Anna is the founder of *Edviatec*, an online platform aimed at guiding students through the European university system, starting with France. The platform leverages technology and data analysis to provide personalized recommendations for higher education programs, addressing the gap in accessible and affordable educational consulting services in Europe. The idea was sparked by personal experience, as she witnessed her brother struggle with choosing a university as an immigrant unfamiliar with the French system.

In the first year of *Edviatec*, her team conducted extensive market research through thousands of interviews with students, parents, and higher education institutions, collecting the necessary data to develop the platform. This included creating an algorithm capable of matching students to educational programs based on both academic and non-academic criteria. The platform’s mission is to make higher education more accessible, especially for students from underrepresented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Anna has been active in leadership roles at her international school and through volunteer efforts, including supporting Ukrainian refugees. Her experiences across multiple countries and languages have informed her commitment to providing tailored educational support for students worldwide.

Nora Artico, a 19-year-old student, has made notable advancements in microbiology with her discovery of nine previously unknown E. Coli bacteriophages. She conducted this research for her final high school thesis in collaboration with ETH Zurich researchers Enea Maffei and Alexandre Harm. The bacteriophages were found in animal feces at Basel Zoo, including samples from elephants.

Nora’s discovery holds significant potential in addressing one of the major global health threats: antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as identified by the WHO. Her research is focused on how these bacteriophages can be used to combat infections that no longer respond to conventional antibiotics. This breakthrough has gained recognition from the Swiss Youth Research Foundation, and Nora has been selected to represent Switzerland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.

Her work not only contributes to the fight against antibiotic resistance but also exemplifies her commitment to advancing public health. Despite her young age, Nora’s research has already shown potential for real-world applications, offering an innovative solution to a critical issue in modern medicine.

Festina Avdiu, a young leader from Kosovo, is currently pursuing her studies at the University of Pécs in Hungary, supported by a full scholarship from the Hungarian government. A recipient of the prestigious Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) scholarship from the U.S. Department of State, Festina has consistently excelled academically, maintaining a perfect GPA throughout her educational journey. Her achievements have been further recognized by multiple awards and scholarships from her university.

At the University of Pécs, Festina works at the Google Developer Student Clubs, where she organizes workshops and coding sessions to foster a collaborative tech environment among her peers. She is also deeply committed to inspiring the next generation, particularly through her work with the *Growing with STEM Organization*, where she mentors young girls, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM.

In addition to her academic leadership, Festina is a software developer intern in Kosovo, working on a platform to engage youth in developmental projects. She is also a published author, having released a poetry book at age 17, showcasing her diverse talents in both the arts and sciences. Fluent in four languages, Festina’s technical skills and leadership have made her an influential figure in her community and beyond.

Antonia Tarfulea is a promising young Romanian who has demonstrated significant achievements in both mathematics and technology. She participated in the Romanian National Mathematics Olympiad in 2022 and has been an active math instructor since 2021, helping to inspire and educate the next generation of students.

In 2023, Antonia was a semifinalist in the Technovation Girls competition, where she co-developed *UHelp*, an app designed to assist Ukrainian refugees in Romania by providing them with access to essential resources. This project highlights her commitment to leveraging technology for social good.

During the summer of 2024, Antonia further developed her skills by participating in the Data Science Research Program at Columbia University’s Data Science Institute. Over five weeks, she learned to use Data Science tools such as R and authored a research paper on Chicago Food Inspections under the mentorship of Shaunette Ferguson. This experience demonstrates her ability to apply data science techniques to practical issues, reinforcing her potential in both mathematics and data science.

Linda is a young entrepreneur who began developing her app *Bulletpoint* at the age of 17 and has since achieved notable success. As the valedictorian of her high school, she has combined her academic excellence with her passion for technology to create a startup that has already garnered significant attention. *Bulletpoint*, an app designed to streamline tasks, has been downloaded over 3,000 times since its launch in February, all without a marketing budget.

Linda’s achievements with *Bulletpoint* have earned her several awards, including a win in a nationwide competition. With prize money from these competitions, she was able to hire an agency to develop AI features for the app, further enhancing its capabilities. In August, she will officially incorporate *Bulletpoint* as a GmbH, marking a new milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.

Linda’s dedication to developing innovative solutions and her ability to grow her startup independently highlights her as a rising talent in the tech industry.

Lee Chambers is the Director and Chief Psychologist at Male Allies UK, an organization focused on engaging men in allyship and supporting companies in their gender equity efforts. He previously served as CEO of PhenomGames, a software company he built across Europe, achieving a 70/30 gender split in technical roles in 2011. In 2016, he transitioned to an advisory role to focus on his family, an experience that influenced his dedication to gender equity.

Lee founded Male Allies UK to encourage male engagement in gender diversity. His organization has worked with large corporations such as Amazon Prime Video and Oracle, as well as smaller tech companies like Ensono and Mathworks. He regularly shares his insights at notable tech conferences, including WOSR, ChangeNOW, and the WITG Summit.

In addition to his work with Male Allies UK, Lee leads *Black STEM Futures*, a mentoring program for female STEM graduates. His contributions have earned him recognition, including the 2023 UN Women Changemaker of the Year award and the 2024 Freedom of the City of London for his services to gender equality in business. Lee’s commitment to practical allyship is widely recognized in the tech community.

Asha currently leads the Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network, a national cross-sector network for immersive technology and metaverse innovators. Over the past six years, she has worked to build infrastructure that supports the growth of the UK’s immersive tech sector by bridging industry, academia, and government. Her work spans multiple sectors, including health, manufacturing, creative industries, and more.

Asha has contributed as an industry expert to key initiatives like the Audience of the Future and UK parliament’s APPG on Metaverse & Web3. She co-founded the XR Diversity Initiative (XRDI), which aims to upskill individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with immersive tech skills. XRDI workshops provide access to expensive equipment and support rapid project prototyping, encouraging participants to enter the field.

Asha’s commitment to inclusion is further demonstrated by her leadership in establishing new Accessibility, ED&I, and Ethics working groups within the Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network. She also co-curated the BFI Shifting Perspectives exhibition, showcasing immersive works by female and non-binary creators. Additionally, she serves on the advisory board of FOV Ventures, where she helped shape the DVRSTY program to support female founders.

Stijn Bijnens is the CEO of Cegeka Group NV, an IT solutions provider headquartered in Belgium with over 5,500 employees across 11 European countries. Under his leadership, Cegeka achieved a revenue of €774 million in 2021 and was named ‘Customer Centric IT Company of the Year’ by Data News in 2022. Cegeka focuses on helping businesses, organizations, and cities develop seamless digital experiences through cutting-edge technologies.

Before leading Cegeka, Bijnens held several senior roles, including CEO of LRM NV and VP of Security Solutions at Verizon Business. He also founded Cybertrust Inc., later acquired by Verizon, and has lectured at Trinity College Dublin. His academic background includes a Master’s in Computer Science from KU Leuven.

Throughout his career, Bijnens has been an advocate for emerging technologies, promoting innovations such as 5G, AI, and hybrid cloud as key to future digital advancements. His work has been recognized with various awards, including IT Person of the Year 2022 (Computable) and the Herman Dessers Entrepreneur Award in 2019. He is also dedicated to mentoring young entrepreneurs and supporting gender diversity in the tech industry through leadership and coaching efforts.

Jean Guo is the founder and CEO of Konexio, an organization dedicated to promoting digital inclusion and economic integration for refugees and migrants. Her personal experience as an immigrant, combined with research supported by a Fulbright Scholarship, inspired her to address the gap in long-term support for vulnerable communities. Since its founding in 2016, Konexio has expanded internationally, launching programs in Kenya, Jordan, and Malawi, providing essential digital skills training to marginalized groups.

Under Jean’s leadership, Konexio has run 292 training cohorts, delivering over 135,000 hours of education to more than 8,000 participants. Notably, the Digital Inclusion Program, launched in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, has empowered 450 women through digital skills training, addressing both technical and cultural barriers to online entrepreneurship.

Jean is also active on multiple boards and advisory committees, including the Executive Committee of The Adecco Group Foundation and the Mission Committee at Raise France, where she contributes to initiatives promoting professional inclusion and social equity. Recognized for her contributions, Jean has received numerous awards, including being named one of the Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise by Euclid Network and EY Entrepreneur of the Year for the Greater Paris Region. Her work continues to drive systemic change and empower underserved communities globally.

Katrina Walker founded CodeOp in 2018, a social venture aimed at reducing gender disparity in the tech industry by offering coding and technical skills training to women, trans, and nonbinary individuals (women+). As a certified B Corp, CodeOp partners with governments, NGOs, and corporations to deliver inclusive education. Since its creation, CodeOp has trained over 950 women+ and engaged more than 16,000 in free courses, reaching over 21,000 people globally.

CodeOp offers programs in four languages and caters to a diverse student base from over 90 countries, with 14% identifying as non-cisgender. The school focuses on fostering an inclusive environment, providing career modules and mentoring services, and maintaining a non-discriminatory admissions process based on dedication and interest. Its curriculum is designed to track both technical and personal development outcomes, such as employment rates and increased confidence.

CodeOp also addresses financial barriers by awarding over €500,000 in scholarships and offering fully subsidized courses. Their efforts have led to 70% of graduates securing jobs within six months and many reporting salary increases. Recognized for its work, CodeOp received TEDx Barcelona’s award for gender equality in 2022, further highlighting its role in promoting gender diversity within the tech sector.

Deborah Choi is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Founderland, an organization supporting women founders in Europe who face obstacles tied to ethnicity and race. Under her leadership, Founderland has served over 1,200 women of color entrepreneurs, with an annual operating budget of €250,000. Over two years, Choi raised over €1.5 million through grants, venture funds, and corporate sponsorships. She also led Europe’s first qualitative research report on women of color entrepreneurs, highlighting the challenges and underrepresentation in the startup ecosystem.

Choi has founded six ventures and raised VC funding, gaining recognition for her work. She was listed on BusinessWeek’s ‘Top 25 under 25’ and Business Insider’s top 25 Futuremakers list in 2022. Additionally, she has been named one of the Top 100 Women for Diversity in Germany (2023) and is a recipient of Google for Startups’ Black Founders Fund (2021).

An experienced entrepreneur and speaker, Choi has established strategic partnerships with organizations like LinkedIn and R/G, creating over €500,000 in value. She holds a BA from the University of Chicago and now resides between Berlin and Marrakech.

Conversations Unscripted is a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at reducing the gender gap in politics and technology across Europe. The initiative brings together European leaders and stakeholders to address the barriers that women face in advancing their careers in these sectors. Through open discussions, storytelling, and knowledge sharing, the platform creates a space for exploring solutions to promote greater gender equality.

The program focuses on empowering women by fostering dialogue among key decision-makers, advocates, and professionals. It emphasizes sustainable change by encouraging collaboration and innovation in addressing gender disparities. The initiative also highlights the importance of personal growth and leadership development as tools to help women overcome challenges in traditionally male-dominated fields.

With a focus on measurable impact, Conversations Unscripted has successfully facilitated numerous discussions, resulting in actionable recommendations and the creation of a network committed to furthering gender equality. By engaging leaders from diverse backgrounds, it continues to contribute to a more inclusive ecosystem for women in both politics and technology.

The #SheTransformsIT initiative, founded by over 50 leaders from politics, business, culture, science, and civil society, focuses on increasing women’s participation in the digital sector. Launched at the German Federal Government’s Digital Summit, the initiative now operates across sectors to develop solutions and best practices that promote sustainable change towards more women in digitalization across education, science, business, and society.

By fostering collaboration between stakeholders, #SheTransformsIT aims to address gender disparities and create more inclusive environments for women in technology. The initiative has generated sector-wide discussions and practical recommendations to increase female representation in the digital field. Its approach emphasizes long-term impact through education, awareness, and the sharing of successful strategies to inspire future generations of women in tech.

The program’s leadership, including Pauline Bombeck and Alexandrea Swanson, has been instrumental in coordinating efforts across various sectors, ensuring that the initiative remains impactful in promoting diversity and inclusion in the digital space. Through its comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach, #SheTransformsIT contributes to a more inclusive digital future by empowering women and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in technology.

The Cercle des Femmes de la CyberSécurité (CEFCYS) is an initiative aimed at promoting the presence and impact of women in the field of cybersecurity. The organization focuses on enhancing the professional skills of women through working groups, mentorship programs, and publications. CEFCYS actively works to raise awareness among companies, educational partners, and recruiters about the importance of gender parity in cybersecurity.

In addition to professional development, CEFCYS engages the public, especially younger generations, in understanding cybersecurity and fostering safe digital practices. The initiative also organizes and participates in national and international conferences and events.

In 2020, CEFCYS launched the campaign “Je ne porte pas de sweat à capuche, pourtant je travaille dans la cybersécurité” to challenge stereotypes about the industry, aiming to attract both female and male talent. This effort is part of their broader mission to demystify the field, promote cybersecurity careers, and address key issues in the sector.

CEFCYS is a member of the Femmes@Numérique collective and supports the @JamaisSansElles movement, actively contributing to gender inclusion in the digital space. It operates in several cities across France, including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, and invites both women and men to join its growing community.

The NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) launched the Women and Girls in Science 2024 challenge to inspire young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Targeting female university students and early-career researchers up to 35 years old, this initiative aims to foster greater gender diversity in STEM disciplines, supporting women at crucial stages of their academic and professional journeys.

Through this challenge, NATO seeks to encourage female participation in STEM fields, while promoting inclusivity and diversity within the science and technology sectors. The initiative reflects NATO’s broader commitment to gender equality, aiming to create a supportive environment for women aspiring to contribute to science and technology.

By recognizing and encouraging women’s involvement, the challenge not only raises awareness about gender disparities in STEM but also highlights the potential for women to make significant contributions to technological innovation and scientific progress. The initiative contributes to long-term change by helping to build a more inclusive and diverse workforce in critical technical fields.

For the past two years, Caroline Foureau has led the Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) program in France, in addition to her role as an advisor to the Amazon country manager for France. The AFE program is designed to inspire and equip youth, especially girls and underprivileged students aged 6 to 25, with skills for careers in Computer Science. Under her leadership, the initiative has reached over 500,000 students nationwide, enhancing their digital and coding skills.

Caroline has structured the program into two main components: coding workshops and career building. She has successfully engaged over 100 Amazon volunteers who participate in various activities such as “Class Chat,” where employees share their career experiences; “Teacher Visits,” where employees provide insights into tech careers for educators; and “Mentoring,” where employees support students through their computer science education.

Her efforts have contributed to AFE’s recognition, including winning the US Embassy’s annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEI&A) award in France. Caroline’s work demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding access to STEM education and supporting diversity in the tech field.

Spring ACT (Advocates for Change and Transformation) is a nonprofit organization focused on leveraging technology to combat social injustices, specifically human trafficking and gender-based violence. The organization empowers vulnerable individuals by providing them with innovative digital tools that offer protection, support, and access to critical information.

One of Spring ACT’s key initiatives is Sophia, an AI-driven chatbot designed to provide survivors of human trafficking with a confidential platform to seek help, resources, and guidance. Through this initiative, Spring ACT collaborates globally with governments, NGOs, and tech companies to broaden its reach and effectiveness.

By combining technology with advocacy, Spring ACT aims to create measurable, sustainable change in the fight against human trafficking, contributing to global efforts to protect and support marginalized communities. Their initiatives focus on inclusivity and direct impact, addressing critical issues affecting underrepresented groups worldwide.

Dr. Nawal Abboub is a renowned cognitive scientist with significant contributions in language learning, multilingualism, and mathematics. She is known for integrating psychology, neuroscience, technology, and pedagogy to revolutionize learning methods and skill development.

In 2017, Dr. Abboub co-founded Rising Up, a deeptech startup leveraging cognitive science to enhance core skills. Rising Up developed “The LAB,” a smart platform that identifies, enriches, maps, and certifies core skills. This innovative approach earned Rising Up the prestigious deeptech certification from the European Innovation Council in 2023.

Dr. Abboub’s interdisciplinary expertise is evident in her role as a co-creator of the first course at ENS-PSL, one of France’s leading institutions. This course applies cognitive science to real-world scenarios, demonstrating practical implications of research. Additionally, she spearheads partnerships for a renowned Master’s program at ENS-PSL, connecting academic research with the private and public sectors.

In 2022, Dr. Abboub published “La Puissance des Bébés” (The Power of Babies), highlighting the crucial role of early childhood in skill development. The book’s impact extended with its paperback release in 2023, reaching a broader audience.

Rising Up’s technology focuses on enhancing employability and career-long skill development. The company’s solutions, based on advanced cognitive science, are particularly beneficial for young graduates and professionals. In May 2023, Rising Up secured a record-breaking €1.67M in private investment and a €2.8M grant from the Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund for R&D.

Dr. Abboub’s leadership in the deeptech space has been recognized by her selection for the European Innovation Council’s Women in Deeptech program in 2024. This accolade underscores her influence and innovative contributions.

Through her work, Dr. Abboub bridges the gap between scientific discovery and societal transformation, making her a pivotal figure in cognitive science and technology.

Rena Maycock is an experienced entrepreneur with over 20 years in business. She has served as Group CEO of a media organization and launched two award-winning radio stations that became regional leaders. In 2011, she founded Intro Matchmaking, Ireland’s largest dating agency within two years, which now has thousands of clients and is franchising in Europe.

In 2018, Rena established Cilter Technologies, now Chirp, an early-stage deep-tech startup. Chirp develops embedded child-protection software for smartphones that detects and blocks cyberbullying, grooming, and suicide/self-harm content in messaging apps, including encrypted messages. This innovative approach involves a filter at the kernel level of a device, providing a unique solution not achievable by traditional parental control apps.

Rena has led Chirp with exceptional dedication, working unpaid for much of its development while managing other business commitments. She has built a world-class team and engaged a consortium of experts to advance Chirp’s technology. Her efforts secured endorsement from UNESCO and a government partnership for Chirp’s pilot program. Additionally, Chirp is in discussions with major smartphone manufacturers and telecommunications companies to embed its technology globally, potentially protecting up to 15 million children within five years.

Rena’s leadership extends to developing Chirp’s prototype, which demonstrates the capability to filter encrypted WhatsApp messages. Chirp was awarded a €2.8M grant from the Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund for R&D, and in May 2023, it secured a record €1.67M in private investment for further development.

Rena has also been active in advocating for women in tech, writing columns, mentoring aspiring female founders, and speaking at business and tech events. Her work with Chirp is not only commercially driven but also focused on contributing to positive social change by protecting children online.

Stiliyana Minkovska is an accomplished architect and healthcare designer specializing in women’s health. Her journey began in 2015 during her Masters in Architecture at the Royal College of Art when she became pregnant with her first daughter. This experience spurred her belief in the transformative power of design to address societal, economic, and political challenges.

In 2022, she founded Matrix Health & Care after completing her Masters in Healthcare and Design at Imperial College London. Matrix focuses on reforming gynecological protocols through women-led design innovation. Their flagship product is a digitally-enabled speculum replacement, a smart device using advanced technology to improve the early detection of gynecological conditions, leading to better health outcomes.

Stiliyana’s work includes designing furniture to aid in labor, childbirth, and postpartum recovery, showcasing her commitment to improving women’s reproductive healthcare settings. Her designs are informed by personal experience and a deep understanding of the challenges women face during these critical moments.

She has actively shared her insights and innovations through speaking engagements and panel discussions, contributing to a broader conversation on women’s health. Her dedication is evident as she recently won First Prize at the Women in Tech Summit in Paris as part of the She Loves Tech competition while nine months pregnant. She continues to pursue her mission, participating in the next stage at the TNW in Amsterdam just days postpartum, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to humanizing women’s sexual, reproductive, and maternal healthcare.

Matrix Health & Care, despite being a young company, is poised for significant growth, reflecting the impact of Stiliyana’s innovative approach to women’s health. Her work exemplifies how design can challenge industry norms and bring about meaningful change in healthcare.

Hakima Berdouz, winner of the 2023 Margaret Prize, has over 15 years of experience as a research engineer at the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA). She chose to transition from the nuclear sector to healthcare, driven by a desire to make a tangible impact on patient care. Inspired by her own experience with breast cancer screening, she developed a multimodal AI solution to improve early detection of breast cancer.

As an expert in risk modeling and simulation, Berdouz created “La Mammope,” an intelligent breast imaging device designed to predict the risk of breast cancer at both twelve months and five years. The device integrates regular self-checks via smartphone and non-ionizing imaging technologies, aiming to detect the disease at the earliest stage, including “stage 0.”

Through her company, Hope Valley AI, Berdouz aims to revolutionize breast cancer screening by 2030. Her solution combines ultrasound, infrared thermography, and computer vision, all enhanced by artificial intelligence, offering a safer alternative to traditional X-ray mammography. The device is designed to encourage timely medical consultations by detecting subtle signs of anomalies, thereby improving treatment outcomes. Breast cancer affects one in eight women worldwide, and Berdouz’s innovation seeks to set a new standard for early detection and intervention.

Stefanie Flückiger-Mangual is a co-founder of TOLREMO and a biomedical scientist specializing in drug resistance in cancer therapy. With a Ph.D. in Molecular and Translational Biomedicine from ETH Zurich, her research has led to the discovery of novel molecular mechanisms that address non-genetic resistance to cancer treatments. This innovation seeks to improve the long-term effectiveness of cancer therapies by preventing treatment resistance.

At TOLREMO, Flückiger-Mangual has played a key role in advancing new therapeutic strategies, guiding the company’s scientific efforts towards clinical applications. Her work has attracted significant funding and positioned the company as a leader in this niche of cancer research. Additionally, she has established an all-women leadership team, reflecting her commitment to fostering gender diversity in the biotech sector.

Her contributions are rooted in her expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology, with a clear focus on tackling complex challenges in oncology through innovative approaches. Flückiger-Mangual’s work in drug resistance holds promise for improving patient outcomes in cancer treatment, marking a significant step forward in the field.

Claire Barnhoorn is the founder and CEO of Solvoz, an e-procurement platform designed for the humanitarian, health, and social impact sectors. With over 20 years of experience in humanitarian aid, including roles at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Claire has a deep understanding of the challenges within supply chain management and logistics in these sectors. She holds an MSc in Humanitarian Assistance from University College Dublin and a degree in Tropical Agriculture and International Development from Wageningen University.

Claire founded Solvoz to address inefficiencies in procurement processes she encountered throughout her career. The platform emphasizes transparency, efficiency, and sustainability, offering a solution to streamline procurement in sectors where over 75% of budgets are dedicated to such processes. Solvoz connects organizations with over 400,000 suppliers worldwide, facilitating cost-effective and responsible procurement. The platform also supports local economies by prioritizing local suppliers where possible.

Through her leadership, Claire has contributed to significant reductions in operational costs and faster response times in emergencies. She also co-founded the Gender Responsive Procurement Alliance, addressing gender equality in supply chains. Her work with Solvoz has redefined procurement practices, promoting ethical and sustainable approaches within the global humanitarian sector.

Simone Maini is the Chief Executive Officer at Elliptic, a company recognized as a global leader in blockchain intelligence. Elliptic provides tools to identify illicit activity on the Bitcoin blockchain, supporting financial institutions and law enforcement agencies in maintaining compliance and security in cryptocurrency transactions.

Under her leadership, Elliptic has achieved significant industry recognition. The company won the “Security Project of the Year Award” from *The Banker* in 2015 and the *Swift Innotribe Growth Stage Startup Competition* the same year. Additionally, Elliptic was named a “Top 10 Global Emerging Star” in KPMG’s Fintech 100 list.

Simone’s role at Elliptic involves driving growth and innovation in the field of blockchain technology, particularly in identifying and preventing financial crime. She has played a key part in positioning Elliptic as a trusted partner for compliance and regulatory frameworks in the fast-evolving world of decentralized finance and cryptocurrency.

Her work has helped to set new standards in the application of blockchain intelligence to ensure secure and transparent digital transactions across the globe.

Coty de Monteverde is the Head of the Crypto & Blockchain Center of Excellence and Global Blockchain CTO at Santander, with over 15 years of experience in the banking sector. In this role, she leads efforts to integrate blockchain technology into the bank’s operations, focusing on projects that enhance customer loyalty, efficiency, and security. Her work includes driving internal initiatives and participating in strategic consortia aimed at developing new blockchain-based products and services for the financial sector.

Coty also serves as Vice-chairwoman of the Alastria Blockchain Ecosystem, where she collaborates with industry leaders to promote blockchain innovation across Spain. Under her leadership, her team of blockchain experts plays a critical role in advancing the adoption of decentralized technologies within traditional financial systems.

Nena Dokuzov is the Head of the Project Group for New Economy and Blockchain Technologies at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology in Slovenia. She leads initiatives focused on integrating blockchain and decentralized technologies into national economic strategies. Nena’s role involves policy analysis, strategic planning, and the execution of government-led blockchain projects.

As an expert for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and Slovenia’s Head of Delegation, she has contributed to international discussions on blockchain, promoting its application in diverse sectors. Nena holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana and has extensive experience in government administration. Her work focuses on driving innovation through blockchain technologies, with a strong emphasis on creating regulatory frameworks that support new economic models.

Emilie Allaert is the Head of the Luxembourg Blockchain Lab and the founder of Digital Minds, where she focuses on guiding companies through digital innovation and blockchain adoption. With a background in Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), tokenization, and digital assets, she is known for her ability to bridge the gap between industries, helping businesses leverage new technologies to maintain competitiveness.

In addition to her role at Luxembourg Blockchain Lab, Emilie co-chairs ALFI’s working group on blockchain and cryptoassets and is an active member of several industry associations, including the ERC3643 Association. She has contributed to numerous reports on DLT and digital assets and regularly lectures on digital innovation and blockchain technologies.

Emilie holds a BSc in Economics and Management from the University of Luxembourg, a Master’s in Financial Management from Durham Business School, and a Certificate in Climate & Renewable Energy Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance. Her work has been recognized by several industry accolades, including being listed in the Women in Fintech Powerlist 2017 and Luxembourg’s Tech 100 in 2021.

Karima Lachgar is the CEO of Olky Wallet and Head of Group Legal & Regulatory Strategy at Olky Group, where she also serves on the Executive Committee. With over 12 years of experience in financial services regulation, blockchain, and asset management law, Karima is well-versed in EU and French regulatory frameworks. Her expertise spans key areas such as Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs), Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), and cryptocurrencies, as well as EU financial regulation, including MiFID II, MiFIR, and the upcoming MiCA framework.

Throughout her career, Karima has played an influential role in shaping regulatory policies within the European Union. She has a track record of successful negotiations with EU decision-makers, notably impacting legislation for major French corporate entities. In addition to her legal and advisory roles, she has been involved in drafting amendments to key financial laws and advising on compliance and risk management.

Karima is an active member of various industry bodies, including the Haut Comité Juridique de la Place de Paris and the AFG working group on cryptoassets. She holds extensive networks within the finance industry and EU institutions and speaks English, French, and Arabic fluently.

Ulrike Pfreundt is an interdisciplinary ocean scientist with a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Microbial Oceanography. She was selected as a Fellow of Singularity University’s Global Solutions Program, highlighting her commitment to addressing global challenges through science and innovation. Her research interests span ocean sciences, biosphere protection, and sustainable development.

In 2020, Ulrike co-founded rrreefs, an ETH Zurich spinoff that focuses on rebuilding coral reefs using innovative 3D-printed reef systems. These structures are designed to restore the complex 3D framework of damaged coral reefs, which in turn supports critical ecosystem services such as biodiversity, fish populations, coastal protection, and tourism. rrreefs has successfully installed several of these reef systems in different locations worldwide, helping to regenerate marine environments.

Ulrike’s work combines cutting-edge technology with environmental conservation, providing a practical solution to one of the planet’s pressing ecological needs—coral reef restoration. Through rrreefs, she continues to contribute to the global effort in ocean sustainability and the protection of marine ecosystems.

Merit Valdsalu is the co-founder and CEO of Single.Earth, a company that aims to create the world’s first nature-backed currency. Based in Tallinn, Single.Earth leverages natural sciences and blockchain technology to tokenize the ecological value of nature. The company uses satellite data and machine learning to assess ecological features, providing landowners with tools to evaluate and monetize the environmental value of their land. This approach promotes a sustainable economy by incentivizing the preservation of ecosystems.

Since its founding in 2019, Single.Earth has raised over €7 million in funding to support its mission. By integrating cutting-edge technology and environmental science, Valdsalu’s work contributes to the development of innovative solutions that align with global sustainability goals.

Olga Dubey is the founder and CEO of AgroSustain, a Switzerland-based company that provides biological solutions for plant protection. AgroSustain offers a comprehensive range of natural alternatives to chemical pesticides, including biological fungicides and coatings, with the goal of reducing food waste and promoting organic food production.

Founded in 2018 and based in Nyon, AgroSustain has raised over €11.6 million in funding to develop and expand its environmentally friendly plant protection products. By replacing chemical pesticides with sustainable, natural alternatives, Dubey’s work contributes to the advancement of organic agriculture and supports the reduction of harmful chemicals in food production.

Julie Koch Fahler is the co-founder and COO of Agreena, a Copenhagen-based company that provides a soil carbon certification program aimed at supporting farmers in their transition to regenerative agriculture. Agreena’s platform issues third-party verified carbon certificates, accredited to the ISO 14064-2 standard, based on annual harvest cycles. These certificates can either be retained by farmers or sold on the voluntary carbon market for offset purposes.

Founded in 2018, Agreena has raised over €88.6 million in funding. Initially launched as an online commodity trading marketplace, Agreena has since become one of the first soil carbon certification programs in Europe. Through a combination of core agricultural practices and financial technology, Julie’s work enables farmers to adopt sustainable farming methods while monetizing their efforts to sequester carbon.

Karen Scofield Seal is the co-founder and CEO of Oceanium, a UK-based company focused on developing and manufacturing seaweed-based ingredients for the food, wellness, and materials sectors. Founded in 2018 and based in Oban, Oceanium provides sustainable ingredients that help commercial partners meet consumer demand and sustainability goals. The company’s mission is to support both people and ocean health through the utilization of seaweed.

Under Karen’s leadership, Oceanium has raised €9.7 million in funding and has been recognized for its contributions to the emerging seaweed industry. Karen brings decades of experience in strategy, business development, brand building, and marketing from previous roles, including as founder and president of Lucza, an international e-commerce business. Oceanium has won the World Economic Forum UpLink Ocean Challenge and the Thai Union Seafood Innovation Challenge, and Karen herself has been honored with the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Future Award 2023.

Arlande Aroukoun Joerger is the CEO of Ewosmart and co-founder of Wafhi.com, with a focus on using space technologies and artificial intelligence to support environmental sustainability. Through Ewosmart’s digital platform, Timenok, Arlande helps territories and businesses manage and develop their green spaces to combat urban heat islands, enhance biodiversity, and improve resilience against climate impacts like flooding and coastal erosion. The platform leverages Earth observation data and other diverse datasets to provide decision-making support for urban planners and sustainability efforts.

With over 10 years of expertise in corporate social responsibility (CSR), Arlande also co-founded Wafhi.com and the Think Tank RSE, which fosters collaboration between Africa and Europe on sustainability initiatives. Her work contributes to making environmental quality a key factor in the attractiveness of territories.

Recognized for her impact, Arlande received the AIMF Francophone Woman Award in 2022. Ewosmart is incubated by the European Space Agency’s BIC program in Southern France, highlighting her commitment to integrating advanced technologies for environmental and social progress.

Audrey Plonk currently serves as one of the Deputy Directors of the Directorate for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) at the OECD, where she oversees a wide range of digital policy areas. These include data governance, artificial intelligence, and online security, as well as connectivity infrastructure. Her work focuses on advancing evidence-based policy analysis and fostering international collaboration on digital transformation.

From 2019 to 2023, Ms. Plonk was Head of STI’s Digital Economy Policy Division. She played a key role in leading two OECD committees and six working parties, notably organizing the 2022 Ministerial meeting and launching the Global Forum on Technology. She also contributed to the development of the OECD’s Declaration on Government Access to Personal Data Held by Private Sector Entities.

Before joining the OECD, Ms. Plonk worked for more than a decade at Intel Corporation, where she led global teams in areas like AI, autonomous driving, and cybersecurity policy. She specialized in China cyber policy and advised Intel’s business units on their strategic approach in the region. Ms. Plonk holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University.

Carme Artigas, Spain’s former Minister of AI and Digitalisation, played a pivotal role in shaping the European Union’s AI Act, one of the most significant tech legislations in recent years. During Spain’s EU Council presidency, she facilitated negotiations between member states and the European Parliament to extend the scope of the AI Act, especially regarding foundational models, overcoming opposition from major countries like Germany, France, and Italy.

Carme was instrumental in establishing Spain as a leader in AI regulation by launching Europe’s first AI regulatory sandbox, providing a controlled environment for testing new technologies under real-world conditions. Additionally, she spearheaded Spain’s Startups Act, which came into effect in January, aiming to foster innovation and create a favorable ecosystem for tech entrepreneurs.

After stepping down from her ministerial position in December, Carme continued her work in the tech diplomacy field as co-chair of the AI Advisory Board to the United Nations Secretary-General, contributing to the global discourse on responsible AI development and governance. Her career reflects a strong commitment to advancing tech policy and fostering international collaboration.

Anne Marie Engtoft Meldgaard leads TechPlomacy, a Danish government initiative that prioritizes technology and digitalization in foreign and security policy. Her team operates globally, with offices in Silicon Valley and Copenhagen, reimagining diplomatic efforts to address international tech challenges and foster cooperation across borders.

Prior to this, Anne Marie worked at the World Economic Forum (2017-2020), where she focused on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Global Public Goods. She facilitated collaboration between technology companies, governments, and civil society to overcome barriers to responsibly scaling emerging technologies, addressing major societal challenges.

In addition to her role at the World Economic Forum, Anne Marie co-founded an innovation hub for student entrepreneurship and Democratic Capital, a political advisory firm. She also served as a political advisor in the Danish Parliament and held board positions at Copenhagen Business School and the Danish Consumer Council, contributing to governance and policy development in both academic and consumer sectors.

Anne Marie holds an M.Sc. in International Development from the London School of Economics and a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in International Business and Politics from Copenhagen Business School. She is also a 2017 Global Leadership Fellow at the World Economic Forum, with expertise in international tech policy and public-private partnerships.

Inés Sánchez de Madariaga has over 30 years of professional experience, with 25 years dedicated to promoting gender equality in the built environment. She has served as an advisor to governments, intergovernmental organizations, and private corporations, focusing on integrating gender dimensions into science, technology, city planning, housing, and transportation. She has been a visiting scholar at institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and the London School of Economics, and is a Fulbright Grantee.

As Director of the Women and Science Unit during the Spanish Presidency of the European Union and Advisor to the European Commission, she played a key role in incorporating gender equality into European research and innovation policy, including negotiations on Horizon 2020. She also chaired the expert group that developed the European roadmap for gender equality in STEM.

In Spain, Inés led the Gender Equality Plan for the Ministry of Research and Innovation and advised on several national laws. She coined the concept of “Mobility of Care” in 2008, which has been widely adopted globally. With over 100 published articles and numerous books, including *Fair Shared Cities* and *Engendering Cities*, she received the Matilde Ucelay Award in 2021 for her contributions to gender equality in urban planning.

Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus has served as the Hessian Minister for Digital Strategy and Innovation since January 2019, overseeing initiatives aimed at advancing digital transformation in the region. As the first person to hold this position, she has led efforts to improve digital literacy, close the digital divide, and empower women in STEM fields through inclusive policies. Prior to her ministerial role, she founded Genius GmbH in 1998, a consulting firm focused on bridging science, business, and society by advising ministries, companies, and organizations on communication strategies and innovation.

With a background in Communication Science, Biology, and Chemistry, Kristina Sinemus earned her Ph.D. from the Technical University of Darmstadt, where she also conducted interdisciplinary research on technology and ethics. Her academic career includes a professorship in Public Affairs at Quadriga University in Berlin, which is currently on hold due to her ministerial duties.

Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in various business and academic organizations, including being the first female president of the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Her work at the intersection of technology, public policy, and gender equality demonstrates her commitment to fostering digital collaboration and driving innovation on both regional and global levels.

Fariha is a tech entrepreneur and investor with two successful ventures, including one exit to the French media company Figaro. Her first company, Golden Bees, was recognized by the Financial Times as one of the fastest-growing companies in Europe, demonstrating her strong leadership and business acumen. She has built startups acknowledged for their performance and impact by the French Ministry of Economy and has promoted gender equality through her companies, proving that diverse teams can achieve high levels of success.

In addition to her entrepreneurial accomplishments, Fariha has made over 50 investments in impact-driven startups, with 60% of them led by women. She is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, serving as a board member of Diversidays, a leading association promoting equality in tech. Her efforts to support women in tech have also earned her recognition as one of the most influential women in startups and venture capital in Europe by EU-Startups media.

Fariha is part of the 5% of women in venture capital and has raised several million dollars for her ventures, positioning herself as a significant figure in both entrepreneurship and investment, with a focus on empowering women in the technology sector.

Sonja Betschart is a social entrepreneur and co-founder of WeRobotics, an organization established in 2015 to empower communities across Africa, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region through the creation of “Flying Labs.” These technology hubs provide training in drones, data, and artificial intelligence, enabling local experts to address critical issues in agriculture, health, and entrepreneurship within their own communities.

With a background spanning both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, Sonja has developed a comprehensive skill set that includes strategic leadership, operational insights, and design thinking methodologies. Her work focuses on leveraging emerging technologies to create growth opportunities and meaningful solutions while promoting inclusive leadership in the global tech space.

Sonja’s commitment to radical inclusion and her belief in the power of local expertise drive her efforts to ensure that technology serves as a tool for sustainable, community-led development. As an Ashoka Fellow and a member of Forbes 50 over 50 EMEA, she collaborates with a global network of social entrepreneurs dedicated to creating positive, lasting change through technology.

Eynat Guez is the Co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, the first global HRIS platform that streamlines the global payroll process. Under her leadership, Papaya Global has expanded to operate internationally and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Eynat is recognized for her efforts to eliminate salary bias and promote transparency in payroll, especially benefiting women’s careers.

Eynat has also been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She mentors young women through initiatives like “Cracking the Glass Ceiling: Promoting Young Women to Science Education” with Alliance, showcasing her commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders. Her influence extends beyond business; she openly shares her experiences, including raising funds for her startup while pregnant, to inspire women balancing career and family.

In addition to her business achievements, Eynat has publicly supported employee rights and taken strong positions on social and political issues, such as advocating for minority empowerment and opposing judicial changes in Israel. Her leadership has been recognized globally, with Papaya Global making the 2024 list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, further highlighting her impact on the tech and fintech sectors.

Selena Souah is the founder and chairman of REGCARD, a digital platform that streamlines the hotel check-in and check-out process for travelers worldwide. Launched in May 2022, REGCARD allows users to create a single profile, complete with preferences, that can be used across multiple stays, simplifying the booking and registration process. Travelers can manage their data and preferences, while hotels can offer free express check-in and check-out services, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. As of today, REGCARD has a database of nearly 20,000 travelers.

Selena’s entrepreneurial vision is rooted in enhancing the hospitality industry’s efficiency while promoting sustainability. By reducing paperwork and automating the check-in process, REGCARD aligns with global efforts to protect the planet. Selena’s leadership and innovation have positioned REGCARD to become a valuable tool for hotels seeking to optimize their operations and customer engagement strategies.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Selena is a board member, investor, and recognized leader. She was named one of Forbes’ “Femme@Forbes” and is listed among the Top 100 Women of the Future. As a 2023 Young European Leader of the Aspen Institute, Selena actively contributes to shaping the future of tech and business leadership.

Dr. Maud Vinet is the CEO of Quobly, a quantum computing startup founded in 2022. Under her leadership, the company secured 19 million euros in seed funding, alongside a 2.5 million euro EIC grant—the largest seed funding round for a European quantum hardware startup to date. Quobly’s innovative technology is focused on leveraging quantum mechanics to tackle significant societal challenges in fields like medicine and energy.

Before founding Quobly, Dr. Vinet spent two decades in semiconductor research and development, most notably leading the quantum computing program at CEA Leti, a world-renowned research institute. From 2013 to 2019, she managed the Advanced CMOS activities at CEA Leti, and earlier collaborated with IBM and STMicroelectronics on semiconductor innovations.

Dr. Vinet holds over 70 patents in nanotechnology, has authored or co-authored around 300 scientific papers, and has a Google h-index of 57, with more than 12,000 citations. She was awarded the title of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour in 2019 for her contributions to science and technology. Her career is marked by a dedication to advancing quantum computing while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Zeynep Dereli is a leader with a diverse background in finance, media, and education. She began her career in the merger and acquisition department at Dundas & Ünlü Securities in Istanbul, followed by roles in risk analysis and regulatory compliance at Shell Trading and Shipping in London. After returning to Turkey, she worked as a financial and procurement analyst at Shell Turkey.

Later in her career, she shifted focus to initiatives supporting Turkey’s economic development. She served as Director of the Black Sea Energy and Economic Forum at the Atlantic Council and hosted a political program on SKY Turk and CNBC-E. Additionally, she was General Coordinator of the Turkish Policy Forum and founded GLOW Communications and APCO Turkey.

Zeynep holds a master’s degree in Development Economics from SOAS University in London and a degree in Engineering and Middle East Studies from Princeton University. She has also contributed to social responsibility projects, including the Board of Directors at Endeavor and the Turkish British Chamber of Commerce.

In education, Zeynep founded Technologies and Human Colleges, designed to equip students with the skills needed for future entrepreneurship in Turkey. This initiative integrates technology and human-centered learning based on global education models and cultural needs.

Vjollca Cavolli has had a distinguished 35-year career spanning both humanitarian work and the ICT sector. Beginning with roles at the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Food Program, and Médecins Sans Frontières, she contributed significantly to community development. She managed over 180 infrastructure, social service, and capacity-building projects through the Community Development Fund, strengthening her expertise in social development.

Since 2008, Cavolli has served as the Executive Director of the Kosovo ICT Association (STIKK), where she has driven pivotal changes in Kosovo’s digital landscape. Her initiatives include founding the Innovation Center Kosovo (ICK), launching the annual KosICT Technology Festival, and establishing Tech Park Prishtina, all of which have helped build a knowledge-based economy in Kosovo. In promoting gender equality, she created the DigiWomen Cluster Kosovo, supporting women in technology.

Cavolli’s leadership has played a key role in advancing the ICT sector in Kosovo, helping to position the country as a growing technology hub. Her career, marked by her commitment to both technology and humanitarian causes, has left a lasting impact on Kosovo’s community development and digital transformation efforts.

Sasha Bezuhanova is a senior executive, angel investor, and philanthropist with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. She held leadership roles at Hewlett-Packard (HP), where she contributed to positioning Bulgaria as a significant hub for ICT. In 2013, she transitioned from her corporate career to focus on supporting women’s entrepreneurship and sustainable business development in Bulgaria. She founded MOVE.BG, a think tank that provides research, support, and resources to entrepreneurs, particularly women, working on socially and environmentally responsible ventures.

In 2020, Sasha joined the European Innovation Council’s investment committee, where she helps oversee a $2 billion investment program for European tech startups. Her efforts in fostering innovation, civic engagement, and collaboration have had a long-term impact on both the tech industry and social development in Europe. Through her work, she has contributed to the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems and the empowerment of women in tech.

Simonetta Di Pippo is an astrophysicist with over 30 years of experience in space science. She began her career at the Italian Space Agency (ASI) in 1986, where she eventually became Director of Observation of the Universe. From 2008 to 2011, she served as Director of Human Spaceflight at the European Space Agency (ESA), contributing to key space missions.

In 2009, she co-founded Women in Aerospace Europe, promoting women’s leadership in the aerospace industry. She later led the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) from 2014 to 2022, overseeing global space policy and promoting peaceful space exploration.

Di Pippo has published over 60 scientific papers and held teaching positions at institutions such as George Washington University. She is a member of various scientific committees and awards juries. Recognized for her contributions, she was knighted by the Italian Republic in 2006, and asteroid 21887 was named “dipippo” in her honor by the International Astronomical Union.

In 2023, she joined the scientific committee for Criptalia, working on the Grottaglie Spaceport project in Italy. Di Pippo’s career is marked by leadership in space exploration and her commitment to advancing women in the field.

Sasha Baillie is the CEO of Luxinnovation, Luxembourg’s national innovation agency. With a background in diplomacy, she has held several key roles in government and international relations. Baillie previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Diplomatic Adviser to Luxembourg’s Minister of Economy, where she managed the reform of economic promotion structures and played a pivotal role in establishing the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Board. She also chaired the country’s Trade and Investment Steering Committee.

In 2014, Baillie co-founded and chaired Luxembourg’s nation branding committee, an initiative to promote the country’s image internationally. As an aide to the Deputy Prime Minister, she led the creation of LuxGovSat S.A., a joint venture between the Luxembourg government and SES, a global satellite operator, to launch and operate a government defense satellite. She served as Chair of the Board for this project.

Baillie began her diplomatic career in 1997, with postings in Moscow and Brussels, where she represented Luxembourg at the EU Political and Security Committee. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Medieval History from St Andrews University and is fluent in six languages, including English, French, and Russian. Her career highlights her expertise in innovation, diplomacy, and international economic development.

Jacqueline de Rojas CBE is a prominent leader in the digital and technology sectors, serving as President of Digital Leaders and Chair of the Institute of Coding. She holds board positions at companies like Rightmove PLC, FDM Group PLC, and IFS Global, where she leverages her expertise in business growth, digital infrastructure, and shareholder value.

A key advocate for diversity and inclusion in technology, de Rojas has been instrumental in promoting digital skills and encouraging women and underrepresented groups to enter and thrive in the tech industry. She is known for building and mentoring high-performance teams, focusing on operational excellence and leadership development.

De Rojas has received numerous accolades for her influence in technology, including being named the Most Influential Woman in IT (2015), featured in the Computer Weekly Hall of Fame (2016), and recognized as one of Europe’s 50 most inspiring female business leaders (2017). In 2018, she was awarded a CBE for her services to technology and international trade.

Her work has had a lasting impact on digital adoption and inclusion in the UK, and she remains committed to fostering a more diverse and innovative tech ecosystem.