Open Innovator Releases ‘The Global Robotic and AI Builders Who Defined 2025’ List Featuring Demis Hassabis, Marc Raibert, Dinis Guarda, Amongst Others

Open Innovator is a collaborative platform connecting startups, investors, industry, and academia. ‘The Global Robotic and AI Builders Who Defined 2025’ highlights individuals advancing robotics and artificial intelligence through research, entrepreneurship, education, and real-world deployment across global innovation ecosystems.

In 2025, AI and robotics innovation reached historic breakthroughs, with massive global investments, autonomous AI agents, advanced multimodal models, and robotics reshaping industries. 

Funding concentrates on enterprise-ready applications and specialised robotics, with AI capturing over 50% of global VC. Robotics benefits from AI advancements in autonomy and vertical-specific solutions.

The Global Robotic and AI Builders Who Defined 2025, recognising individuals shaping progress across deep-tech, autonomy, humanoids, and applied AI.

‘The Global Robotic and AI Builders Who Defined 2025’ 

Research & Deep-Tech

• Demis Hassabis

Demis Hassabis is a leading researcher and entrepreneur in artificial intelligence, known for combining science, engineering, and long-term research thinking. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Google DeepMind, a role he has held since 2010. Under his leadership, DeepMind has delivered major advances in artificial intelligence, including breakthroughs in reinforcement learning, neuroscience-inspired AI, and scientific discovery. 

In 2021, he also became the Founder and CEO of Isomorphic Labs, where he focuses on using AI to accelerate drug discovery and improve human health.

Before these roles, Hassabis worked as a Research Fellow at the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit at University College London, where he connected neuroscience research with machine learning. 

He contributed to the AI and design of well-known games including Theme Park, Black & White, and Republic: The Revolution.

Wiki: https://businessabc.net/wiki/demis-hassabis 

• Marc Raibert

Marc Raibert is known for his long-term work in dynamic and legged robotic systems. He is the Executive Director of the RAI Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focussing on advancing robotics and artificial intelligence research for real-world use.

Raibert is also the founder of Boston Dynamics, well-known for their robots such as BigDog, Atlas, and Spot - that changed how robots move and operate in complex environments.

Marc was also a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute. 

He was also a Member of Technical Staff at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 

He holds a PhD from MIT and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University.

Wiki- https://businessabc.net/wiki/marc-raibert

• Greta R. Spivey

Greta R. Spivey is a deep-tech ecosystem builder who works at the intersection of government, venture capital, and emerging technologies. She is based in San Francisco and currently serves as an Advisor at Deep Tech Connections, where she provides guidance on government relations. 

Greta is also a Community Lead at the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum, managing a global defence innovation community of more than 10,000 members and building strategic partnerships. 

She is an Angel Squad Member at Hustle Fund, supporting early-stage investments, and has advised organisations such as OPFOR.

Previously, Greta spent nearly four years at FedTech, where she played a key role in national security innovation programmes for the US Department of Defense. She directed studio and accelerator programmes supporting more than 50 dual-use startups, built partnerships with over 15 venture funds and universities, and led the Army SBIR TABA programme helping over 20 startups secure contracts. 

She also managed budgets of up to $1.7 million and helped launch new accelerators, including the Quantum Startup Foundry.

Wiki- https://businessabc.net/wiki/greta-r-spivey

• Raffaello D’Andrea

Raffaello D’Andrea is a professor at ETH Zurich, founder of Verity, and a leading figure in robotics, automation, and AI-driven systems. He leads a hands-on research programme at ETH Zurich focused on robotics, control, and automation, where his team has developed widely recognised experimental platforms including Cubli, the Balancing Cube, the Distributed Flight Array, the Blind Juggler, the Flying Machine Arena, and CyberRunner.

He previously served on the faculty at Cornell University, where he co-founded the Systems Engineering programme and led the Cornell Robot Soccer Team to four RoboCup world championships.

In industry, he co-founded Kiva Systems, which transformed warehouse automation through robotic order fulfilment and was acquired by Amazon in 2012, becoming Amazon Robotics. He later co-founded ROBO Global, the world’s first robotics and AI exchange-traded fund, acquired in 2023. 

He is also the co-founder and CEO of Verity, delivering AI-powered, drone-enabled inventory systems deployed in over 100 warehouses worldwide. His work spans engineering, robotics, autonomous systems, and large-scale robotic art installations, and he holds over 100 patents globally.

Wiki- https://businessabc.net/wiki/raffaello-d-andrea

• Nare Janvelyan, PhD

Nare Janvelyan, PhD, is a deep-tech investor at Voyager Ventures, where she focuses on backing early-stage companies working at the intersection of advanced science, engineering, and commercial impact. She joined Voyager Ventures in 2024 and brings a strong background in both technical research and strategic consulting. Before moving into venture capital, she spent over four years at Simon-Kucher in the San Francisco Bay Area, progressing from Senior Consultant to Senior Manager, where she worked with technology and innovation-driven companies on growth strategy, pricing, and market entry.

Earlier in her career, Nare worked at Harvard University as an Associate and previously as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant, contributing to cross-disciplinary research in chemical physics and sustainable catalysis. Her academic work focused on linking material structure and surface chemistry to catalytic performance for sustainable chemical production. She holds a PhD in Chemical Physics from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. In addition, she mentors founders and investors in the climate and sustainability ecosystem through Entrepreneurs for Impact.

Wiki- https://businessabc.net/wiki/nare-janvelyan

Founders & CEOs

• Oana Andreea Jinga

Oana Andreea Jinga is a technology and logistics leader working at the intersection of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial and Product Officer at Dexory, where she leads product strategy, commercial growth, and partnerships. At Dexory, she is driving the use of autonomous robots and digital twin technology to deliver real-time visibility and continuous insights into warehouse and supply chain operations. 

Before Dexory, she was a Co-Founder at BotsAndUs, where she worked on human-centric robotics solutions. She also spent over six years at Google, holding senior roles including Strategic Partnerships Manager for EMEA and Retail Partnerships Manager for the UK, where she led cross-sector partnerships and major product launches such as Google Pixel, Google Home, and Nest. 

Earlier in her career, she held multiple commercial and business development roles at O2 (Telefónica UK). She is also an active speaker and contributor to the global robotics and automation ecosystem.

Wiki- https://businessabc.net/wiki/oana-andreea-jinga

• Péter Fankhauser

Péter Fankhauser is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ANYbotics, a Swiss robotics company focused on deploying AI-driven autonomous mobile robots in demanding industrial environments. He holds a PhD from ETH Zurich and has over 15 years of experience in robotics research, development, and commercial deployment. At ANYbotics, he has led the transition of advanced legged robotics from academic research into real-world industrial use, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and scalability. 

Under his leadership, ANYbotics has expanded internationally with offices in Zurich and San Francisco and has raised approximately $130 million from leading global and Silicon Valley investors. 

Péter has also contributed extensively to robotics research, publishing peer-reviewed work on rough-terrain locomotion and probabilistic terrain mapping. In 2025, he was named a finalist for EY World Entrepreneur of the Year and received Switzerland Global Enterprise’s Export Award through ANYbotics.

Wiki- https://businessabc.net/wiki/peter-fankhauser

• Dennis Stampfer

Dennis Stampfer is the CEO and Co-Founder of Toolify Robotics GmbH, where he leads the development of xito.one, a platform designed to simplify the creation and deployment of robotics applications. His work focuses on making automation practical and affordable, particularly for companies facing labour shortages and rising operational costs across Europe. 

Through xito.one, he aims to lower technical barriers and enable faster adoption of robotics, even for smaller businesses and organisations with limited automation experience.

Before founding Toolify Robotics in 2020, Dennis worked in academic and applied robotics research. He was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Research Centre for Service Robotics in Ulm and previously spent several years as a Scientific Researcher at the Service Robotics Research Group at Hochschule Ulm. 

He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the Technical University of Munich, with research focused on system design processes for service robotics, and a Master’s degree in Information Systems from Technische Hochschule Ulm.

Wiki- https://businessabc.net/wiki/dennis-stampfer

• BALA NAGA PRANAV

Bala Naga Pranav S is an emerging robotics and neuroscience-focused innovator working on applied projects that connect sensing, automation, and sustainability. His work centres on building practical technology solutions using robotics, embedded systems, and intelligent sensing. 

He has led and contributed to multiple research and development projects, including a freshness estimation system for fruits and vegetables using MQ gas sensors, which was later published at an international IEEE conference. His projects combine algorithms, sensor integration, and real-world deployment.

He is also associated with Polymanure, a sustainability-focused project developed with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, which converts plastic waste into nutrient-rich manure using biological processes involving fungi. In addition to project work, he has published research on plant signal extraction, classification, and automated irrigation systems. 

His contributions have been recognised with awards, including a Top 10 selection at an international IoT and machine learning symposium and a Special Jury Award at a national technology fair. He actively shares insights on robotics and neuroscience and continues to build hands-on systems across hardware and software domains.

Wiki- https://businessabc.net/wiki/bala-naga-pranav

• Remi Cadene

Remi Cadene is a researcher, engineer, and technology founder working across artificial intelligence, deep learning, and robotics. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UMA, a company focused on building advanced AI systems, a role he assumed in 2025. 

Before this, he was a Principal Research Scientist at Hugging Face, where he worked on large-scale machine learning research and applied AI systems. He previously served as a Staff Scientist at Tesla, contributing to AI research and engineering efforts related to autonomous driving and real-world deployment.

Remi expertise spans artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, computer vision, and natural language processing. He has been recognised for excellence in data science through top rankings in international competitions supported by organisations such as Microsoft, Axa, and Capgemini.

Wiki- https://businessabc.net/wiki/remi-cadene

Humanoids

• Hyeok “Dean” Song

Hyeok “Dean” Song is an emerging industrial and transportation designer working at the intersection of automotive, mobility, and humanoid robotics design. He is currently an Industrial Design Intern in Humanoid Design at Apptronik, contributing to the visual and functional design of next-generation humanoid robots. Alongside this, he has gained hands-on experience through creative and exterior design internships at General Motors and Nissan Motor Corporation, focusing on exterior design, visualisation, and advanced mobility concepts for production and future vehicles.

Previously, he worked full-time as a designer and researcher at KLIO DESIGN, where he contributed to OEM advanced design R&D, production car design, and autonomous mobility projects. His portfolio includes selected production and concept designs for electric scooters, passenger vehicles, and mobility platforms in collaboration with brands such as KIA, Mahindra, and Daedong. He has also worked on mobility concept, UI/UX, and scooter design projects in South Korea. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Transportation Design at ArtCenter College of Design.

• Jim Fan

Jim Fan is a leading researcher and technology leader in artificial intelligence, robotics, and embodied intelligence. He is currently Director of AI and Distinguished Research Scientist at NVIDIA, where he spearheads Project GR00T, focused on foundation models for general-purpose humanoid robotics, and co-leads the GEAR (Generalist Embodied Agent Research) Lab. His work centres on Physical AI, building systems that learn to act autonomously across simulated and real-world environments. Prior to this role, he served as Senior Manager and Principal Research Scientist at NVIDIA, where he co-founded the GEAR research team.

Jim Fan holds a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University, advised by Professor Fei-Fei Li, with research spanning deep reinforcement learning, robotics, computer vision, and large-scale learning systems. He was OpenAI’s first-ever intern, co-developing the OpenAI Universe initiative and co-authoring early foundational work on web-based AI agents. He has also conducted research at Mila under Yoshua Bengio and Aaron Courville. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, graduating as valedictorian.

• Mike Zheng SHOU

Mike Zheng Shou is a leading researcher in multimodal AI, specialising in video understanding and generation across vision, language, and audio. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore, where he leads the Show Lab, driving advanced research in large-scale video intelligence, multimodal learning, and generative AI systems. His work focuses on enabling machines to better perceive, reason, and create from complex video data, with strong impact across both academia and industry.

Previously, he worked as a Research Scientist at Facebook (Meta), contributing to cutting-edge video and multimodal AI research, and earlier as a Research Intern at Facebook and Microsoft. He holds a PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Columbia University, where he was advised by Professor Shih-Fu Chang and focused on video analysis. Mike Zheng Shou is a Fellow of Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) and has been recognised in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia for his contributions to artificial intelligence.

• Baptiste Michaud

Baptiste Michaud is the co-founder and President of Humanoid, a leading French digital media group focused on mobile, technology, and digital culture. Since co-founding Humanoid in 2007, he has played a central role in building and scaling a multi-brand media ecosystem that includes Frandroid, Numerama, Madmoizelle, and Lemon. Under his leadership, these platforms have become reference voices in technology journalism, reaching millions of users through editorial, video, and social media formats.

He oversees Humanoid’s strategic vision, business development, and operations, with deep involvement in editorial direction, product innovation, SEO, audience analytics, and monetisation models such as programmatic advertising. Baptiste has led major acquisitions, partnerships, and integrations, strengthening Humanoid’s market position while keeping it agile and data-driven. Alongside this, he previously served as President of 191 Media, a joint advertising venture, and has a strong technical background shaped by earlier roles as CTO and research engineer in mobile and emerging technologies.

• Ahmed Aboudonia

Ahmed Aboudonia is a robotics and control researcher specialising in the intersection of control theory, mathematical optimisation, and machine learning. He is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he develops adaptive, learning-enabled, and data-driven control approaches for robotic systems. His work focuses on building resilient autonomous systems, improving energy sustainability, and enhancing trust in complex societal and cyber-physical systems.

Previously, he spent over six years at ETH Zürich as a Scientific Assistant, leading and contributing to high-impact research projects in adaptive and data-driven control. His work has included control architectures for railway systems in collaboration with Swiss Federal Railways, and energy-efficient building control technologies with Empa, now deployed commercially and delivering up to 40% energy savings across Europe. Ahmed has also worked on humanoid locomotion, UAV control, and disturbance estimation across leading institutions in Europe and the Middle East, and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in control and robotics.

Autonomous Systems & Drones

• Andrei Danescu

Andrei Danescu is the Founder and CEO of Dexory, an AI and robotics company building a real-time operating system for the physical world. Through a full-stack platform combining autonomous robotics, edge AI, digital twins, and machine-actionable data, Dexory delivers real-time visibility and autonomy for global supply chains. Under his leadership, the company (formerly BotsAndUs) is transforming warehouses into self-optimising systems where perception, decision-making, and execution happen continuously, enabling intelligent, agentic physical operations at industrial scale.

Before founding Dexory, Andrei held senior engineering roles across high-performance and autonomous systems. He worked as a Senior State Estimation and Control Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover on connected vehicles and perception systems, and as a Control Systems Trackside Engineer with the Sahara Force India Formula One Team, responsible for real-time data analysis and diagnostics. 

• Raquel Urtasun

Raquel Urtasun is the Founder and CEO of Waabi, an autonomous trucking company built on AI-first principles, where she is redefining self-driving technology through a simulation-led, end-to-end learning approach. Since founding Waabi in 2021, she has led the development of a next-generation autonomy stack focused on safety, scalability, and real-world deployment, positioning the company at the forefront of AI-native autonomous driving.

Alongside her entrepreneurial work, Raquel is a Full Professor at the University of Toronto, where she has held academic leadership roles for over a decade. Previously, she served as Chief Scientist and Head of R&D at Uber ATG, leading global research efforts in autonomous driving, and headed Uber ATG Toronto. Her career also includes faculty roles at Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago and postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley. With a PhD in Computer Science from EPFL, her work spans machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and large-scale autonomous systems, bridging cutting-edge research with industrial impact.

• Ahti Heinla

Ahti Heinla is the Co-founder, CEO, and CTO of Starship Technologies, the global leader in autonomous last-mile delivery robotics. Under his technical and strategic leadership, Starship has deployed thousands of autonomous delivery robots operating at city scale across Europe and the United States, completing millions of real-world deliveries and proving that autonomous robotics can function reliably in everyday urban environments.

Before Starship, Ahti was a key architect of modern internet infrastructure as Chief Technical Architect at Skype, where he helped build one of the world’s most scalable peer-to-peer communication platforms. Beyond commercial innovation, he is also the founder of Ambient Sound Investments and a driving force behind the “Let’s Do It World” civic movement, one of the largest global volunteer clean-up initiatives.

• Brian S.

Brian S. is the Founder and CEO of Vermeer, a defence-focused technology company applying advanced computer vision to address complex national security and defence challenges. Since founding Vermeer in 2019, he has led the development of vision-driven systems at the intersection of AI, drones, and defence solutions, positioning the company as a specialist in high-stakes, real-world applications. He is also actively involved in the startup ecosystem, serving as a mentor at the NYU Tech Venture Accelerator and participating in the Air Force Ventures Technology Accelerator powered by Techstars.

Previously, Brian founded and led Aerobo, which he scaled into the world’s largest drone cinematography company. Under his leadership, Aerobo worked on major Hollywood productions, including Oscar-winning films, and played a pioneering role in shaping drone regulation, with Brian testifying before the US Congress and securing one of the first FAA Section 333 exemptions. His work has been recognised by Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30, highlighting his influence across drones, AI, and defence innovation.

• Marko Bjelonic

Marko Bjelonic is the CEO and Co-Founder of RIVR, a Swiss robotics company advancing General Physical AI to transform last-mile delivery through autonomous, real-world capable robots. At RIVR (formerly Swiss-Mile), he leads the development of next-generation robotic systems that combine perception, learning, and hybrid locomotion, with the company backed by global investors including Jeff Bezos and institutional partners. His work focuses on deploying scalable, commercially viable robotics beyond controlled environments.

Alongside his entrepreneurial role, Marko has made foundational contributions to robotics research through ETH Zurich’s Robotic Systems Lab, NCCR Robotics, and NCCR Digital Fabrication. His work includes patented wheeled-legged robot technology, early application of neural networks on legged robots, and leading research on hybrid locomotion and real-time trajectory optimisation. He contributed to award-winning international robotics programmes, including a victorious team at the DARPA Robotics Challenge, and has published extensively in top IEEE robotics venues, bridging cutting-edge research with real-world autonomous systems deployment.

Rising Global Voices

• Qianyi Deng

Qianyi Deng is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at the University of Oxford and Co-Founder of Piggy Robotics, a Y Combinator (F25) startup focused on building mass-producible humanoid robots powered by artificial muscles. At Piggy Robotics, she is helping develop low-cost, full-scale humanoids designed for everyday household tasks, combining proprietary hardware systems with advanced AI to dramatically reduce cost and time to production.

Alongside her startup work, Qianyi’s work spans 3D human pose estimation, transformer-based vision models, multilingual OCR, and large-scale data visualisation. She has contributed to research and engineering projects at the University of Oxford, Fudan University, Tencent, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivering measurable real-world impact. 

• Diana Gajic

Diana Gajic is a Senior Executive Recruiter at SAP and a LinkedIn Top Voice, recognised for her work at the intersection of executive talent, organisational growth, and inclusive leadership. At SAP, she leads end-to-end executive recruiting across the EMEA and MEE regions, supporting senior leadership hiring for one of the world’s leading enterprise software and business AI companies. She also serves as a Local Inclusion Ambassador and has contributed directly to People & Culture initiatives at board level, including executive communications for SAP’s Chief People Officer.

With over 15 years of experience across global in-house and agency roles, Diana has held senior recruitment and leadership positions at Deutsche Telekom, EPLAN, FERCHAU Engineering, and ORBIT. Her work spans global talent acquisition strategy, change management, employer branding, and leadership hiring across technology, engineering, and corporate domains. A certified systemic coach and active DEI advocate, she is a regular voice in German media, HR events, and podcasts, shaping conversations around talent attraction, career development, and inclusive workplaces

• Rokas Bendikas

Rokas Bendikas is the Co-Founder and CTO of Laelaps AI, where he is building next-generation autonomous robotics systems for security and defensive intelligence. His work focuses on creating reliable, adaptive, and cost-efficient AI-driven surveillance solutions for critical residential, commercial, and defence environments.

Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Rokas is a PhD candidate in Foundational AI at University College London (UCL), researching spatial intelligence through 3D world models. His academic work is supervised by leading experts including Prof. Danail Stoyanov (UCL), Prof. Dimitrios Kanoulas (UCL), and Prof. Hao Su (UC San Diego). His background spans embodied AI, robotics, reinforcement learning, and vision-language-action models, with industry research experience at Qualcomm and teaching experience as a Visiting Lecturer in AI and Machine Learning.

Recognised as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe (2025) honouree, Rokas represents a new generation of founders bridging deep foundational AI research with real-world robotic systems, pushing the boundaries of autonomous intelligence and applied security technologies.

• Simon Philip Rost

Simon Philip Rost is the Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer at GE HealthCare, leading the Enterprise Imaging and AI portfolio, where he drives global marketing, commercial strategy, and AI-led digital health growth. With nearly two decades of experience across marketing, strategy, sales, and general management, he has played a pivotal role in shaping go-to-market strategies, commercial excellence frameworks, innovative product launches, and AI-enabled healthcare solutions across international markets. 

Alongside his executive role, Simon holds influential positions across academia and industry. He serves as Chair of HIMSS Corporate Members Europe, Visiting Lecturer at the University of St. Gallen, Visiting Faculty at UCL Global Business School for Health, and Adjunct Faculty at IE Business School. A recognised LinkedIn Top Voice, he actively contributes to leadership development, AI adoption in healthcare, and the future of digital health ecosystems globally.

• Corinna Welling, PhD

Corinna Welling, PhD, is Director of Applied Robotic Technology Development at Johnson & Johnson, where she leads the advancement of next-generation robotic, AI-driven, and medtech innovations with a strong patient-centric focus. With over 20 years of experience in the medical device and medical robotics industry, she operates at the intersection of engineering, clinical application, regulatory strategy, and corporate innovation, driving scalable healthcare technologies across APAC and EMEA. Her work includes applied robotic technology development, cross-functional programme leadership, and the translation of advanced robotics into real-world clinical solutions.

Recognised as one of the Top 25 Voices in Healthcare Robotics, Corinna is a prominent women leader in healthcare, public speaker, and mentor in the medtech and biotech ecosystem. She actively contributes to industry thought leadership while supporting talent development through mentoring and advocacy initiatives. Her portfolio includes peer-reviewed publications, patented robotic rehabilitation systems, and strategic roles shaping the future of medical robotics, AI, and accessible healthcare innovation globally.

Creators & Educators

• Dinis Guarda

Dinis Guarda is a global thought leader, author, entrepreneur, and AI creator, recognised for his work across artificial intelligence, digital transformation, blockchain, fintech, smart cities, and future systems. He is the Founder and CEO of ztudium Group, an EU-based AI and technology research organisation, and the creator of globally recognised platforms including Citiesabc, Businessabc, Wisdomia, SportsDNA, IntelligentHQ, HedgeThink, TradersDNA, and AI.DNA. His work focuses on human-centric AGI, spatial AI, digital twins, robotics, digital identity, and immersive internet technologies, shaping next-generation business and societal models.

Ranked Top 1/10/50 global thought leader across multiple technology domains by Thinkers360 and named among Edelman’s Top 50 AI Creators, Dinis advises governments, Fortune 500 companies, global institutions, and universities, including the UN, UNESCO, UNITAR, WEF communities, ESA, Mastercard, and Barclays. He is also a leading digital media voice, reaching 100M+ people monthly through research, publishing, and his global podcast and video platforms.

Wiki: https://businessabc.net/wiki/dinis-guarda 

• Joseph M. Bradley

Joseph M. Bradley is a global applied futurist, technology executive, and author driving innovation at the intersection of AI, digital transformation, and enterprise strategy. He currently serves as CEO of JMB X, leading a cutting-edge technology ecosystem that empowers founders, creators, and enterprises to unlock human potential through AI. His work spans AI-driven ventures, digital twin marketplaces, immersive programs, and scalable solutions, with offices in Dubai, Chicago, Silicon Valley, and Singapore.

Previously, Joseph was CEO of Tonomus and Sector Head/President of Technology & Digital for NEOM, where he shaped the vision and delivery of the world’s first cognitive city and oversaw full-scale technology and digital infrastructure. With over 15 years at Cisco Systems in senior leadership, he led global initiatives in IoT, AI, blockchain, and incubation businesses. An advocate for disruptive technology, inclusion, and human-centric innovation, his work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fox News, and Financial Times.

• Fatima Khan

Fatima Khan is a digital marketing strategist, content creator, and AI community builder with a strong focus on LinkedIn growth and creator empowerment. She is the Co-Founder of The AI Creators Club, a platform helping professionals leverage AI to expand their reach and engagement, and the Founder of LinkedIn Tea, a newsletter dedicated to social media strategies and insights.

Fatima collaborates as a Creator Partner with Stanley and Replit, providing guidance and resources to help creators scale their digital presence. Her previous experience includes Marketing Office Manager at VISUfarma UK, where she led digital marketing initiatives, strategy development, and social media management. She holds an MSc in Marketing Management (Distinction) from the University of Hull and a BBA from the Institute of Business Administration, and is certified in Google Analytics and Branding Foundations. 

• Sara Simeone

Sara Simeone is an award-winning entrepreneur, product strategist, and innovator specialising in AI, Web3, and no-code technology. With over 20 years of experience in digital strategy and execution, she has led initiatives at global agencies and brands including WPP, Dentsu, Vistaprint, and Oriflame. 

Sara is the CEO and Co-Founder of NoCodeLab.ai, a platform that democratizes technology creation, enabling non-technical founders to build production-ready applications in weeks using AI-powered no-code development. 

She is also CEO and Co-Founder of Niftyz.io, a pioneering Web3 platform for digital asset management and tokenization, backed by prominent investors such as Animoca Brands. 

As a Board Member of the Centre of Digital Innovation at Manchester Metropolitan University and a lecturer in Blockchain for Business and Law at MedieInstitutet. Recognised among Top Women in Crypto, Top 100 Women in Tech UK, and Innovate Finance Top Senior Leaders. 

• Dr Philippa Hardman

Dr Philippa Hardman is a leading expert in AI-powered learning, education innovation, and human-centred pedagogy. She is the Founder of DOMS™️, a methodology and platform transforming how learning experiences are designed, and hosts the world’s most popular AI & Learning Design Bootcamp for educators. 

As a specialist advisor, Philippa works with global organisations including OpenAI, KPMG, Novartis, BCG, Salesforce, and Haleon, helping them integrate AI and learning science to enhance education outcomes.

She is recognised with the ASU+GSV Woman in AI 2025 award and the Innofounder Denmark 2023-2024 prize, she is dedicated to leveraging AI and learning science to create impactful, next-generation educational experiences.