Aanchal Gupta is Chief Security Officer at Adobe. Prior to this role, she served as Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, leading the development of core features for the Microsoft 365 product. She has over 30 years of experience leading global security and product teams, including overseeing Microsoft’s Security Response Center, serving as CISO at Meta and Skype, and building identity standards at Yahoo. She holds a master’s degree in Software Engineering from San José State University and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra. Aanchal serves on the boards of the Internet Security Research Group and Silicon Valley CISO Investments, is a Fellow of the RSA, and actively supports cybersecurity innovation through Grace Hopper, Enigma, and Black Hat.

Patrick is an experienced business executive with over a decade in cloud computing and more than fifteen years in the IT field. His expertise in law and sharp business acumen have made him highly skilled in handling negotiations, successfully tackling the most challenging situations. He currently leads the Deal Pursuit team for Google Cloud in the EMEA region, overseeing customer negotiations for both major strategic projects and smaller, yet vital, deals. His role is key in expanding Google Cloud's negotiation capabilities along with its service offerings.

Rod Evans is NVIDIA’s Vice President for Supercomputing, Higher Education and AI for Europe, Middle East and Africa Rod is an accomplished entrepreneur and international business leader, with a proven track record of driving success across IT, software, and telecom businesses. Rod’s 20+ years of international experience enables him to lead teams with passion, integrity, and confidence. A believer in leading by example, Rod’s strategic approach has resulted in significant growth in terms of headcount and revenue. He is a committed innovator with a keen interest in increasing awareness of AI’s potential. He works tirelessly to encourage the early adoption of AI by showcasing what it can do, how it works, and why implementing an AI strategy is critical. He joined NVIDIA in 2018 and has overseen strong growth in the High-Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence businesses at NVIDIA across Europe.

Dimitris has 25 years of experience in IT and he is currently Sr. Director of Engineering (Red Hat) at IBM in charge of the Cloud Native Runtimes group that includes the Quarkus, Vert.x, SpringBoot, and Node.js teams. He also served as the JBoss AS project lead and he has been a JBoss addict and contributor from the early start-up days. He worked previously at Intracom and Motorola in the areas of NMS/OSS, designing reusable frameworks and distributed systems. Dimitris studied computer science at the Technological Educational Institute of Athens and received an M.Sc. by research from University College Dublin, Ireland. Dimitris is a passionate advocator of Opensource technologies and has presented on a variety of events and conferences around the world. He has been an invited speaker at various Java/Linux community events and user groups, and he has delivered inspirational talks on technology and Open Source in universities and educational institutes.

Sonika is the AI & App Chief Architect at Microsoft, with over 20 years of experience in the IT sector, including pivotal leadership roles at Microsoft and SAP. In her current role, she collaborates closely with Denmark’s leading enterprises to co-create intelligent, AI-powered applications driving transformation across finance, pharma and energy sector. An MBA from London Business School and a foundation in Computer Engineering enable Sonika to blend strategic vision with deep technical expertise.
Beyond professional achievements, Sonika is an active mentor through Copenhagen Kommune’s GCCP-17, supports fintech scale-ups in the Copenhagen ecosystem, and contributes to Europe’s largest AI think tank.
A frequent keynote speaker at top industry events including Microsoft AI Tour, WebIT Summit, and Unicorn Summit-Sonika is recognized for translating cutting-edge technology into real business outcomes.

Alex McLeman is a Strategic Solutions Architect at Alibaba Cloud in London, with more than nine years of expertise in cloud computing and AI. He is passionate about building strategic relationships and applying technologies like Generative AI to accelerate and scale business innovation. As a trusted advisor, Alex focuses on delivering unique, impactful customer experiences through strong partnerships and bespoke solutions.

Yassir is the AI Applications Principal Leader at Oracle, bringing extensive expertise in leading AI projects for major international companies across global markets including Paris, London, Singapore and Dubai. His expertise covers a range of industries such as Insurance, Banking, Retail, E-commerce, Telecom, Media, Real Estate & Construction. Yassir currently leads AI initiatives within Oracle Applications across the ECEMEA region. He partners with clients to align cutting-edge AI, Data & Cloud applications with their strategic digital transformation. His responsibilities encompass the full innovation lifecycle, from solution design and development to deployment and value realization, in close collaboration with both clients and strategic partners. In addition to his leadership role, Yassir regularly represents Oracle as a Speaker at industry events and executive roundtables focused on AI, Apps and Digital Transformation.

Bart Veenman is Lead AI Services at KPMG Netherlands, where he spearheads the development and implementation of enterprise AI transformation strategies across multiple industries. With over 15 years of experience bridging management, technology, and innovation, Bart guides global organizations through their AI journeys, from strategy formulation to scaled deployment of agentic workflows. As a recognized thought leader in responsible AI adoption, Bart combines deep technical expertise with practical business acumen to help enterprises unlock AI’s transformative potential while maintaining human-centered values. His work spans Fortune 500 companies and private equity firms, focusing on creating intelligent enterprises that leverage autonomous agents to achieve unprecedented operational efficiency and innovation. Bart holds dual Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Communications from the University of Amsterdam and is a frequent keynote speaker on AI transformation.

Jean-François is passionate about driving digital transformation for businesses. In his role as a Digital Account Executive at Salesforce, he specializes in leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to help top-tier clients create seamless, personalized customer experiences across all channels. With a keen understanding of digital marketing and e-commerce trends, he thrives on the dynamic nature of the tech industry and helps businesses leverage AI in an effort to drive automation, personalisation and content creation. Jean-François is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Learning Management Systems and Workforce Management Systems, allowing him to have developed a unique perspective on the intersection of business and cutting-edge technology.

With over a decade of experience with LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Deloitte, across Europe, the MENA region, and beyond, Mohammed Benzakour has been helping organizations embrace technology while keeping people at the center. At LinkedIn, he acts as a Regional AI Champion for MENA and partners with Governments, Academia, and Enterprises to accelerate AI adoption, reimagine hiring workflows, and reskill workforces at scale. Renowned for blending strategic vision with hands-on execution, Mohammed has led high-impact initiatives such as AI Retreats, Talent Roundtables,, empowering organizations to unlock value while preparing for jobs that don’t yet exist. Energetic, engaging, and deeply insightful, he brings complex ideas to life with clarity — inspiring leaders to embrace innovation, rethink possibilities, and shape the future of work with purpose.

Chartered Fellow of CIPD, certified coach and digital transformation leader with 20 years of experience in HR. Led 30 HR digital transformations across the full employee lifecycle resulting in multi-million euros in savings and enhancing how organizations attract, develop, engage, and reward employees. Partnered with Directors as well as Heads of Functions and their teams to identify and prioritise opportunities and moments that matter, as well as to design for improved employee experience. Partnered with HR Technology leaders such as SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle, Workday, Eightfold, Cornerstone, Ceridian, Beqom. Frequent speaker on the topics of HR and digital transformations at leading industry events in UK and Europe. HRD awards (Vodafone and Sodexo).

Alexandru Vilcu is an experienced professional in sales strategy and business development, focused on driving profitable revenue growth for enterprise products and services across Central Europe. He has a proven track record of expanding customer portfolios in new markets and positioning complex solutions to meet diverse business needs. With expertise across industries such as Telco, SMB, Banking, and the Public Sector, Alexandru collaborates with key accounts to design and deliver critical high-end solutions tailored to specific requirements. He specializes in sales, marketing, enterprise architecture, and branding, while managing revenue, profit, and service achievements in regional storage business. Known for his ability to motivate teams and foster collaboration, Alexandru prioritizes customer-centricity and ethical practices in his work with clients and partners. His approachable leadership style and commitment to building trust have helped him create impactful strategies and drive sustainable growth.

From research labs to global enterprises, Anita Luthra has been a pioneer in AI innovation, focusing on bias detection, personalization, and the implications of the EU AI Act. Global Technology Director of AI and Cloud Native Labs at HCLTech, and former AI leader at JPMorgan Chase, IBM, Lucent/Bell Labs. LONGER A visionary with 15+ years of AI innovation, Anita Luthra drives enterprise-scale AI transformation that delivers measurable business impact. At HCLTech, she architects next-generation AI and Agentic AI solutions for global markets. At JPMorgan Chase, she earned acclaim for groundbreaking AI personalization prototyping for 80 million customers. As a patent holder, international speaker, writer, trained at Lucent/Bell Labs, and a Ph.D. candidate in Emerging Technology, Anita translates cutting-edge AI research into practical industry solutions.

Data Science Manager with expertise in ML/AI engineering for energy sector projects, including short-term and long-term energy consumption and production forecasting, energy fraud detection, predictive maintenance, anomaly detection for wind turbines and solar power systems, and Generative AI solutions.

Lead Machine Learning Engineer at PPC, specializing in designing and delivering production AI systems that drive measurable business outcomes. I’ve led end-to-end deployments across large-scale forecasting, retrieval-augmented generation, and enterprise-grade AI platforms—transforming prototypes into scalable, reliable solutions. My work focuses on building robust ML infrastructure, standardizing model lifecycle practices, and enabling teams to operationalize intelligent agents with confidence.

Andrei Perețianu is a seasoned cybersecurity business leader who works for Palo Alto Networks across Romania and Moldova. With a career spanning over 17 years, Andrei has built a deep expertise in high-level technology strategy, holding key roles at some of the world’s most influential US tech giants, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Fortinet. He is driven by a strong passion for cutting-edge technologies that progress the societies forward, placing him at the critical intersection of innovation and cyber protection. Andrei will provide at AI Expo Europe insights on how the explosion of AI dramatically changes the threat landscape ,but also the ability to defend against these treats in real time.

Alexandra works as a Principal Product Designer at UiPath, designing user experiences for one of the world's most popular tools for automation management. She is conducting her PhD in AI Design and she is an award-winning designer with nearly a decade of experience in this field. Her expertise ranges from designing complex web products to developing UX strategies for products that require a touch of AI. Beyond her design work, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others and can often be found mentoring or teaching about the collaboration between designers and developers.

Victor Negrescu is Vice-President of the European Parliament, member of the EP Delegation for relations with the United States, and Committees on Budget, Public Health, Legal Affairs. He is currently at his third mandate as a Member of the European Parliament. As Vice-President, Mr Negrescu is in charge of transparency and the fight against corruption and, among his several responsibilities, he also oversees the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) and the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS). Since his first election to the European Parliament in 2014, Mr Negrescu has held several key positions, including Quaestor of the European Parliament, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education (2020-2024), EP rapporteur on the EU's annual budgets and chief negotiator of the European Parliament for the 2025 EU budget.

Sabin Sărmaș is a digital transformation strategist and technology leader with over 10 years of experience across both public and private sectors. He has held prominent roles including President of Romania’s Authority for Digitalisation, Chair of the IT&C Committee in the Romanian Parliament, and President of the 2022 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-22), one of the most important events in global telecommunications policy. He combines technical expertise with strategic and business acumen, having worked as a founder, CEO, and consultant for private tech companies, and as an executive in national digitalisation programmes. In 2025, he also founded a start-up in the green energy sector, focused on developing innovative solutions at the intersection of data analytics, AI, and electrical engineering.

Pavel Popescu currently serves as Vice President/Deputy Minister of the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) in Romania, appointed by the Romanian Parliament on October 10, 2023, for a six-year term. In this role, he oversees the regulation of telecommunications, the electronic communications market, postal services, Digital Services Act compliance, and space cooperation, bringing a strategic vision to Romania`s communications sector. A former Chairman of the Defense and National Security Committee, Mr. Popescu served two terms as a Member of Parliament while also holding a Vice President position within the National Liberal Party (PNL). Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping Romania`s 5G, cybersecurity, and foreign direct investment (FDI) legislation, which now stand as international benchmarks for regulatory effectiveness in these critical areas. He was the principal political force be

George-Cristian Tuță has been serving as the Mayor of District 1 in Bucharest since 2024. An economist by training, he has more than 18 years of experience in public administration, having worked in key national and European institutions, including the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Development, the Romanian Parliament, the European Parliament, and the Romanian Intelligence Service. Between 2020 and 2024, he served as a Member of Parliament, where he also held the position of Quaestor of the Chamber of Deputies. Within the Chamber of Deputies, he was active on the Committee for European Affairs and the Committee for Industry and Services. His legislative work focused primarily on digitization and artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on the automation of repetitive tasks and the impact on both the private and public sectors. In 2023, he founded the Special Commission on Automation and the Future of Work within the Chamber of Deputies, which he chaired.

Ciprian Ciucu is the Mayor of Sector 6, Bucharest, known for his focus on modern urban management, transparency, and European development standards. With a background in public policy and governance, he has extensive experience in public administration, having previously served as a member of the Bucharest City Council and as Romania’s representative to the European Committee of the Regions. Under his leadership, Sector 6 has become a model of urban regeneration, digitalization, and efficient use of EU funds.

As Head of the Crime Prevention Office within the Crime Research and Prevention Institute of the Romanian Police, he organizes, monitors and coordinates the implementation of short, medium and long-term crime prevention programs/projects/campaigns. He also establishes and maintains strong partnerships, collaborating with internal and external partners on thematic issues. He represents the Romanian Police at relevant national, regional, and international events focused on crime prevention. Additionally, he serves as one of Romania's National Representatives within the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN).

Dragoș Cristian Vlad is the President of the Authority for the Digitalization of Romania (ADR), the public institution leading Romania’s digital transformation agenda. With over 15 years of experience in public administration and digital policy, he coordinates national initiatives on eGovernment, interoperability, digital identity, and the use of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing in the public sector. Under his leadership, ADR implements flagship programs including the Government Cloud, ROeID (Romania’s digital identity system), and the AI governance framework. He actively represents Romania in European digital policy dialogues, promoting trust, cybersecurity, and the responsible use of AI across public services.

Andrei Baciu is a Member of the Romanian Parliament and Vice President of the Committee on Defense, Public Order and National Security. With a strong background in public policy and administration, he has previously held several leadership positions, including Secretary of State and President of the National Health Insurance House. He is a vocal advocate for the digital transformation of public administration and for the adoption of emerging technologies, firmly believing that digitalization is key to modernizing the state and improving public services. Deeply interested in the impact of artificial intelligence on governance, legislation, and society, he supports a strategic and balanced integration of AI into public policy. At AI Europe Expo, Andrei Baciu brings the perspective of a policymaker committed to fostering dialogue between technology and the state, and to building a legislative framework that unlocks AI’s potential for the benefit of citizens.

Radu Stănescu serves on the Governing Board of the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC), representing Romania in shaping Europe’s cybersecurity and AI resilience strategy. With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and risk-based vulnerability management, he works at the intersection of defence innovation and emerging technologies. His current focus is on advancing Europe’s strategic autonomy in AI-driven cybersecurity, promoting trusted, explainable, and secure AI applications for defence and national security.

Mircea Constantin Șcheau is Ph.D. in Public Order and National Security, focusing on Economics and Security, particularly Cybercrime and Financial Transactions. Mircea Scheau is author or co-author of three volumes, one of which ‒ Cybercrime Regarding Financial Transfers ‒ received the “Victor Slăvescu” Prize awarded by the Romanian Academy, and of over fifty articles related to management, law enforcement, critical infrastructures, information technology, artificial intelligence, defense and cybersecurity. MIrcea Scheau has served as Lecturer in numerous international conferences and is Honorary Associate Researcher at the University of Craiova, the Maritime University of Constanța, at Danubius University of Galati and is Member, inter alia, of the European Research Institute at Babeș-Bolyai ”University

George Buhnici is a journalist, content creator, and one of the most well-known technology advocates in Romania. Born on March 6, 1981, he began his career in the media as a radio reporter, later becoming a constant presence on television and in the digital space. Between 2003 and 2019, he worked at Pro TV, where he produced investigative reports, special correspondences, and segments focused on innovation and infrastructure. In 2011, he created and hosted the show iLikeIT, which quickly became a ratings leader and a key reference point for tech enthusiasts. In parallel, George built one of the most-followed online platforms in Romania, with his YouTube channel surpassing one million subscribers. His content includes gadget reviews, automotive coverage, technological innovations, and topics related to science and the future — all presented in a practical and accessible style. In addition to his media work, he is involved in entrepreneurship and consultancy projects, continuing to explore emerging fields.

Other info: ◦ The founder of Life Care, one of the the largest direct sales company in Central and Eastern Europe, with a cumulative turnover of over 120 Mil $, with over 50,000 independent distributors in over 20 countries. ◦ Investor in the Shark Tank franchise TV show for South East Europe “Imperiul Leilor - sezon 1” ◦ Senator at World Business Angels Forum. ◦ BOARD adviser & Business mentor for more than 1.000 entrepreneurs in online mentorship programs dedicated to ScaleUp companies ◦ Voted by entrepreneurs in “ StartUp Monitor 2019 edition ” as “the most influential Romanian entrepreneur”. ◦ Author of the best-selling book "Start in Entrepreneurship” & “How I’ve changed my life in 4 days” ◦ Creator of Business boardgame “startUp RACE”

Alex "Jay" Balan is the CISO for Happening.xyz and the Superbet Group. His career is focused on Information Security, Innovation and Product Strategy, fields in which he has so far accumulated over 20 years of experience and during which he was a speaker multiple times at the major international security conferences (DEFCON, RSAC, ISC China, DerbyCon, etc)

Ex-Amazon Web Services security leader, seasoned in cloud, enterprise cybersecurity, and AI/ML. At AWS, served as Principal Architect across EMEA and North America, leading major cloud transformations and advising top financial institutions. Previous senior roles at BBVA and Siemens driving transformative programs in security, software, and innovation. Currently co-founder of Secrails, building the next generation of cloud security.

Florina Onetiu is a serial entrepreneur and marketing expert with 20 years' experience. She co-founded BRILU, a MarTech SaaS using AI for engagement and conversions. Previously a partner at Life Care, she led marketing and innovation, later founding and exiting the "Happiness Center" wellbeing network. As a consultant she’s worked with over 50 entrepreneurs. Florina studied at Oxford, Frankfurt Business School, and is pursuing a PHD in Health Tech. She champions women's and youth education.

The career GPS for the next generation. After nearly three decades in education, Dana Vasilescu has taught thousands, but she’s especially passionate about helping teens figure out what they want to do and why, as she felt the weight of such decisions on her own shoulders. She’s the mind behind MyWaY – Build Your Future, a hands-on career guidance program where students test-drive their dream jobs before picking a path. Her approach is focused on real people, real stories, real experiences. She firmly believes that choosing a future shouldn’t feel like guessing on a multiple-choice test.

Bogdan Clipici is the Country Manager for Bolt Business Romania and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree (2022), recognized for driving high-velocity growth in B2B scaleups. With over 5 years of experience in building and leading high-performance teams, Bogdan blends strategic insight with operational execution to deliver business outcomes. He co-founded a startup that raised €2.5M across three funding rounds, reaching a valuation of €15.7M, and has deep expertise in go-to-market strategy, sales leadership, and data-driven decision-making. Passionate about the intersection of AI and business strategy, Bogdan leverages KPIs and financial metrics to scale operations efficiently and sustainably.

The first humanoid robot fully programable with AI delivers the possibility of development as service, social or assistance robot packed in a hardware with 43 motors, vision camera, force sensors in hands and 7km/hour speed.

Silviu Gresoi - AI, ML & Anti-Fraud Specialist | Co-Founder & Member of the Board – APCF Expert in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and fraud prevention, with over 20 years of experience in detecting and combating fraud across industries such as banking, energy, insurance, and pharma. Actively involved in educating and protecting people against emerging digital threats driven by AI.

He has a 14-year background in visual communications and 6 years o immersive technologies. Over the past years, he builds immersive experiences for National and International brands using cutting edge technologies as Augmented and Virtual reality, Holograms, IoT and AI.

With 14 years experience in traditional markets and 4 years experience in the blockchain space and passion for the AI sector, I brought my expertise as a business strategist with extensive experience in business development and leadership across Southeast Asia and Europe. I’ve led strategic initiatives, driven growth, and enhanced business solutions in various sectors, particularly in finance, marketing and blockchain. Currently, as a Blockchain Division Business Strategist, I’m passionate about innovation and transforming businesses within the Web3 landscape, using my background in overseeing cross-functional projects and delivering impactful results.

As the Founder and CEO of ZayaAI, Cristian Mogodici stands at the forefront of revolutionizing healthcare through artificial intelligence. With a profound commitment to integrating pathology science with cutting-edge AI technology, Cristian's vision is to develop high-performing software solutions that enhance disease diagnosis and significantly improve patient outcomes. His journey in the tech and healthcare sectors is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, focusing on developing new AI models that promise a leap forward in pathology diagnosis accuracy and efficiency. Under his leadership, ZayaAI emerges as a pioneering force in HealthTech, dedicated to advancing AI models in pathology diagnosis and driven by the belief in the power of technology to transform healthcare, making it more accurate, accessible, and patient-centered.

An innovator who speaks the languages of technology, design and business, Tey has spent over two decades helping organisations launch and scale transformative products and services. His career journey spans startups, creative agencies, and enterprises - culminating in 8 years at global management consultancy McKinsey & Company, where he rose to Partner to lead the firm's European design and digital growth practices, driving innovation and AI transformation for global organizations at unprecedented scale. Combining deep expertise in digital transformation, product design, behavioral science, and enterprise AI implementation, his current focus is on helping organisations navigate the intersection of innovation, user needs, and responsible technology deployment.

Cristian Băcanu is a senior counsel in the CMS Litigation & Arbitration team. With extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, Cristian brings a strong background in commercial litigation, legislative development, international cooperation and defence sector related work. Cristian began his legal career at CMS in Bucharest in the Commercial Litigation department. He later advanced his practice with a focus on civil, administrative, and commercial litigation, insolvency, and dispute resolution, before transitioning to public service. Cristian has also held high-level public sector roles, including Secretary of State in the Romanian Ministry of Justice, where he coordinated strategic departments and represented the Romanian Government before the European Court of Justice. Cristian also served as a Member of the Romanian Parliament 2020 - 2024), where he contributed to key legislative initiatives on human trafficking, rule of law, and telecom regulation.

Luca Dejan, founder and key partner of VD Law Group, has a strong background in fintech, corporate, and real estate law and is an expert at negotiating complex private investments, financing, and business transactions. His background also includes complex dispute resolution, where he demonstrated outstanding strategic expertise by successfully navigating high-stakes litigation in areas like public procurement, medical malpractice, and FIDIC agreements. Renowned for being an innovator, Luca has proven to be highly skilled at embracing and navigating the worlds of fintech, blockchain, and cryptocurrency projects. His deep knowledge of these fast-moving fields is influencing not only the strategic direction of VD Law Group but also the legal landscape at large, placing the company at the forefront of technological advancement. Well-known for her innovative legal solutions, Luca Dejan acts as a C-suite senior consultant for large corporations and investment funds. Luca has proven himself as a key competitor in notable projects by combining innovative legal techniques with perceptive business expertise. His steady contributions deliver outstanding results, establishing his reputation as a strategic leader in the legal industry.

Sergiu Vasilescu (Managing Partner VD Law Group) Sergiu T. Vasilescu, Founder and Managing Partner of VD LawGroup, is a prominent figure in the IT&C legal environment, specializing in technology, fintech, e-commerce, digital media, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies. Sergiu has earned individual distinction, being qualified as a Band 1 Lawyer in Fintech by Chambers and Partners, which is the most prestigious entity in the legal industry. Known for his entrepreneurial mindset and strategic foresight, Sergiu excels in navigating the complexities of these rapidly evolving sectors. With a keen eye for cross-disciplinary challenges in the tech world, Sergiu brings exceptional skills to anticipate regulatory and technical issues. His expertise extends to hands-on involvement in groundbreaking M&A and international transactions, where his insights into legal intricacies play a crucial role. Sergiu is at the forefront of innovation, handling complex projects involving blockchain, crypto, corporate strategies, data privacy and technology partnerships. His proficiency includes clarifying regulatory landscapes for technology supply, licensing, and implementation, ensuring clients remain ahead in the competitive digital market. Recognized as a sought-after speaker at tech and fintech events and serving as a mentor for fintech hackathons, Sergiu is a respected authority in the industry. His dedication to technology law is a mission to furnish businesses with cutting-edge legal solutions tailored for the digital age. Motivated to solve the 'e-problems' of tomorrow, Sergiu is not just leading VD Law Group; he's actively shaping the future of legal services in the digital world.

Bogdan, a Partner at the VD Law Group, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm. With a background rooted in Dispute Resolution and Corporate - M&A, Bogdan has established a broad spectrum of expertise that extends to the fields of blockchain, FinTech, Intellectual Property, and data privacy. He was educated at the University of Bucharest Law School and honed his skills as an attorney-at-law at one of Romania's leading law firms. In addition to his private practice, Bogdan has also gained invaluable insights through his in-house legal work for a worldwide corporation. As part of his ongoing professional development, Bogdan has made significant contributions to the legal industry through the publication of articles on various subjects such as energy and oil law, medical law, insolvency and data protection.

Ana-Maria is an Associate at VD Law Group and assists clients in a wide range of matters such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, private investments and new emerging technologies. Her work includes dealing with complex legal aspects of blockchain, metaverse and new emerging technologies businesses from start-up phase to international expansion. Ana-Maria is passionate about resolving legal issues of innovative projects in the new emerging technologies market. Ana-Maria has a creative and solution-oriented approach and believes that, with passion and determination, everything is achievable.

With extensive experience in integrated tax consulting and strategic coordination of the Tax & Advisory division, Mădălina Bădescu is Tax Director within the JASILL Group, with a solid professional experience of over 14 years. Her professional career began in 2012 within one of the most prestigious law firms in Romania, and since then she has constantly evolved in the area of ​​tax consulting and strategic coordination. Throughout her career, Mădălina has become a generalist tax consultant, providing assistance in tax inspections and litigation, coordinating complex due diligence and M&A structuring projects, managing VAT refund processes at national and international level and delivering daily tax consulting for both companies and individuals. At the same time, she is actively involved in providing specialized trainings, adapted to the needs of clients.

Crina Tache is the General Development Manager at Federația Tehnologiilor Emergente (FTE), where she drives the organization’s growth and strategic initiatives. With a strong background in business development and emerging technologies, she is dedicated to fostering innovation and building high-impact partnerships within the tech ecosystem. Her expertise spans AI, blockchain, fintech, and other disruptive technologies, helping FTE expand its reach and support visionary projects. Crina is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and business, ensuring FTE remains at the forefront of industry advancements. Throughout the years, she has developed new programs, fostered industry collaborations, and created strategic networking opportunities, solidifying FTE’s position as a leading force in the emerging tech space.

Lucian Botea is an experienced Lecturer with a demonstrated history of working in higher education and a remarkable commitment for academic excellence. Skilled in Economics, International Financial Transactions, Intercultural Communication, Analytical Skills, Education Internationalization, Digitalization, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Business Acceleration. Strong professional education acquired through a Post Ph.D. focused in World Economy and Finance from Romanian Academy, a Ph.D. focused on International Financial Transactions and a Ms. in International Business. Proud alumni of the Romanian-American University bachelor and master programs, he dedicated himself to teaching since 2003 and to academic service since 2005. With a high-level education and becoming part of the academic community, he has progressed in his career, accumulating managerial experience in positions like MBA Program Coordinator, Vice-Dean, Dean and currently VP for partnership development and digital transformation at the Romanian-American University. Lucian Botea has a significant role in promoting new educational trends and topics such as Blockchain and Crypto topics, which are extremly important for the future generations proactiveness. Moreover, he aims to raise awareness about the importance of hot and visionary topics within the academic environment and networking events.

Tristan CEO and Founder of the AI Strategy Institute, Lecturer for AI for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Technical University Munich and Faculty Member for GenAI/AI at the Boston Consulting Group. Prior he built up one of the largest startup incubators for AI in Europe and worked as an AI Strategist. Tristan has spoken about AI in parliament and his opinon on AI can be regularly appears in the news. This Ocotber he is launching new course on AI strategy.

Cosmin Călin is a technology leader and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in software engineering and IT management. With a strong foundation in the .NET ecosystem and extensive hands-on expertise in enterprise systems, IoT, and AI-driven solutions, he has successfully led multiple software initiatives from concept to global deployment. Combining deep technical knowledge with a strategic mindset, Cosmin has built and scaled several ventures, including Tech Pro Staff, a technology consulting and software development company. His leadership approach bridges technology and business outcomes, driving digital transformation across industries such as manufacturing, real estate, and financial services.

Alex Diaconu is an entrepreneur with over 23 years of expertise in technology (AI , DLT), Health (health data, CROs, stem cells), and e-commerce. He is the Co-founder & CEO of AiGIA, Inc, a secure infrastructure for data & decentralized AI. Alex is devoted to empowering individuals to own & unlock the value of their health data, and actively engage in self-care and prevention. He is a visionary thinker, global speaker and a member of the WEF & HIMSS Changemaker in Health 2025 Award Finalist

My deep passion for technology, particularly in the realms of Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI, has set me on a path to building and scaling innovative software products. I leverage this expertise for both startups and Enterprise clients, focusing on AI-driven solutions that push the boundaries of what's possible in tech. As an entrepreneur, I've experienced firsthand the challenges tech founders and business leaders face when integrating cutting edge technology.

Radu Tudor Ionescu is Professor at the University of Bucharest (Romania) and Co-founder at SecurifAI. He completed his PhD at the University of Bucharest in 2013. His research interests include machine learning, computer vision, image processing, medical imaging, computational linguistics and text mining. He published over 140 articles at international peer-review conferences and journals, including CVPR, NeurIPS, ACL, TPAMI and IJCV.

Linda Strick has worked more than 30 years at Fraunhofer-Institute FOKUS with a lot of experience in cutting-edge research and innovation. Since 2018, see is with the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), working on strategic developments of Cloud Security in the EMEA region. With a deep commitment to advancing global acceptance of European and National interests, Linda Strick plays a role in shaping the cybersecurity and compliance landscape across the region and beyond.

Felix is currently the Co-founder and CTO of Netopia, the largest electronic payments processor in Romania, and the Co-founder of BTKO.in, Romania’s first crypto-currency exchange and crypto-payments platform, operational since 2013.

Been doing AI since 2012, went through all developmental phases of the modern stack, from convolutional to transformers, hardware optimisation to large scale deployments, services to products. My tech raised more than 40M$ for my clients. I'm most proud of building a team that delivers, consistently, having build an AI used by millions of people across the world, daily, and now automating workflows for business like yours.

Since 2010, Dr. Mireille Rădoi has been General Director of the “Carol I” Central University Library (www.bcub.ro), Romania’s leading academic library and a hub for digital innovation. The first woman to hold this role since 1891, she advances the intersection of culture and technology, most notably through LIB2LIFE, a project reviving libraries and cultural heritage via AI-driven solutions. Beyond academia, she served as Director of Romania’s CERT-RO, advisor to the Ministry of Communications, and national representative to ENISA. Currently professor at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies and author of 60+ publications, she is a frequent keynote speaker at IFLA, ISA, and UNESCO. Her expertise spans AI, knowledge management, intercultural communication, cyber policy, and strategic decision-making, with a mission to bridge humanistic knowledge, AI, and advanced technologies for the digital future.

DELIA PANAIT is a modern polymath with professional interests and pursuits in a multitude of domains combined in unique manners.Here she takes the stage as an entrepreneur, fascinated and captivated by fields such as neurosciences, futurology, eso-sciences and the intersectionality of human life with technology. From here - the curiosity and knowledge related to the cohabitation of humans with new technologies in general and with robots, AI or new systems in particular. For more than 7 years she has been studying and working with these technologies – now resulting in a unique combination of art and technology as an entrepreneurial endevour.

Adrian is the first crypto journalist in Romania, co-founder, public speaker and networker with 4+ years of experience in copywriting and marketing. He got exclusivity from names such as Brock Pierce, founder of the Bitcoin Foundation, Changpeng Zhao, CEO of Binance, and the first charitable auction of digital assets in Eastern Europe. Currently Adrian is the co-founder and CMO of Pigli, a platform that rewards it's customers for the daily experiences that they enjoy.

# Founder President Romanian Smart City Association # President The World Smart Cities Organization # Owner Smart City Magazine - First European Printed Magazine in SC Industry # Founder Smart City Academy - First academy dedicated to Smart City Industry # Former Ministry - Secretary of State within the Romanian Ministry of European Funds #Founder Bucharest Business Breakfast I`m one of the most active supporters of innovation, technology and future development of cities and communities. I militate for creating a strong and beneficial relationship between the private and public environments, being part of extensive projects with national impact and international resonance. The World's Smart Cities Organization has come to be recognized as the main authority and the leader in the smart city industry in less than one year.

Oana Vîlceanu is a Sustainability Project Manager at Stratos Management and local coordinator for the Green City Bucharest project, integrating urban planning with smart city concepts. Her team is developing a sustainability platform with AI integration in order to help businesses meet EU sustainability requirements. At AI Expo Europe, Oana will moderate the "AI-Powered Smart Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning" panel, exploring how AI can transform urban planning and support sustainable city development.

Adrian doesn’t do “mass marketing.” He delivers up to 50,000 unique creatives per brand campaign for all their brands in their portfolios with a presence in over 100 countries, proving personalization at scale isn’t the future—it’s now. He is an award-winning executive with a track record that spans international experience as an executive in multiple countries, digital transformation, financial services, equity investment, media, marketing, and e-commerce. As founder of Omniperform, he built one of the first platforms where AI rewrites how brands talk to people. He has trained 25,000+ professionals, spoken at hundreds of global events, and teaches at NextMBA alongside Kotler, Godin, and other innovators.

I am a news anchor at Euronews Romania, where I host 3 of the major news programs and two economic shows — “Bani de luat” and “Economia.EU”. With almost fifteen years of experience in journalism, I am specialised in explaining complex economic and social issues in an accessible way, helping audiences understand how global trends impact everyday life. Before joining Euronews, I worked for Romania’s National Television (TVR) and Antena 1 as an economic journalist and anchor. I am also a graduate of the European Journalism Fellowships program and an active volunteer in the “Există un Erou” first-aid initiative.

With over 25 years of experience in industry and academia, I am a computer science AI researcher and entrepreneur specializing in the end-to-end development of large-scale AI applications. My expertise includes AI, Deep Learning, MLOps, and Data Science, supported by two PhDs—one in Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence and another in Project Management—and a specialization in AI from Stanford. I have applied my skills across various sectors, including distribution, retail, logistics, pharmaceuticals, energy, security, and consumer goods.

"All things" marketing, strategy, go-to-market. Focus on tech, innovation, B2B, EU/global.

Codrin Crăcuț combines expertise in law, technology, and business development, with a background in public–private sector partnerships, innovation, and governance. Through Polithink.AI — a NATO-recognized dual-use platform — he explores how AI can modernize governance, drive smarter decision-making, and strengthen the relationship between institutions and citizens. His work spans electoral missions, national and European partnerships, and digital transformation, with a focus on building practical tools that make democratic systems more efficient, transparent, and participatory.

Andrei is a seasoned AI engineer and a PhD student with over 200 international citations on his work. He currently serves as the Head of AI at StockRx, where he leads AI initiatives such as document OCR and understanding, demand forecasting, and analytics. His interests extend to AI in healthcare, reinforcement learning, computer vision, industrial AI, and recurrent neural networks, subjects on which he has conducted academic research and presented several peer-reviewed articles at international conferences.
During his PhD, Andrei's research focused primarily on developing AI algorithms for real-world applications, including defect detection, demand forecasting, sales analytics, and price forecasting. A strong advocate for the benefits of AI, Andrei believes that AI will significantly improve our quality of life. In his free time, he enjoys researching financial markets and tries to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Why am I an expert in failure?
One word: experience. Hi, I’m Mester Catalin — and this is my Failure CV 1. I started a computer company 2. I lost everything and was left with debts to loan sharks and banks 3. I started a web design and development company 4. I lost everything 5. I tried stand-up comedy 🎭 6. I was booed off stage and ended up in depression 7. I got a job as a designer 8. I was fired after 6 months 9. I ended up homeless in Vama Veche 10. I launched ymall, the first and last online mall 11. I lost everything and shut it down 12. I got a job as an Innovation Designer 13. I was fired after 6 months 14. I launched Bookups, a book-based dating app 15. The pandemic hit and I shut it down 16. I started Voxa (10 million euro valuation), an audiobook app 17. I stepped down as CEO and left Voxa operationally 18. I started I Love Failure 19. I Love Failure is valued at 3 million euros

Bio: Anca is the Head of PR & Marketing at Quantum Robotics, one of Romania’s veteran and most award-winning robotics teams, proudly representing the country each year at national and international competitions. In her role, Anca leads the team’s strategic communication, partnerships, and sponsorship initiatives, securing vital funding and visibility for Quantum Robotics’ ambitious projects. She is the driving force behind the organization of events and outreach programs that strengthen Romania’s growing robotics and STEM community, connecting students, mentors, and industry leaders. With a background that blends creativity, leadership, and a deep passion for innovation, Anca has been instrumental in shaping the team’s public presence and expanding its network of supporters. Her work not only ensures the sustainability of Quantum Robotics’ mission but also inspires the next generation of young engineers and technology enthusiasts.

Stoicescu Eric is the Team Leader and Head of Programming at Quantum Robotics, one of Romania’s most accomplished and award-winning FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams. The team has consistently represented Romania with distinction at both national and international competitions. Eric’s primary interests lie in control theory, artificial intelligence, and the seamless integration of hardware and software, fields in which he constantly seeks innovative ways to push the boundaries of robotics. Known for his analytical mindset and creative problem-solving, he thrives on challenges and views each as an opportunity for growth and discovery. Beyond his technical expertise, Eric is deeply committed to team leadership and mentorship, focusing on understanding the needs of his teammates and fostering a supportive, collaborative environment. Outside the lab, he enjoys meeting new people, exchanging ideas, and learning from diverse perspectives, believing that meaningful connections drive both personal and technological advancement.

Ianis Pasarelu is a young innovator passionate about robotics, mechanical engineering, and advanced technology. He combines creativity with precision to design, build, and program complex systems such as autonomous drones, guided rockets, and intelligent robots. His work reflects both imagination and deep technical understanding, merging science and innovation in every project. Beyond his engineering projects, Ianis is dedicated to education and mentorship. He develops robotics and 3D printing workshops that inspire students to explore design, coding, and technology hands-on. As part of the Quantum Robotics team, he applies advanced CAD/CAM design and mechanical principles to solve real engineering challenges. Driven by curiosity and a commitment to excellence, Ianis constantly seeks new ways to improve, experiment, and inspire others. His vision is to create a world where creativity and technology work together to shape a smarter, more connected future.

Daria Niculcea is the Executive Director of JURIDICE.ro and an entrepreneur. With over 13 years of experience and more than 1,000 legal events organized, she interacts daily with professionals from all areas of law, being thoroughly familiar with their needs and challenges. Through her work, she helps lawyers, notaries, bailiffs, and legal advisors build and promote their personal brands. She is passionate and deeply committed, approaching each project as if it were the only one — and the most important. Now she handles JURIDICE AI project also.