Panel debate

Europe’s industry expects demand for chips to double by 2030. Meeting this increasing demand in light of the current semiconductor supply crisis will be challenging, to say the least. With the European Chips Act, the EU tries to address semiconductor shortages and strengthen Europe’s technological leadership. But how much can the Chips Act bring in reality? Where are the real bottlenecks? And how much on-shoring is indeed needed and useful?

• Aude Jalabert - Head of Brussels Office, Infineon Technologies
• Riccardo Masucci - Director of Security and Technology Policy, Intel
• Samira Nik - Programme Manager for Quantum Tech and Electronics, EIC
• Isabel Obieta - Programme Manager for Responsible Electronics, EIC

Panel debate

The hype around ChatGPT and news about Big Tech launching Generative & Emotion AI platforms have trust these solutions into the limelight. But what are these exactly and how do they differ? How can they be used and what are likely business models? Does Europe stand a chance to compete with the US and China in this area? And what are the ethical and legal considerations for widespread application?

• Eva Maydell MEP - ITRE Rapporteur on Artificial Intelligence Act, European Parliament
• Gabriele Mazzini - Team Leader on the Artificial Intelligence Act, European Commission, DG CNECT
• Thomas Neubert - Founder, Transatlantic AI eXchange
• Claudio Piovesana - Co-Founder & CEO, A-dapt
• Tero Ojanperä - Co-Founder and Executive Chair, Silo AI

Panel debate

Space technology, data and services are indispensable in our daily lives, whether we use mobile phones and car navigation systems, withdraw money or watch satellite TV. In 2021, the EU adopted its latest Space Programme, setting ambitious goals for SpaceTech supporting life on earth. How much progress has been made and how is Europe positioned in this sector? What contribution can research intensive European digital technology make? And where does Europe stand in the development of next generation space industries, like mining and agriculture in space?

• Prof. Eric Tschirhart - Special Advisor to the rector 'UNIVERSEH | European University'
• Eugenia Forte - Project Director, Takeoff Accelerator
• Leopold Summerer - Head of Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency ESA
• Marco Brancati - Chief Technical & Innovation Officer, Telespazio

Keynote

The European Union needs more tech talents for the green and digital transition. A shortage of digital specialists exists on the EU market, while vacancies increase as new jobs emerge. What is the EU doing to meet this challenge?

• Ingrid Rigler - Deputy Head of Unit Innovation and EIT, European Commission

Panel debate

With the Digital Compass, Europe set itself ambitious goals for 2030. One of these goals - closing the digital skills gap - is a precondition for reaching the others. What is Europe doing to provide talent with the skills and competences needed for working with new digital technologies? How can we ensure these experts stay in Europe and that businesses want to invest in digital talent in Europe, when the large customers often are outside of Europe?

• Kirsi Nuotto - SVP Human Resources, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
• Salvatore Moccia - Head of the EIT Digital Master School
• Romana Stanciukaite - Transaction and Relationship Officer, European Investment Fund
• Valérie Bossoutrot - AMS Group HR, Imaging Subgroup, STMicroelectronics

Keynote

As an outcome of multiple economic and geopolitical crises, tech startups face this year increasing difficulties to get fresh money. What are the dos and don’ts of raising venture capital in 2023?

• Johannes Triebs - Partner, Earlybird X
• Anna Wnuk - Head of Community of European Women in VC

Panel debate

European investors are hesitant to invest in deep tech startups. One reason is the apparent lack of understanding for how to evaluate such startups’ potential. What are the key KPIs for investors to look at? And if such KPIs don’t exist yet, who should create them and how? How can we ensure deep tech startups avoid common IPR pitfalls and have a proper IPR strategy – as well as the right company leadership - in place?

• Jan Goetz - CEO & Co-Founder, IQM Quantum Computers
• Natalia Olson-Urtecho - Director, Governments, Plug and Play Tech Centre
• Daniel Carew - Deeptech Investor, ex. Principal, IQ Capital

Award ceremony of the EIT Digital Challenge, Europe’s prime competition for deep tech scaleups.

For details, visit the EIT Digital Challenge Final Event page.

KEYNOTE

Working for a fair, inclusive and sustainable digital Europe.

• Eric Braun - Co-Founder & CFO, Eye-Able

Panel debate

With data moving to the cloud and a normalisation of distance working, cybersecurity is moving from ‘on your own turf’ approaches to a broader perspective, involving larger global developments and players. What response is required from cybersecurity officers in this new environment? And what support can and should European and global institutions provide?

• Dan Bogdanov - Chief Scientific Officer, Cybernetica
• Christiane Kirketerp - Head of Unit Cybersecurity and Digital Privacy Policy, European Commission DG CNECT
• Florian Pennings - Director EU Government Affairs - Cybersecurity, Microsoft

Panel debate

Industry 5.0 is the catchphrase for the next stage digital transformation of business and manufacturing. What does it mean in practice? What underlying technologies are needed for this transformation? How are Europe and its innovation ecosystems positioned to compete in this global race?

• Sean O'Reagain - Deputy Head of Unit, "Industry 5.0", European Commission's Directorate General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD)
• Yongkuk Jeong - Assistant Professor in Production Logistics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
• Jani Kangas - Strategic Innovation Management, Nokia Bell Labs
• Harald Schöning - Vice President Research, Software AG

KEYNOTE

The digital enterprise of the next decade will be defined by the rapid acceleration of digital transformation across all sectors of the economy. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain will transform the way businesses operate and interact with their customers. Organizations will need to embrace a digital-first mindset and invest in the right talent, infrastructure, and processes to stay ahead of the curve. As we enter this new era of digital enterprise, there are both challenges and opportunities that companies must navigate to thrive in the fast-changing digital landscape.

• Yohann Bénard - Public Policy Director, EU Digital & France, Amazon