAUREN S MOORES

PHD DIGITAL INNOVATION LEADER, TEACHING FELLOW AT HARVARD BUSINESS ANALYTICS PROGRAM, USA FOR UNHCR

Digital transformation is a 20th century phenomena. As an early adopter of new technologies – and the digital age – I quickly embraced digital data structures and tend to think in data matrices, looking for the data keys to join data and discover new patterns. When I look to create...

KIENO KAMMIES

KIENO KAMMIES

CO-FOUNDER, INNOVATION CITY

I’m a capitalist with a social conscience. We should be trying to make a difference in other people’s lives so that they can also see the path ahead. Your future can only happen once you start living what you want to be. It is especially true in business as well....

GEERT VERACHTERT

GEERT VERACHTERT

DIRECTOR STRATEGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, GROEP VAN ROEY

“Our Iceberg is Melting”, the book by John Kotter on change management was given to me as a present from my mentor at Philips. I’ve always associated myself with the mindset of Fred the penguin: someone who creates a feeling of urgency by helping others realise why change is necessary...

MADELEINE JEAN

MADELEINE JEAN

DIRECTRICE GÉNÉRALE PAR INTÉRIM,PROMPT

En matière d’intelligence artificielle, le monde de la recherche académique continue d’exceller au Québec. Il nous a donné des figures de renom en recherche opérationnelle, et plus récemment, en apprentissage profond. Nous avons ici des chercheurs qui se distinguent à l’échelle internationale. Des étudiants gradués de partout au monde souhaitent...

INNOVATE® Ecosystems