European Convergence Summit (ECS) 2025

Emanuela Girardi currently serve as President of Adra. She is the founder and president of Pop AI (Popular Artificial Intelligence), and the founder and CEO of AI Value. 

She is a member of the group of artificial intelligence experts appointed by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development to elaborate the Italian national AI strategy. 

She holds positions on the boards of AIxIA (the Italian Association for Artificial Intelligence), the Advisory board of CLAIRE (Confederation of laboratories of AI in Europe), Fondazione per la Scuola of Compagnia San Paolo and IGF Italy (Internet Governance Forum by the United Nations).

She teaches AI & Sustainability at Politecnico University of Turin and was honored in 2021 as one of the "Inspiring Fifty," recognising her as one of the most inspiring women in tech in Italy. 

Christophe Leroux received a PhD degree in Decision Theory from the Sorbonne University in Paris in 1990. 
He is a senior researcher in AI for robotics. He is currently Manager of European Affairs at the LIST institute from CEA Paris-Saclay. He coordinates and represents CEA in several research and innovation projects on AI and robotics. 
He is member of the Board of Directors of the ADRA association as well as in the euRobotics association.

Christophe Leroux is the author of several scientific papers in International conferences and journals, on the applications of AI to robotics, on ethical, legal and socioeconomic issues in robotics and on support to innovation in robotics. 
 

Iddo is Business Director European Partnerships at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. At the university, he is also business director of the Digital Society Institute and member of the core team of the Strategic Business Development department. 

Many of Iddo's activities take place at the intersection of technology-ELSE-innovation to embed digital technology in society and to create social and economic impact. He is coordinator of the Adra Topic Group ‘Innovation, Uptake and Deployment of AI-Data-Robotics technologies’, and member of the Supervisory Board of EIT Digital, Europe’s largest digital innovation ecosystem. 

Françoise Siepel received her M.Sc. in Technical Medicine with specialization Robotics and Imaging in 2010. She obtained her PhD in 3 years and has spent more than 15 years on research, winning approx. 1 million euros of personal awards including one PhD and 2 Postdoc grants and has currently 50+ publications. She has international experience from the University of Bergen, Kings College and more than 5 years at the Stavanger University hospital where she worked out various technical medical related projects. In 2016 she joined the Robotics and Mechatronics group, and focuses on medical technology and especially image guided robotic interventions and is involved in research/education. She performs the coordination of the European DIH-HERO, MURAB and national SUNRAM, Nextgen project.
 

Philip Piatkiewicz is a seasoned leader in European affairs and project management, currently serving as the head of Adra – the AI, Data, and Robotics Association. Adra is a leading strategic technology network of stakeholders from academia, industry, and the public sector, dedicated to advancing and adopting AI, data, and robotics technologies across Europe. Adra acts as the private side for the AI, Data, Robotics public-private partnership in Horizon Europe.

Philip’s expertise encompasses strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, and project execution. He has successfully managed and coordinated complex collaborative projects that support the research, innovation, and industrial agendas of regional, national and EU level, with a particular focus on key enabling technologies and digital industries.
 

Martin Übelhör works in the European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) as Deputy Head of Unit for Innovation and Security Research. His unit manages EU funding for R+I in topics such as fight against crime and terrorism, critical infrastructure protection, border management, and disaster-resilient societies. Prior to that, he worked the Commission’s DG Connect as Head of Sector for Cybersecurity Industry and Innovation, i.a. setting up a European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and Network in Bucharest. He joined the European Commission in 2008, where we worked on various topics in relation to digitisation and helped set up and manage a number EU funding programmes, such as the Connecting Europe Facility and the Digital Europe Programme.

Dr. Andrey Girenko, Research and Development Administrator at DFKI, German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence, responsible for European relations. Starting from the EU’s 4th Framework  Programme he has been involved in the acquisition, coordination and evaluation of more than 100 European research and innovation projects across several thematic areas. In 2013-2020 he worked as a DFKI’s master contact to EIT (KICs Digital, Manufacturing and Health) and until now is an evaluation expert of EIT Manufacturing. The manager of several significant European projects in the field of Industrial AI, such as RICAIP, MAS4AI and RAASCEMAN. In the adra-e project he leads the activities in the area of Industrial Production. 
 

Patrick has been advancing automation technology at VDMA since 1999. 
Having connected various disciplines in the VDMA Factory Automation Forum, he began focusing on machine vision, robotics and integrated assembly solutions. 
Between 2000 and 2013 he served as General Secretary of EFAC, the European Factory Automation Committee uniting national associations from 7 European countries. From 2004 to 2012 he was General Secretary of EMVA, the European Machine Vision Association. 
He was appointed Managing Director of the VDMA Robotics + Automation Association (VDMA R+A) as of May 2014. Patrick is currently a member of the Executive Board of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). 
 

Sergio Gusmeroli is Research Coordinator at Politecnico di Milano, Industrial Engineering Department. He has been and is coordinating several H2020 and HEP projects in the domain of Digital Manufacturing, especially focusing on Data Technologies and Artificial Intelligence. Sergio is also co-leading the BDVA working group about Smart Manufacturing Industry and is work package leader of the SM4RTENANCE deployment action in the Digital Europe Programme about Data Spaces for Manufacturing.
The key question to be debated in the panel is: how is the convergence of AI Data and Robotics solutions affecting sustainability and resilience of Manufacturing value chains? I can bring the experience from the Circular TwAIn (ADRA MiE) and MAASive (MiE) projects.

Dr. Kosmas Alexopoulos has graduated from the Computer Engineering and Informatics Department of University of Patras, Greece in 1999. He has received a Ph.D. in engineering (2006) from the University of Patras – Greece. Since October 1998 he has been working at the Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS) of the University of Patras as a software engineer, senior researcher and project manager in more than 30 European and National research projects. Since November 2024 he is Associate Professor in the department of Digital Industry Technologies of University of Athens, Greece. SYRIOS, RealMan, VIRTUE, LicoPro, x-Change, MyCar, DIFAC, VISION, Sense&React, INTERACT, ICP4Life, MANUWORK, MARKET4.0, Connected Factories II, MAS4AI, OPENZDM and FLEX4RES are indicative projects. 

His research area and expertise are in the fields of smart factory, digital factory, flexibility of manufacturing systems, digital transformation, virtual and augmented reality, internet of things, industrial dataspaces, cyber-physical-systems, industrial product service systems, computer-aided ergonomics analysis and modelling, human motion modelling and simulation, semantics, production scheduling and artificial intelligence. He has been leading research teams towards accomplishing technical engineering achievements in manufacturing mainly by investigating new technology for the digital and smart factory. He is the coordinator of Gaia-X Hub in Greece and leads the International Dataspaces Association (IDSA) Competence Center in Greece. He has currently more than 100 publications, including papers in international refereed scientific journals, chapters in books, and papers in conference proceedings with review in the full paper

Dr Valentina Ivanova (F) is chemical engineer from Chemical Technological and Metallurgical University, Sofia, Bulgaria. Her research career started in the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria, where obtained her PhD degree in Physical Chemistry. In the period 1999–2005 she was successively appointed as Senior Scientist at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium and at the University of Ulm, Germany. 

In that period, her scientific activities were devoted on the development of new technique for metallization of thin organic films and molecular electronics.  Since 2005, Dr Ivanova is employed at CEA. She was leading a research team in the domain of wide bandgap semiconductors, optoelectronics and nanostructured solar cells.  She habilitated from Institut national polytechnique de Grenoble (INPG). Presently, she is Deputy Director of CEA-List Institute in charge of European and International affairs and is coordinating the project AI-METTERS (Artificial Intelligence Testing Experimentation Facilities (TEF) for Manufacturing). Dr Ivanova is member of the Board of the European Partnership Made in Europe. She published 60 scientific papers in scientific journals as Nature Materials, Advanced Materials, Advanced Energy Materials, is co-author of 10 patents, and is Fellow of Global School for Advanced Studies. 

Willem Jonker currently is Chairman of the Board at AIC4NL. 

Prof. Willem Jonker brings a broad background in ICT. He worked at KPN Research, the European Computer Industry Research Centre in Munich and Philips Research, where he was Vice President. As former CEO of EIT Digital in Brussels, he has extensive experience in building European innovation ecosystems. He is also a part-time professor at the University of Twente.

Kai Zenner is Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss (European People's Party Group) in the European Parliament. Describing himself as a digital enthusiast, he focuses on AI, data and the EU's digital transition. Currently, he is involved in the political negotiations on the AI Act, AI liability directive, eprivacy Regulation and GDPR revision. In his individual capacity, he is pushing for reforms within the European Parliament and for bringing back the Better Regulation agenda to EU policymaking. Mr Zenner graduated in political science (M.Sc. at University of Edinburgh, B.A. at University of Bremen) and in law (State Exam at University of M‚¼nster). Before moving to the European Parliament, he worked as research associate at the European office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Brussels. He is member of the OECD.AI Network of Experts since 2021, was awarded best MEP Assistant in 2023 ("APA who has gone above and beyond in his duties") and ranked Place #13 in Politico's Power 40 - class 2023 ("top influencers who are most effectively setting the agenda in politics, public policy and advocacy in Brussels"). 

Flavio Fusco is the Head of Civil RD&I Cooperative Projects & Grants at Leonardo, a multinational company in the sector of Aerospace, Defence & Security.
He is an active member of several national and European associations and coordination bodies.
Studies: graduated in physics. Technical background: worked as a systems engineer and project manager in different areas of space robotics, aeronautical systems and air traffic control. Management background: leading a team of senior engineers for 15 years.

Paul de Nazelle is Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Shark Robotics, the European leader in ground robotics applied to civil security. With a doctorate in mechanical structure optimisation from the École Centrale de Lyon, Paul has over 15 years' experience in R&D, the development of complex systems and the management of multidisciplinary teams.

Over the course of his career, he has held key positions in technological innovation, notably as head of the mechanical engineering department and technical leader for batteries at Forsee Power, as well as head of the ‘Simulation and Optimisation’ research team at the SystemX Technological Research Institute. He also co-founded iOpti S.A.S, a company specialising in design optimisation.

His expertise covers the design of embedded systems, the development of traction batteries, digital simulation and the optimisation of mechanical structures. Today, he brings his technical and strategic leadership to Shark Robotics to steer the technological development of innovative robotic solutions for extreme environments.

Paul is passionate about technology and is convinced that artificial intelligence will profoundly transform the robotics sector, particularly in the key areas of perception of the world and control of autonomous systems.

Executive Director of Kharkiv IT Cluster, leader of EEN Ukraine, and implementation coordinator of Eastern Ukraine EDIH.

A visionary leader with 17 years in C-level positions, Olga holds a master's degree in finance and international marketing and an AMBA-certified MBA. She has led 75+ transformative projects, including the launch of Diia City and Eastern Ukraine EDIH. Since 2022, she has been the Lead of EEN Ukraine's local contact point. Thanks to her proactive efforts, Kharkiv IT Cluster united over 625 IT companies and partners in 2024 and earned the ECEI Bronze Label from ESCA. As a 2024 Red Kalyna Award finalist, she inspires innovation and empowers women in tech.

Pascale Betinelli-Deck has extensive experience in digital transformation, data science and interactive systems. Since May 2023, she has been working as a technical leader in data transformation and data science at Thales LAS OME, where she is responsible for deploying and executing data governance, as well as building funded or collaborative research projects with other industry and academia.

Director of Strategic Anticipation at Inria Defense, I explore and shape technological futures in cybersecurity, AI, drones and space technologies. With over 15 years' experience in strategic innovation and cutting-edge research, I help large organizations turn scientific discoveries into competitive advantages.

Formerly in charge of the research and innovation program at the French Ministry of Defence, I structured a confidential innovation pipeline, exploiting the best advances in the civilian world to meet strategic and sovereign challenges. My approach combines technological exploration, secret innovation strategy and pragmatic deployment on a European scale.

Electromechanical engineer graduated from KU Leuven. 
Project engineer and leader of regional, national, and European R&D projects.  
Currently active as manager future technologies within the corporate development department of Sirris,an industry-driven collective RTO for the Belgian technology industry.
 
Since 2003, fascinated by and working in the domain of Future technologies for the Belgian technological industry:- Technology Watch- Roadmapping and Masterplan development - Community-driven innovation, development of research and technology transfer projects 
- R&D Program Management.Currently focus theme of Manufacturing as a Service (MAAS),as project coordinator of MASTT2040, a CSA foresight project on “Manufacturing as a Service for the EU's twin transition until 2040”
 

Dr. Eduardo Quiñones is a Group Leader and Senior Researcher at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, specializing in the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, data mining, advanced computing, into real-world applications. He has a strong background in edge, cloud and HPC systems, and his work focuses on leveraging these technologies to enhance decision-making in urban environments, including in crisis management scenarios. Eduardo leads numerous European- and nationally funded projects across several European cities that work at the intersection of research and practical implementation.

Cornelia Amihalachioae is the Innovation and Programme Management Adviser in the European Factories of the Future Research Association (EFFRA) – the industry-driven European association promoting the development of innovative production technologies, and the European Commission’s private partner in the “Made in Europe” PPP under Horizon Europe. 

Innovation and programme management practitioner with >20 years’ experience in the private, public and associative sectors, Cornelia has worked since 2005 in development programmes funded by the World Bank, UNDP and SIDA in such areas as Digital Governance and Public Services Modernization, Energy and Water sectors reform, and in the last years - in the manufacturing industry-related R&I initiatives. Her focus is digital transformation, research and innovation, twin digital and environmental transition, human-centric innovation, open governance, and tech for development.
 

Namir Anani is the President and CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Council (ictc-ctic.ca). He is the chief strategist and driving force in bringing ICTC’s world-class centre of expertise and services to industry, education and government,
shaping Canada’s digital advantage in a global economy.

Before joining ICTC, Namir previously led Policy Development & Research at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Tomislav Vazdar has been working at the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence for over two decades.

As CEO of Riskoria, he focuses on helping organizations develop integrated strategies for secure digital transformation, compliance, and AI governance.

He serves as Area Chair for Enterprise Cybersecurity at the Open Institute of Technology, where he leads postgraduate programs on cybersecurity leadership and risk.

Tomislav is a board member of CroAI, contributing to national dialogue on responsible AI adoption and innovation.

He regularly lectures and mentors in global AI accelerator programs, supporting nonprofits and startups working on high-impact technologies.

Frédéric Perlant is National Contact Point (NCP) and expert for Program Committee Representation (PCR) for the « Civil Security for Society » Cluster of Horizon Europe program at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (Ministère chargé de l’enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche). He is seconded from Airbus Defense and Space where he has been Key Account Manager for European R&T Public funding since around 10 years. 

Before he was Head of European projects and Manager of Special projects at ASTRIUM Chief Technical Office. He has been working with EC funding since 27 years, and in particular with security for more than 20 years. He owns an engineering diploma from « Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace » and a Master degree in Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing from « Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications ».

Marc Schoenauer, Emeritus Principal Senior Researcher (DR0) with INRIA, is the scientific coordinator of Adra-e, the Coordinated Support Action that supports the AI, Data, Robotics partnership.

After 20 years with CNRS at CMAP of Ecole Polytechnique, he joined Inria in 2001 and founded the TAO team at Saclay together with Michèle Sebag in 2003. Since then, he has been working at the border between Evolutionary Computation (EC) and Machine Learning (ML), author of more than 200 papers, (co-)advisor of 43 PhD students.

He has been Chair of ACM-SIGEVO (2015-2019), was the founding president (1995-2002) of Evolution Artificielle, and president of AFIA (2002-2004). He has been Editor in Chief of Evolutionary Computation Journal (2002-2009), is or has been in the Editorial Board of the most prestigious journals in EC and ML, including Action Editor of JMLR (2013-2024).

He seconded Cédric Villani in writing his report on the French Strategy for AI delivered to President Macron in March 2018, and has been Deputy Research Director of Inria in charge of AI (2019-2024).

Dr. Jesus Contreras has experience in innovation related activities within the ICT sector since 1998. He received his PhD from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid in Artificial Intelligence in 2004 and an MBA in 2006.

His career includes positions as research engineer in Software A.G., acting as Director for R&D in Intelligent Software Components (iSOCO), Head of Business Development at Denodo, and Chief Operating Officer at Taiger, all companies dealing with edge technologies creating new products or services. During his career, he was also part time teacher at several universities: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and evaluator of funded projects for the European Commission and Spanish government.

Jaime Abad Pérez is a natural hazards risk engineer with 14 years of experience. He works as a scientific analyst in the Analytical Team of the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), providing situational awareness to the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.