MEET OUR SPEAKERS
On the Main Stage 2024, attendees gained insights into the latest business and artificial intelligence trends. They discovered how to seamlessly integrate AI into everyday life and witnessed its transformative impact on various industries. Leading experts went beyond flying cars, exploring fascinating topics such as flying underwater, space technologies, and more.
Irakli Khodeli
Head of Ethics of AI Unit
Irakli Khodeli is leading the Ethics of AI programme and team to help countries around the world build robust AI governance frameworks, through the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. These efforts are targeting one of the most consequential challenges of today: how to govern AI so that it delivers on its unprecedented potential to benefit humanity, while ensuring against the complex risks to human rights and fundamental freedoms. Irakli has also served as the Head of the Social and Human Sciences in UNESCO's Jakarta Regional Bureau in Asia and the Pacific (2014-2020). 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Emerging landscape of AI governance: a global perspective 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: AI is rapidly transforming the way we live and function as societies. It has already demonstrated its potential to promote environmental protection and green growth, address social inequalities, and increase access to education and healthcare. For these benefits to be fully realized, we need organically developed national strategies that foster public-interest AI. We also need skills, capacities, and regulatory and institutional frameworks grounded in ethical principles, with human interests at their core. Without these safeguards, AI can easily become a powerful tool for manipulating behavior, deepening divisions, fueling extremism and radicalization, and eroding human rights and fundamental freedoms—the very foundations on which democratic societies are built. In response to such complex challenges, countries have been exploring optimal arrangements for AI governance. UNESCO has been leading this policy experimentation through the global implementation of a powerful standard: the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, along with associated tools and methodologies. This session will explore the concept of a Model Framework for AI Governance and address one of the most consequential questions of our time: how do we harness the power of AI for the benefit of humanity?
Russ Harding
Chief Gaming Officer
Russ Harding, Chief Gaming Officer at Saltwater Games and Maze Theory, has over 30 years of experience in VR, AR, MR, AI, and Web3 technologies. At Sony PlayStation, he spearheaded BAFTA-nominated projects like 'EyePet™', 'J.K. Rowling's Wonderbook: Book of Spells', and 'PlayStation VR Worlds'. At Maze Theory, he developed 'Doctor Who: The Edge of Time', 'Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom', and 'Infinite Inside.' Currently, he manages a next-gen motorsports game and 'Resurgence', a crafting/survival game, while pushing AI and Web3 innovations in VR and traditional gaming experiences. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Pioneering the Future: From PlayStation's EyeToy to Peaky Blinders VR - The Evolution of VR, AR, and MR 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: In this presentation, Russ Harding, Chief Gaming Officer at Maze Theory/Saltwater Games, guides us through the dynamic realms of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). With a career spanning over three decades in interactive entertainment, Harding offers a unique historical perspective on the evolution of immersive technologies. Starting with PlayStation’s EyeToy—an early venture into AR—he charts the development to today's sophisticated VR systems, highlighting groundbreaking projects such as 'Peaky Blinders: The King's Ransom' and the innovative AR/VR hybrid, 'Infinite Inside'. These examples not only demonstrate the technological advancements in gaming but also underscore their wider implications for future interactions within digital environments.
Dave Segal
Chief Innovation Officer
Dave Segal, founder of Naqi Logix Inc., is a leader in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) with over a decade of expertise and 26 patents globally. His innovations enable hands-free, voice-free, and screen-free control of devices, transforming human-computer interaction. Driven by a passion for helping wounded veterans and individuals with spinal injuries, Dave’s work has earned accolades such as TIME’s "Best Inventions of 2023" and a 2024 Edison Award. He also serves on the faculty at Harrisburg University, advancing neural interface technologies. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Can Smart Earbuds Serve as a Safe & Non-Invasive Alternative to Brain Implants for Device Control? 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Naqi Logix will showcase its Neural Earbud technology, offering non-invasive control of computers, IoT devices, robots, and more through facial microgestures—without the need for voice, touch, or screens. This Next-Generation Human-Machine Interface (HMI) serves as a groundbreaking alternative to brain implants, benefiting quadriplegics, disabled individuals, and beyond. The talk will also explore its impact on gaming, e-sports, and military sectors. Join us to discover how Naqi’s Neural Earbuds are revolutionizing digital interaction and accessibility for all.
George Dritsanos
Secure Power VP South-East Europe
George Dritsanos is based in Athens, and he is Vice President for Secure Power Division of Schneider Electric in South-East Europe & Israel area. He started his professional career at Schneider Electric in 2008, as Enterprise Account Manager for Greece, Cyprus & Malta, and in 2010 he took over the position of Channel Sales Manager. He has also served as Commercial Director of the company's Field Services Department. George Dritsanos has many years of experience in Business Development and Customer Relationship Management, while he brings to the position a successful track record of more than 20 years that includes high-profile leadership positions and recognized sales achievements in the Energy Management and Automation Business. Prior to joining Schneider Electric, George was working for Siemens AG, where he nurtured key relationships and engendered strategic partnerships that led to significant revenue growth. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Electrical Engineering, as also a MBA from Henley Business school. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: How data center sustainability is vital in the age of AI 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: It’s well known that DCs serve as the critical infrastructure supporting the AI ecosystem and in parallel AI requires large amounts of power. But, how can AI help bring DCs closer to net zero & play a positive role in tackling the sustainability challenge? Can we meet increased power demands whilst minimizing its impact on the planet? Is it possible to turn AI on itself to cope with increasing demand for AI? How to achieve more computing power within the same physical footprint and help the planet’s journey toward net zero? A few questions that puzzle the industry and we will be touch basing.
Bogdan Dumea
State Secretary
Bogdan Dumea is currently serving as State Secretary at the Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digitalization, where he is responsible for implementing government programs and strategies related to digital transformation, including AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Earlier in his career, Bogdan Dumea was an Adviser to the Government of Romania, providing expertise and support in the implementation of policies and projects. He founded and led an IT solutions company specializing in software development, cloud computing and AI integration. His IT experience includes roles like IT Project Manager and Web Developer, where he designed various software solutions. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Official Opening Ceremony
Valeriu Ștefan Zgonea
President
Valeriu Ștefan ZGONEA has taken the position of president of ANCOM starting 11 May 2023 for a 6 year-term. Mr. Zgonea has activated within the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest) during 2018-2023 and has held four mandates of deputy in the Chamber of Deputies of the Romanian Parliament between 2000-2016. In the 2000-2004 parliamentary term, he was a member of the Committee for Information Technologies and Communications, while from 2006 to 2016 he held the posts of quaestor and secretary of the Chamber of Deputies. Furthermore, Mr. Zgonea has been Vice-president of the Chamber of Deputies between 2010 and 2012, then President of the Chamber of Deputies in the 2012 – 2016 parliamentary term. Valeriu Ștefan Zgonea graduated from the National Institute of Constructions and has various specializations in cyber diplomacy and infrastructures in the context of digitalization at education institutions such as European Security and Defence College, King’s College and George Marshall European Center for Security Studies and N.E.S.A. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Official Opening Ceremony
Andrei Niculae
Vicepresident
Andrei Niculae has been serving as Vice-president of the Authority for the Digitalization of Romania since January 2023. As the youngest member of the Romanian Government, Andrei is a strong advocate for digital-first public policies. His strongest belief is that Romania has a once-in-a-generation opportunity: digital transformation. This implies the chance to rethink bureaucracy and the processes behind any public services offered to citizens. Andrei is a graduate of the Political Science Faculty @ the University of Bucharest and has fulfilled roles in strategic and crisis communication for the Romanian Gov. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Official Opening Ceremony
Florin Popa
Director
Florin Popa has over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications sector and is Orange Business Director at Orange Romania since 2013. Florin is a graduate of Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies where he specialized in Economics and Business Law. His career in telecommunications began in December 2001 when he joined MobilRom in Craiova. In 2004, he moved to Bucharest and held various management positions in the sales team of Orange Romania. In 2007, he was appointed Sales & Distribution Director, and since February 2013 he holds the current position. As a representative of Orange Business in the local market, Florin has extensive expertise in the area of connectivity and IT&C solutions that support companies and public authorities in their digital transformation journey. Under Florin's leadership, Orange's revenues from IT&C solutions have become a significant driver of growth. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Official Opening Ceremony
Sandeep Arya
Chief Business Officer & Head of Strategic Partnerships
Sandeep Arya, Naqi's Chief Business Officer, has over 20 years of tech industry experience, with expertise in business strategy, market expansion, and partnerships. Previously Senior Director at Samsung Electronics, he boosted global revenue and forged key partnerships. Sandeep holds an MBA from IMD, Switzerland, an M.Eng. from NUS, Singapore, and a B.Tech. from IIT Madras. He holds 7 US patents and is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt. At Naqi, Sandeep oversees business operations, driving growth and innovation to make advanced tech solutions accessible to all. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Can Smart Earbuds Serve as a Safe & Non-Invasive Alternative to Brain Implants for Device Control? 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Naqi Logix will showcase its Neural Earbud technology, offering non-invasive control of computers, IoT devices, robots, and more through facial microgestures—without the need for voice, touch, or screens. This Next-Generation Human-Machine Interface (HMI) serves as a groundbreaking alternative to brain implants, benefiting quadriplegics, disabled individuals, and beyond. The talk will also explore its impact on gaming, e-sports, and military sectors. Join us to discover how Naqi’s Neural Earbuds are revolutionizing digital interaction and accessibility for all.
Marta Karczewska
Government Relations and Public Policy Manager, Central & Eastern Europe
Marta Karczewska is a Government Relations and Public Policy Manager at TikTok, navigating complex policy landscapes in Central Eastern Europe. Her previous experience includes collaborating with tech companies and international organizations, such as Google and Council of Europe. Her expertise spans digital rights, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: How does Project Clover work? Setting new standards in data security in Europe 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: At TikTok, we're going beyond existing regulations by introducing industry-leading measures to further strengthen our data security and protections in Europe. Project Clover is our programme to build an enhanced protective environment for our European user data, consisting of a number of different innovative elements. It is set to see TikTok invest over €12 billion in European data security over the next ten years.
Octavian Palade
Video SEO manager
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: Octavian Palade is the Video SEO Manager for Upswing, the most innovative SEO agency in Romania. A former journalist, with almost 14 years of experience in writing about innovation, business and startups, Octavian is also the host of a radio show about technology, broadcasted at TANANANA Radio. Passionate about all things tech, he follows the industry closely, keeping a keen eye on the advancements of AI and its uses in the fields of digital marketing & business transformation.