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I established IMS Projects in the UK in 2004 and quickly gained a reputation for a collaborative and outcome focused approach that delivers business success through people. In 2009, my family and I relocated to New Zealand and we currently live in Auckland. Today, IMS Projects is a respected provider of high-quality, innovative programmes and services that help Kiwi companies and their employees achieve world class levels of operational performance. We still look to deliver significant and sustainable results through people. Our services include Strategy and Planning, Operational Excellence, Innovation and New Product Development. I have a strong operational consulting background with a range of organisations including T-mobile, Bristol-Myers Squibb, de Beers Industrial Diamonds, Thames Water, Westland Dairy, Baker Boys, Kiwicare and the Midland’s region District Health Boards. I have worked in a wide variety of sectors including manufacturing, food and beverage, oil and gas, utilities, health local and central government and retail. I am also one of only a handful of coaches and trainers in the world certified as a Master NLP Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and certified coach. I hold an MBA from Cranfield School of Management in the UK.

Alaa Dalghan is the Managing Director of Cognit DX, an advisory firm specializing in AI & Data Strategy, C-suite Advisory, Executive Training and Digital Transformation. An evangelist of emerging tech and innovation, with 18 years track record of advising C-suite in public and private sectors on transforming their business with technology. Thought leader and regular keynote speaker in major Tech conferences (80+ in 10 years). 65+ Masterclasses in 9 countries. Frequent TV and media appearances (10+ per year). Engaging presenter and storyteller

Enthusiastic commercially focused leader with passion for developing and empowering teams to achieve success. Collaborative leadership style which allows me to build strong stakeholder relationships based on trust. Strategic vision and ability to challenge, to find solutions that make a real difference to performance. Multinational experience across full spectrum of business, especially in demanding environments. Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Arash Tayebi: Arash is co-founder and CEO of Kara Technologies. He received his PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Auckland. Lossing hearing in one ear in 2017 made Arash interested in the Deaf community and their problems. This experience was the impetus to form Kara. He recognises himself as a problem solver, with a passion to provide scalable solutions for the challenges of the modern world. He received the University of Auckland Blue Award for Innovation in 2019 and was recognized as one of the University of Auckland’s 40 Under 40 alumni in the Disruptors and Innovators category. Arash is a fellow at Edmund Hillary Fellowship.

I tap into the zeitgeist to lead people to think differently, find their personal motivation, and go that extra mile to deliver transformative outcomes at pace. Having worked at the intersection of customer experience, data and digital transformation for 15+ years, I've greatly enjoyed fostering world class customer engagement experiences, building customer centric organisations, whilst focused on delivering value and developing the next generation of talent. Currently I'm immersed in creating long term transformation value from AI in NZ's greatest organisation. I’m always open to opportunities for collaboration and innovation so if you’d like to have a conversation, reach out anytime!

Bruce completed a BE (1st class) and PhD in the Electrical Engineering Department of the University of Canterbury. After working with NZ Electricity for three years and a year at the DSIR in Wellington, he moved to Canada and spent ten years in the Computer Science Department of the University of Calgary. Returning to New Zealand in 1995, he joined the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Auckland. He helped set up a new programme in computer systems engineering. Bruce also started the Robotics Laboratory. His long term goal is to design intelligent robotic assistants that improve the quality of people's lives, with primary research interests in human robot interaction and robot programming systems, and applications in areas such as healthcare and agriculture. He is the director of the department's robotics group and the leader for the multidisciplinary CARES robotics team at the University of Auckland. He has been vice-Chairman for NZ's robotics, automation and sensing association. For NZ's national science challenge Science for Technological Innovation, he was the theme leader for Sensors, Robotics and Automation and deputy director. One of his current research programmes is to develop robots to help care for people, which includes a multidisciplinary project undertaken jointly with Korean researchers and companies. Another research project is for orchard robotics, a joint project with NZ researchers and companies.

Carmen Vicelich is a globally recognised entrepreneur with 20+ years' experience driving innovation and creating impact through technology and data. She founded Valocity, an award-winning property data and analytics platform transforming valuation, real estate, and mortgage lending processes in over 3,500 cities worldwide. By integrating unique data and digital workflows, Valocity empowers smarter, data-driven decisions to manage risk, drive sustainable outcomes, and support housing for all. Valocity has received international acclaim, winning at Cityscape in Saudi and being named FinTech Scale-Up of the Year 2023 at the India global IFTA Awards. Carmen also founded Data Insight, a data company enabling organisations to leverage AI and analytics, as well as Generate Zero, an AI platform that measures, monitors, and reduces financial and operational carbon emissions measurement. A sought-after global speaker and advocate for innovation for impact, she also serves on the UNICEF United Nations Children's board, NZ India Trade Alliance and won EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 (Technology). A proud mother of four, Carmen is passionate about driving technology to create a better world.

Darsel Keane is the Director of the University of Auckland's Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and is a subject matter expert in entrepreneurship education. Her current PhD topic relates to measurement of entrepreneurial mindset. She has led CIE in developing programmes that have made a substantial impact on participants. CIE's results have received international acclaim including being named in 2021 Newsweek Best Maker Schools and multiple awards including: 2021 Entrepreneurship Education Excellence Award – International Council of Small Business, 2021 Outstanding Student Engagement and Leadership – Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centres and 2020 Entrepreneurial University of the Year – Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities.

Seeking roles to advance, communicate, and apply knowledge to improve operations in and between organisations. I’m committed to an approach based on evidence (including empirical, rigorous modelling, and simulation) and the welfare of people. Research, Teaching, and Consulting expertise in: Supply Chain Management Operations Management Operations Strategy Inventory Management Demand Planning/Forecasting Retail Execution China Operations Engagements in Operations/Supply Chain Audit/Forensics, Process Improvement, and Optimisation, and In-house/customised short courses.

Dila joined Unitec Te Pūkenga over 12 years ago, where she worked across a number departments: from Operations to the School of Computing and IT to Industry engagement and partnerships. In her time at Unitec, Dila has established connections with a number of key external public and private stakeholders the relationships with whom led to the development of a number of programmes and micro-credentials including NZ Diploma in Cybersecurity and AWS re/Start micro-credential. In her currently role at Te Pūkenga as a Senior Implementation Lead, Dila continues to focus on the development of short and sharp training opportunities – micro-credentials

Eghbal is an accomplished cybersecurity expert with a background in network engineering and system engineering. Eghbal's career took a new direction when he joined the Ministry of Commerce as a network engineer and system engineer, where he gained valuable experience working with complex IT systems. He later transitioned into a role as a Principle ITSM Manager, where he honed his skills in IT service management. Eghbal's passion for the field led him to pursue a Master's degree in Information Security at UTM Malaysia, where he deepened his knowledge of cloud security, identity, and trust computing. He continued to pursue his passion by completing a PhD at AUT, where he worked on trusted computing and CASB in the digital forensic lab. His research has been published in top-tier journals, and he has presented at leading conferences, establishing himself as a thought leader in the field. Currently serving as a Cyber Manager at Mercury Energy, where he is responsible for developing and implementing the company's cybersecurity strategy. In this role, he works tirelessly to protect the company's digital assets against cyber threats, working closely with senior leaders to ensure that cybersecurity is embedded in the company's culture. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others, and his experiences have given him unique insights into the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity

My passion for delivering faster, more affordable, and individualized eye-care led me to co-found Toku Eyes in 2019. As the science lead, I oversee the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of novel ophthalmic imaging devices, and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. I have over 15 years of experience in bioengineering and biomedical engineering, with a PhD from the University of Auckland and a MSc from the University of New South Wales. I have published morr than 50 journal articles, hold 5 patents, and ha eve raised more than $40m in VC and scientific grants. I am also an Associate Professor of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Auckland, where I teach and mentor the next generation of researchers and innovators in this field.

I am a Professor of Political Science at the University of Zurich, where I explore how artificial intelligence and digital technology are transforming politics and democracy. I lead the ERC Advanced Grant project "Problem Definition in the Digital Democracy" (PRODIGI, 2021–2025) and co-lead the SNF-funded project "Improving the Quality of Online Public Discourse" (2024–2028). My research has been published in leading academic journals, including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), PNAS Nexus, the American Journal of Political Science, the British Journal of Political Science, Political Science Research and Methods, and Political Communication. Through my work, I aim to generate research-based insights into the ways artificial intelligence and digital innovation are transforming democratic systems and public policy.

Frank Zeichner is a thought leader in the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT), https://iot.org.au/. He’s the founding CEO of the Internet of Things Alliance Australia (IoTAA), the peak industry body that strives to create a data smart Australia, through trusted, accessible IoT and AIoT technology and data. IoTAA’s industry focus is on Industrial Automation and Connected Supply; and Net Zero and nature positive transition. Frank is a seasoned CEO with over 40 years’ leadership experience across industry sectors including telecommunications, ICT, research, operations, manufacturing and business consulting and a track record of building collaborative models in Australia and overseas.

An experienced technology executive with a strong record of achievement in New Zealand’s most complex organizations, spanning manufacturing, education, engineering, innovation, deep tech, and health. He is a sought-after international keynote speaker on topics such as sustainability, digital leadership, artificial intelligence, business strategy, organizational transformation, security, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He has been featured in publications including Forbes, Wired, CIO, and The National Business Review. In 2015, I was a finalist for New Zealand CIO of the Year, and in 2018, ranked among Australasia’s top 10 Innovative CIOs. He serves as a non-executive board member of the NZ AI Forum and has a wide international network through his previous roles as Advisor for Digital Innovation at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and CIO of Singularity Group Labs, Silicon Valley. More recently, he advises Boards and governments on the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence and large-scale transformations involving emerging technologies. As the CEO of Staples VR, Glen brings together governance, stakeholder groups, organizational leadership, internal teams, technology service providers, and appropriately sized technology solutions to achieve world-leading outcomes that set organizations ahead of their counterparts.

In her role as Innovation Director at Tech Futures Lab, Jade’s focus is to identify opportunities for innovation, both inside and outside the organisation, across postgraduate programmes and our strategic partnerships. A lifelong learner, Jade qualified from Stanford D.School with a Designing for Social Systems masterclass, has a Masters of Arts Management (Distinction) and a Bachelor of Design, both from AUT. Over the years, Jade has also guest-lectured across University of Auckland, AUT University, Massey University and of course, academyEX faculties; The Mind Lab, Tech Futures Lab & Earth Futures Lab.

Hello! I'm Jamil, an accomplished Chief Technology Officer with a rich history of steering companies towards groundbreaking technological advancements. My journey has been defined by my passion for transforming visions into tangible realities, ensuring that technology not only serves but elevates businesses and their customers. What I Do: * Technology Leadership: At Easy Crypto, SimTutor Inc., and Pattern, I have lead teams through significant transformations, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. * Innovative Solutions: I have a track record of delivering some of the most significant innovations in the companies I've worked with, including high volume crypto trading and treasury systems, non-custodial wallet solutions, and industry leading simulation platforms. * Global Impact: My work has reached global audiences, with simulation software used by 500+ institutions worldwide and have delivered hundreds of projects over the last 25 years impacting numerous government organisations and significant industry players. * Security & Compliance: A keen focus on security has led me to build out robust security programmes for the companies I work for, ensuring compliance with various audit standards. My Vision: To harness technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for change – driving efficiency, security, and innovation in every project I undertake. I aspire to continue breaking new ground in tech, leading teams to create solutions that redefine what's possible.

Jannat Maqbool is a tech-for-good advocate with nearly three decades of experience turning emerging technologies into real-world impact across Australia and New Zealand. She cut her teeth in financial services, where she helped lead the rollout of New Zealand’s first online origination and credit-risk platform for vehicle finance—an early fintech milestone that broadened access to fairer lending. A passionate educator, Jannat then spent ten years strengthening digital capability in the vocational sector. During this period she founded and hosted the IoT Waikato event series, giving regional innovators a five-year platform to showcase practical Internet-of-Things solutions. Her civic-tech journey accelerated when she became Smart Cities Advisor to New Zealand’s fastest-growing city, where she helped bring to life the nation’s first public “Smart Space”—a living lab that connected councils, technology partners and citizens around data-driven urban projects. Jannat then helped launch one of New Zealand’s first AI Institutes and has been involved across the digital-twin ecosystem across Australia, New Zealand and, more recently, the United Kingdom, since 2019. Today she speaks about and advisers on data-driven innovation strategies, ethical AI adoption and the orchestration of sensor-to-cloud-to-analytics ecosystems that deliver measurable public value. At the summit, Jannat will present “From Sensors to Services: Governing an AIoT Digital Commons for Smart Cities.” In just 15 minutes she will aim to arm policy leaders, civic-tech professionals and digital strategists with a concise blueprint for transforming siloed IoT pilots into shared, secure and scalable civic infrastructure—ensuring communities reap the benefits of smarter, more responsive urban services.

Leadership and Management Capability Development, Resilience, Coaching, Mentoring, Stress, Mental Health, Career Development, Research and Advice. Over 25 years ago Dr. Lehan Stemmet developed an interest in how people deal with challenges through what started as a personal project he called 'Deal With It'. He is passionate about seeing people reach their full potential despite the challenges they may have experienced. He is often invited as keynote speaker to present the 'Deal With It' principles and mental health related topics to diverse audiences including senior executives, various professional and community groups as well as tertiary and secondary education students. Lehan has also been a mentor and coach for many people over the years. He links his observations over the years with some of the latest published research on stress and resilience, including his own research findings, and he presents it in an easy-to-understand and practically applied way. His work has been published in mainstream business media, academic research articles, books and encyclopaedias in several countries, including the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, India and South Africa. Lehan has held various senior leadership and management roles in diverse industries. He taught a range of undergraduate and postgraduate management courses, including organisational behaviour, research methods and organisational change and development to senior executives as well as tertiary education students. He has an affinity for interdisciplinary applied research, broadly categorized in the behavioural and cognitive neuroscience space, but with particular focus on stress and resilience, and its moderators. He is qualified in biochemistry and microbiology, as well as in organisational and experimental psychology, and holds several qualifications from the United Kingdom, United States of America, New Zealand and South Africa. He lives in Auckland with his wife, Fredericka, and their three children.

Lynn (she/her) is nationally and internationally recognised for her thought leadership in AI teaching and learning and digital innovation practices, which have won multiple awards. With community at heart, she created and co-leads the AI Community of Practice to disseminate, collaborate and advocate the use of AI in education practices at UNSW. An early adopter, adapter and authoritative voice in AI, she led the terms of reference responses for the Australasian Academic Integrity Network's submission to Parliament on the impacts of Artificial Intelligence in Education (2023) and also presented evidence to the Parliamentary enquiry of the same. She has published several chapters on designing teaching and assessment in the face of rapidly developing Artificial Intelligence. With digital in her blood, her early involvement in online learning saw her co-lead the largest Community of Practice (Digital Online Learning and Innovation 2020- 2023) and pioneered voice feedback (2011) and the use of technology in grading and feedback (from 2014).