

MEET THE SPEAKERS
AI STAGE
Pioneers in artificial intelligence take the spotlight on the AI Stage 2025, bringing expertise on generative AI, AI agents, and secure adoption strategies. Their insights shed light on how businesses and individuals can embrace innovation responsibly while unlocking new opportunities for growth.


JOHANN STRAUSS
CTO AI Solutions
Johann serves as the Field CTO in the Global ISG AI Pursuit Organization for Dell Technologies. The main focus of his organization is working closely with an ecosystem of customers and partners to drive joint solutions in business applications, artificial intelligence, and native edge applications. Johann has over 30 years of experience in the international ICT industry with Profit and Loss Responsibility at companies like Cisco and Huawei. Johann is an active member of the working group for Security and Foreign Policy run by the State of Bavaria. He holds a master’s degree in electronic engineering and computer science. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Building the Enterprise AI Platform 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Explore the journey of building a robust Enterprise AI platform, with lessons learned beyond hype, practical steps for shaping an AI Strategy House, essentials of the AI ecosystem, and unique requirements for European Union AI Factories—delivering actionable insights for enterprise innovation.


MALTE FIRLUS
Head of EU AI Policy
A leading voice in European AI politics, Malte directs Amazon's engagement on the landmark EU AI Act and emerging regulations. Drawing from over 15 years in tech policy, he navigates the crucial intersection of industry and governance. As Amazon's Head of EU AI Policy, he helps shape frameworks that balance technological advancement with public interest. In this role, he represents the perspective of a global technology leader that not only develops cutting-edge AI models but also deploys AI across Amazon's diverse business operations. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Tech Meets Politics: How to advance Europe's AI Competitiveness 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: As Europe takes centre stage in governing the future of AI, this session explores politics' role in building a thriving AI ecosystem. Drawing from direct experience with Europe's key AI initiatives, we'll examine opportunities and risks, and how industry leaders such as Amazon can contribute to the region's AI revolution. The discussion will spotlight Europe's strategic vision for AI leadership and competitiveness, and how this aligns with the global nature of AI technology. How can policymaking contribute to the EU's competitive edge in the global AI race? How can we foster collaboration between practitioners and policymakers to create an environment where innovation flourishes? Join us for a conversation on how today's political decisions shape tomorrow's AI landscape, balancing innovation, trust, and public interest. Best.


KATHRIN KIND
Chief AI Scientist Prof. of AI applied to business at SSBM Geneva, Member of the GFC on Data Frontier and Responsible AI Governor of Switzerland
Kathrin Kind-Trüller is a globally recognised multi-award winning, AI and Quantum Computing expert, selected by the World Economic Forum for its Global Future Council on Data Foundation as main Data & AI member. With over 26 years in tech and 18 in AI, she leads Cognizant’s AI & Data Practice in Global Growth Markets. Formerly in Leadership , R&D, AI, IT and Data roles with the VW Group, BMW, Mercedes, Siemens, ZF, and Bosch, she is also a guest lecturer, technical editor, and mentor. Her work bridges cutting-edge research with real-world innovation in autonomous systems, agents, IT Management, Cybersecurity, resilient and mature enterprise AI, and sustainable tech. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Intelligent Quanta: Charting the Symbiotic Frontier of AI and Quantum Computation 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: The twin revolutions of artificial intelligence and quantum computation are, independently, poised to redefine our technological landscape. Whilst AI has achieved a remarkable degree of maturity and widespread application, the field of quantum computing remains nascent, brimming with immense potential yet constrained by fundamental challenges. This presentation explores the burgeoning and profoundly synergistic relationship between these two domains—a nexus from which the next great computational paradigm is emerging. The practical realisation of fault-tolerant quantum computers is currently beset by formidable obstacles. The inherent fragility of quantum states—a phenomenon known as decoherence—and the subsequent need for sophisticated error correction protocols present significant hurdles. Furthermore, designing and optimising both quantum algorithms and the underlying hardware remains a task of extraordinary complexity, often involving vast, intractable search spaces. It is precisely at this juncture that artificial intelligence, and machine learning in particular, offers a transformative toolkit. We will delve into how reinforcement learning agents are being trained to autonomously calibrate quantum devices and execute high-fidelity gate operations, thereby mitigating errors in real-time. We shall also examine the application of generative models and neural networks in discovering novel quantum circuits and optimising the physical architecture of quantum processors. Ultimately, this presentation will chart the trajectory of this powerful collaboration, moving beyond theoretical concepts to highlight tangible, near-term applications. We will discuss the potential for accelerating breakthroughs in domains such as drug discovery, materials science, and complex financial modelling. Attendees will depart with a foundational understanding of the state-of-the-art, the key research frontiers, and the strategic implications for technologists and business leaders seeking to navigate this exciting new technological frontier.


NATALIA RODRIGUEZ MARTIN
Global Artificial Intelligence Clients and Markets Leader
Natalia leads the EY.ai commercial strategy at EY, leveraging over 25 years of experience in business dynamics and emerging technologies. Natalia has held pivotal roles in the development of AI strategies across sectors, including AI value quantification, AI- enabled transformation and cultural change. Currently leading EY efforts in designing and delivering literacy programs like the EY.ai Academy for Industries, which empowers teams with sector-specific AI skills. Before EY, she spearheaded business development at market-leading firms and held C-level relationships in finance and HR. Natalia held advisory roles in finance, diplomatic positions with the European Commission and UN, and was a European correspondent for a Chinese newspaper. Mom, Innovator, problem-solver, published writer, Oxford University alumna, very passionate about emerging technology, and dedicated to using it responsibly to help people thrive. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The Human Edge in an AI World 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: In this keynote, we’ll map the next frontier of generative AI and the trends that will redefine industries over the next 24 months. We’ll then confront the Tech Talent Paradox: even as demand for AI experts soars, the very speed of innovation is outpacing the talent pipeline, creating critical skill gaps at every phase of the build‑and‑deploy lifecycle. I will also unpack the pillars of successful AI adoption and explore how keeping humans at the centre drives successful AI enabled transformation. Finally, we will delve into how EY has lived this journey as our own first client—deploying these principles to scale generative AI and laying the groundwork for continuous reinvention. We wil explore EY’s strategic lessons learnt through its key AI initiatives, including workforce upskilling, data system consolidation, and navigating global AI regulations The goal will be for participants to leave inspired and equipped with practical ideas to advance their own generative AI journeys.
