Speakers

More speakers' information will follow.

  • Pasfoto Jerom Baas

    Jerom Baas

    Design Engineer
    imec at Holst Centre

    Jerom Baas is a design engineer at imec, where he has been working on photonic integrated circuits (PICs) since 2025. He studied experimental physics at Utrecht University and, before joining imec, spent three years working as a photonics design engineer at Bright Photonics, gaining experience in the design of photonic chips. At imec, he is involved in the design and layout of photonic integrated circuits. 

  • Pasfoto Jo De Boeck

    Jo De Boeck

    EVP & CSO
    imec

    Jo De Boeck received his engineering degree in 1986 and his PhD degree in 1991 from the University of Leuven. Since 1991 he is a staff member of imec (Leuven). He has been a NATO Science Fellow at Bellcore (USA, 1991-92) and AST-fellow in the Joint Research Center for Atom Technology (Japan, 1998).

    In his research career, he has been leading activities on integration of novel materials at device level and new functionalities at systems level. In 2003 he became Vice President at imec for the Microsystems division and in 2005 started Holst Centre (Eindhoven) as General Manager of imec the Netherlands.

    From 2010 he headed imec’s Smart Systems and Energy Technology Business Unit. He is part-time professor at the Engineering department of the KU Leuven and held a visiting professorship at the TU Delft, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience (2003–2016). In 2011 he became Chief Technology Officer and in 2018 he was appointed Chief Strategy Officer. He is member of imec’s Executive Board.

  • Pasfoto Matthias Diependaele

    Matthias Diependaele

    Minister-President
    the Flemish Government

    Matthias Diependaele is Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister of Economy, Innovation and Industry, Foreign Affairs, Digitalization, and Facility Management.

  • Pasfoto Astrid Hart de Ruijter

    Astrid Hart de Ruijter

    Entrepreneur in Residence
    imec

    Astrid Hart de Ruijter is entrepreneur in residence, spinning out a health-tech company using imec's ingestible sensing and AI-powered digital twins to personalize GLP-1-based obesity treatment. With a background microbiome science, bioinformatics and medical sciences, she works with partners to bring a completely new category of health-tech into people’s home. Before GutOS, Astrid worked across microbiome-focused biotech and go-to-market strategy, helping microbiome bioactive reach businesses and consumers.

  • Pasfoto Marzieh Hashemipour-Nazari

    Marzieh Hashemipour-Nazari

    R&D Engineer
    imec at Holst Centre

    Marzieh Hashemipour-Nazari joined imec in November 2024 as an ASIC digital designer. Her background is on digital signal processing algorithms and their hardware architecture design. 

    Prior to joining imec, she received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), focusing on modern error-correction coding algorithms and their efficient hardware implementations for ultra reliable low-latency machine-type communication. 

  • Pasfoto Heleen Herbert

    Heleen Herbert

    Minister of Economic Affairs
    of the Netherlands

    Heleen Herbert is Minister of Economic Affairs of the Dutch Government.

  • Pasfoto Henk van Houten

    Henk van Houten

    Innovation Advisor
    Quantum

    After obtaining a PhD in Physics from Leiden University, I joined Philips Research in 1985. Here I worked on quantum transport phenomena in semiconductor nanostructures. This work was recognized with the Royal Shell Prize for physics, and  a visiting professorship at Leiden University. I then lead a research department on physics and ‘more-than-Moore’ type novel devices, and thereafter of the optical systjems group (with the BluRay Disc and early work on EUV lithography for ASM-L as highlights). This was followed by global Research Program management roles for Lighting, Devices and Microsystems, and later Healthcare. In addition, I became the Managing Director of the German Research laboratories, and from 2010 onwards of the global Research organization. In 2016 I was appointed CTO for Royal Philips, with global responsibility for technology strategy and R&D. A key focus in my role as CTO was on digital disruption in Lighting and Healthcare systems (building up and deploying state of the art capabilities in SW engineering, Data Science and AI, cloud and SaaS, digital platform adoption, software-defined complex systems, and enterprise informatics).

    After my retirement from Philips in 2023, I have been active as innovation advisor, for among others Quantum Delta Netherlands, the AI Coalition for the Netherlands, Innovation Fund North Holland. I also helped set up the Netherlands Academy for Engineering (NAE), acting as its first Chairman. 

    I am a Fellow of NAE, and of the Koninklijke Hollandse Maatschappij van Wetenschappen (Haarlem).

  • Pasfoto Richard Kemkers

    Richard Kemkers

    Head of Research
    ASML

    Richard Kemkers is Senior Vice President and Head of Research at ASML, where he leads the company’s global research efforts to advance next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technologies. Before joining ASML, he held several leadership roles at Royal Philips, working in both the Netherlands and North America, with a strong focus on healthcare innovation. Throughout his career, Richard has consistently focused on transforming innovative ideas into impactful, real-world solutions, often through close collaboration with universities and industry partners

  • Pasfoto Charlotte Kjellander

    Charlotte Kjellander

    Co-Founder
    Touchwaves

    Charlotte Kjellander is a deep-tech entrepreneur and materials scientist who co-founded and leads Touchwaves, a TNO spin-off developing “reciprocal intelligence” through non-invasive, textile-integrated haptic wearables that turn clothing into an intuitive interface. By delivering subtle tactile cues, its technology supports body awareness via proprioception—our “sixth sense” for performance and position. Charlotte holds a PhD in Materials Science and has a strong track record of translating applied research into real-world products. A Women TechEU grantee and InspiringFifty Deep Tech Benelux awardee, she is also an international role model for multidisciplinary innovation. Under her leadership alongside co-founder Martin Romero, Touchwaves raised a €1.5M pre-seed round to accelerate next-generation wearables that enhance human performance and situational awareness in high-stress environments.

  • Pasfoto Silvia Lenaerts

    Silvia Lenaerts

    Rector Magnificus
    Eindhoven University of Technology

    Silvia Lenaerts (1966) is a pioneer bridging academia, industry, and policy. After earning a PhD in Chemistry at KU Leuven and IMEC, she founded Heraeus Sensor-Nite, later acquired by Bosch, and led innovation programs in air purification. Since 2002, she has advised the European Commission and contributes to European innovation policy, including as EIT board member. At the University of Antwerp, she built the DuEL research group and drove major growth in research funding, education, and innovation. As Vice-Rector, she established key open innovation hubs. Since May 2023, she serves as Rector Magnificus of Eindhoven University of Technology, advancing collaboration and societal impact.

     

  • Pasfoto Betsabeh Madani-Hermann

    Betsabeh Madani-Hermann

    Global Head of Research
    Philips

    Betsabeh Madani-Hermann is a global innovation leader known for speed of execution and turning bold ideas into market-shifting outcomes. In 2023, she became the first non-Dutch and first female Head of Research at Philips in the company’s 135-year history.  

    With a background in physics, biochemistry, engineering, and an MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, Betsabeh brings more than 20 years of experience as an operator, investor, and strategist across health care, biotech, AI, robotics, and cleantech. She thrives on ambiguity and mobilizes cross-disciplinary teams to accelerate transformation and scale innovation globally. 

  • Pasfoto Ton van Mol

    Ton van Mol

    Managing Director
    TNO at Holst Centre

    Ton van Mol graduated with honors from Eindhoven University of Technology in Chemical Technology in 1997, and received his PhD in the area of Thin film technology in 2001. He worked at Sandia National Laboratories (Livermore) as visiting scientist and joined TNO in 2003 as senior scientist in the area of flexible solar cells. In 2005, Ton helped set-up the open innovation initiative between IMEC and TNO called Holst Centre, where he had various roles, such as program manager and Partnership Director, before he became managing director in January 2015. In his role as MD of Holst Centre, Ton helped setup 10 spin off companies and helped grow Holst Centre from 75 to 120 R&D specialists in 2025.

    In 2022, Ton initiated and is currently also managing director of PITC, the photonic integration technology centre, a strategic collaboration between TNO/Holst Centre, University of Technology Eindhoven, University of Twente, and PhotonDelta. PITC aims to help industrial companies in their development goals for integrated photonics technology through shared research programs. In 2025, the PITC partners became part of PIXEurope, the EU pilot line initiative, and Ton is leading the efforts of setting up a pilot line for 6 inch InP  photonic chips with a capacity of 10.000 wafers/year.

  • Pasfoto Riccardo Ollearo

    Riccardo Ollearo

    Project Lead Scientist
    TNO at Holst Centre

    Riccardo Ollearo is a Project Lead and Scientist at TNO at Holst Centre, where he works in the LIFT team and is part of PITC, the Photonic Integration Technology Centre. His work focuses on integrated photonics and high-precision component integration for photonic and advanced semicon systems. He holds a PhD in Applied Physics, with a background in materials science and nanotechnology. His current research addresses scalable micro-assembly, die transfer and heterogeneous integration, bridging photonics, interface engineering, and manufacturing innovation to enable next-generation compact optical technologies.

  • Pasfoto Julien Penders

    Julien Penders

    COO & Co-founder
    Bloomlife

    Julien Penders is co-founder and COO of Bloomlife, an award-winning company solving one of the most significant yet underserved global challenges today, maternal health.  Bloomlife develops prenatal connected care solutions that increase access to care and help predict and manage pregnancy complications. 

    Prior to Bloomlife, Julien was Program Director at imec where he led international teams through the development of medical devices and digital health products for the cardiac, neurological and wellness industries. Julien has (co-)authored over 60 papers and 20 patents, is a TEDx speaker, an EMBS Distinguished Speaker and a Belgian American Educational Foundation fellow.   

  • Pasfoto Jesse Robbers

    Jesse Robbers

    Managing Director
    imec at Holst Centre

    Jesse Robbers serves as Vice President of imec & Regional Managing Director of imec the Netherlands, bringing extensive leadership experience in deep-tech, quantum technology, digital infrastructure, and telecommunications.

    Previously, Jesse co-founded and served on the Executive Board of Quantum Delta NL (QDNL), the Netherlands' National Quantum Initiative. At QDNL, he directed the "Industry & Digital Infrastructure" sector and coordinated national and international Quantum Network developments. His international representation includes serving as the National representative on the EuroQCI Board, the European Quantum Declaration, member of the Research and Innovation Advisory Group (RIAG) of EuroHPC JU, and advisory roles in different European quantum initiatives including the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA). He participated also in the development of the Dutch National Technology Strategy (NTS).

  • Pasfoto Irene Rompa

    Irene Rompa

    Moderator

    Irene Rompa studied Psychology at VU University. Her love for sustainability led her to the US in the year after her graduation (2011), where she led the international expansion of Dutch reusable waterbottle company Dopper. After returning back home in 2015, she worked in the Dutch tech ecosystem in a wide variety of roles, leading accelerators, facilitating Dutch startups’ international expansions and organizing large innovation events. Until recently, she served as the Head of Communication at Quantum Delta NL, a public-private partnership that scales the Netherlands’ quantum technology ecosystem.

    Currently, she’s a mediator and facilitates family constellations next to her work as an event host.

  • Pasfoto Pep Rosenfeld

    Pep Rosenfeld

    Keynote speaker, author, Co-Founder
    Boom Chicago

    Pep Rosenfeld is the author of Work Laugh Balance and a keynote speaker who helps organizations build positive cultures where collaboration, innovation, and change can thrive. A co-founder of Boom Chicago, Pep has spent more than 30 years performing, writing, and leading in environments where communication and teamwork are essential.

    Today, he brings those lessons to audiences around the world. Combining humor, storytelling, and audience interaction, Pep explores how leaders and teams can communicate more effectively, build trust, embrace change, and reduce the interpersonal barriers that slow organizations down. In addition to his keynote work, he hosts major international events including Nordic Business Forum, TEDx, and The Next Web, and has interviewed thought leaders such as Simon Sinek, Brené Brown, and Malcolm Gladwell. Pep was nominated for an Emmy for his writing on Saturday Night Live. Of Pep's book, Adam Grant wrote: “Pep Rosenfeld is one of the funniest people in business, and any workplace can benefit from his levity.”

  • Pasfoto Cassia Santana

    Cassia Santana

    Scientist
    TNO at Holst Centre

    Cássia Santana is a Scientist at TNO at Holst Centre, where she works in the High-Tech Electrolysis team on advanced materials and manufacturing technologies towards scalable, cost-effective, and integrated solutions for hydrogen production. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and has experience in both thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Her current research focuses on advanced electroplating approaches and porous transport layer development for next-generation electrolysers, bridging materials science, electrochemical engineering, and industrial innovation to accelerate clean energy solutions.

  • Pasfoto Ashok Sridhar

    Ashok Sridhar

    Co-Founder and CEO
    TracXon

    Ashok Sridhar is a Co-founder and the CEO of TracXon B.V., based in Eindhoven.

    He has 20 years of techno-commercial experience in printed and flexible electronics. In 2022, Ashok co-founded TracXon as a spin-off from Holst Centre, to usher the transition of printed electronics from lab to fab. TracXon's solutions are pushing the boundaries of printed electronics, positioning it a sustainable alternative to traditional PCB technologies.

     

     

  • Pasfoto Tjark Tjin -A -Tsoi

    Tjark Tjin -A -Tsoi

    CEO
    TNO

    Since 2022 Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi is CEO of TNO. Prior to this, he held various other positions including as CEO of Sanquin, director-general of Statistics Netherlands, general director of the Netherlands Forensic Institute and director of Competition Supervision at the Dutch Competition Authority. After starting his career at Shell he subsequently worked at Rabobank and Ernst & Young. Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi holds a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Amsterdam. 

  • Pasfoto Luc Van den hove

    Luc Van den hove

    Chairman
    imec

    Luc Van den hove is Chairman of imec. He was President and CEO from 2009 until March 31st, 2026. Before holding this position, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at imec. He joined imec in 1984, and under his guidance, imec has grown to an organization with a staff of more than 6,500 people, operating with an annual budget of exceeding 1.2B€ (2025) and with offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, UK, Germany, Spain, Finland, Italy, US, Qatar, Japan and India. 

    Dr. Luc Van den hove has played a critical role in setting up the world’s largest partnership in semiconductor R&D. Nearly all leading IC manufacturers, foundries, equipment and material suppliers, fabless, fablite and system companies are working with imec to jointly tackle the roadblocks for continued technology and system scaling. 

    Luc Van den hove is a member of the Technology Strategy Committee of ASML, member of the board of Proximus and member of the board of Cadence Design Systems. 

    Under his leadership, imec received the IEEE Corporate Innovation Award in 2011 and the Semi sales marketing excellence award in 2018. Dr. Van den hove was elected as an international member of the United States National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 2021. In April 2021, he was appointed chair of the SEMI Europe board. In 2023, he was honored with the Robert N. Noyce medal - one of IEEE's highest recognitions and awards - for his leadership in creating a worldwide research ecosystem in nanoelectronics technology with applications ranging from high-performance computing to health. 

    In 2025 he was awarded the honorary distinction of the Flemish Community in recognition of his impressive role in strengthening Flanders as a leading innovative region. 

    Luc Van den hove received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Leuven, Belgium. He currently is professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Leuven. Dr. Van den hove has authored and co-authored more than 200 publications and conference contributions. He is a frequently solicited speaker on technology trends and applications for nano-electronics at major conferences and has delivered more than 100 keynote presentations. 

  • Pasfoto Constantijn van Oranje

    Constantijn van Oranje

    Special Envoy
    Techleap

    Constantijn van Oranje leads Techleap, the initiative to turn The Netherlands into a European 
    powerhouse for tech companies. He and his team run programs and connect a community of the 
    most promising and ambitious startup & scaleup founders in The Netherlands. Techleap also works 
    with stakeholders like the government to improve the conditions for tech entrepreneurs to scale 
    their companies. He is member of the National Growth Fund Investment Committee, Board member 
    of the NATO Innovation Fund, Fellow at Deloitte Centre for the Edge. Additionally, he is ambassador 
    of the European Innovation Council, member of the EC Start & Scaleup Forum and part of the 
    Quantum High Level Advisory Board of the European Commission.

    Constantijn co-founded StartupFest Europe, which is still the biggest start-up event ever organised in 
    The Netherlands. Previously, he was Chief of Staff to VP Neelie Kroes at the European Commission in 
    charge of the Digital Agenda and led the Brussels office of the RAND Corporation following jobs at 
    Booz Allen & Hamilton, IFC and the Cabinet of EC Commissioner Hans van den Broek.


    Aside from innovation and technology, Constantijn van Oranje is passionate about art, music, 
    photography, and nature.

  • Pasfoto Naomie Verstraeten

    Naomie Verstraeten

    Chief Innovation & Technology
    Brainport Development

    For over 15 years, Naomie has been guiding the Brainport Eindhoven innovation ecosystem to become more resilient and to obtain strategic positions within relevant global supply chains.
    When Naomie joined Brainport Development, the regional economic development agency for Brainport Eindhoven, her initial focus was on international promotion and foreign direct investment (FDI) acquisition. She advanced to the role of Program Director International Affairs, where she was responsible for shaping the international strategy of the region. In this role, she developed an intelligence-driven, integrated approach that created strong synergies between international innovation collaboration, FDI attraction, and trade development.
    In her current position as a member of the Board of Brainport Development, Naomie leads the development of intelligence-driven, public-private, multi-annual innovation programs. These programs focus on advancing key enabling technologies to address global challenges. By building strong consortia in areas such as Semiconductors, Green & Smart Mobility, Battery Technology, Systems Engineering, Complex Advanced Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, and Defence, she has helped secure a public-private investment portfolio exceeding €2 billion over the past three years.
    In addition, she currently coordinates the Dutch ChipNL consortium, an industry-driven initiative focused on strengthening the Netherlands’ position in the global semiconductor ecosystem.