Alberto Rodrigues da Silva serves as the Secretary of State for Modernisation and Digitalisation within the Ministry of Youth and Modernisation as part of the XXIV Government of the Portuguese Republic. He is a Full Professor at the Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa (IST-UL), and an Integrated Researcher at INESC-ID Lisboa. With an extensive teaching background, he has taught over 4800 students and supervised more than 10 PhD students, 80 MSc students, and 80 Final-Year Projects students. His research focuses on various areas, including information systems, software engineering, model-driven engineering, requirements engineering, document automation, and project management, with applications in multiple domains. He has authored five technical books and contributed to over 200 publications in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and workshops. Additionally, he has edited five scientific books, further showcasing his expertise in the field. His professional affiliations include membership in the Portuguese Chartered Engineers Association (OE) and an elected member of its Admission and Qualification Board (CAQ/OE), the Project Management Institute (PMI), and a senior member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). He also holds memberships in the QUATIC Series Scientific Steering Committee and the GPSI/APSI, the Working Group for Information Systems Project Management of the Portuguese Association of Information Systems.

He joined Quidgest in 2001, serving as Sales Director since 2018, responsible for managing client relations and business growth in Portugal. From 2001 to 2009, he was a consultant and later coordinator in the Human Resources Management Systems area, participating in implementing projects throughout the country, including in the Azores and Madeira. From 2009 to 2018, he was the Sales Director for Quidgest in East Timor, where he was notably involved in critical projects such as the recognition of the National Liberation Combatants and the Integrated Management of State Public Employees. With over 23 years of experience in Information Systems implementation, he has a keen interest in seeking innovative solutions for the Digital Transformation of Public Administration, both in cross-sector management areas and in addressing the specific needs of each sector or business in particular.

David Pereira de Castro is a PhD Fellow at Copenhagen Business School specializing in International Political Economy, focusing on green transition projects and organizational transformations within multinational corporations and the public sector. Over the past five years in Denmark, he has honed his expertise in business and innovation ecosystems, particularly in the context of Generative AI and sustainable finance. David’s professional journey includes pivotal roles in various strategic initiatives. As a Project Manager at Startup Guide, he was instrumental in developing the Impact Index for Nordic countries, where he led the automation of the evaluation process for over 7,000 startups selected by Danske Bank. He also played a key role in advancing the Algarve Tech Hub Ecosystem, managing its strategic plan, and overseeing the development of its online platform to foster innovation and collaboration. Beyond his work in project management, David is deeply engaged in ethical AI through his contributions at Phibon, ensuring that AI developments adhere to ethical standards while driving sustainable innovation. His leadership roles extend to SPOT Nordic, where he works to connect and empower Portuguese professionals and researchers in the Nordic countries, promoting initiatives that enhance the regional professional landscape.

Fernando Félix is a technology leader and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience creating and leading innovative companies. Currently, he serves as the CTO of inncivio, focusing on developing advanced solutions in generative artificial intelligence and digital transformation for both the public and private sectors. As the CEO of Webcomum, a renowned digital agency, he leads web development and digital marketing projects globally, driving various brands’ online presence. Simultaneously, he holds the position of CTO at Acredius, where he applies his expertise in blockchain and fintech to develop innovative financing solutions. Félix is known for his ability to combine innovative strategies with practical execution and for leading multidisciplinary teams to transform ideas into tangible results. His “Get Things Done” approach is reflected in his diverse career, which spans web development, digital marketing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, highlighting him as a driving force in the global tech ecosystem. As a mentor and knowledge-sharing enthusiast, he actively contributes to developing new generations of leaders in the tech sector. His strategic vision, global perspective, and unwavering commitment to innovation and social responsibility make him a valuable speaker and collaborator in any digital transformation initiative. Félix continues to inspire through a unique combination of technical insight, practical leadership, and a passion for sustainable and inclusive progress.

Since 2016, Leonor Pipa has been Director at Link to Leaders, an editorial project with daily updates aimed at Start-ups, Companies, and Investors. Link to Leaders brings together a core group of opinion leaders who, every week, discuss the most current topics in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to assist many industry players in decision-making, from creation to management and investment. Leonor Pipa’s professional background also includes journalistic experience at the newspaper A Capital (2005), the Info&Net supplement Casa dos Bits; and the magazines DoPapel, DaVela, and DoRestaurante (2016 and 2017); as well as in the magazines Saberes & Sabores (Unilever), Gourmet Magazine, Apetece (El Corte Inglés); and the Jornal Modelo (Sonae), at Media Capital Edições. She also served as Content Editor and Social Media Manager at the communication consultancy GCI (2010 to 2015) and as Digital Marketing Consultant at ON-FI, a company owned by the Bravegeneration Group (2015 and 2016). Leonor Pipa holds a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences—specialization in Media and Journalism Studies from the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Nova University of Lisbon, and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the School of Communication and Media Studies, Lisbon Polytechnic Institute.

Luisa Baltazar is a results-driven professional, helping founders, CxOs, and others achieve their goals through strategic, agile, and creative solutions. With closer to three decades of experience in the corporate, startup, and non-profit worlds, including tech industries and innovation in Silicon Valley, the European Union, and globally, she has started and contributed to creating many businesses. As a strategist, leader, and founder of ventures, she is considered ethical, reliable and resourceful. She brings to the table a “Get s#it done” mindset, expertise and knowledge, a multidisciplinary approach, and a global perspective. Her never-ending energy and drive to thrive and give back ensures the delivery of real-world holistic solutions that are purpose-driven and value delivery-centric. As an avid learner, hands-on professional, and natural communicator, she constantly seeks paths to turn knowledge into wisdom. Believing strongly in paying it forward, she shares her time and expertise with social projects that contribute to a better future and world. Currently, she is the Founder and CEO of HER Venture HUB, a women-centric social initiative with the purpose of creating a more equitable, diverse, and peaceful world.

Madalena Talone is a banking professional with over two decades of experience in the financial sector. She currently holds the position of Executive Board Member at Caixa Geral de Depósitos, SA, Portugal’s largest bank, where she leads strategic initiatives, digital transformation, AI and analytics, banking operations and IT. Madalena’s career began at McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst. She then joined Banco Banco BPI, where she led teams across the organization, ranging from digital, IT, operations, marketing, and business development. Madalena has a degree in Engineering and an MBA from Columbia University.

Maj Tellefsen is the Head of Economic Affairs and Trade at the Embassy of Denmark to Portugal. After earning a master’s degree in French and International Relations and PR from Aarhus University and University of Aix-Marseille, she has been developing her career in the field of diplomacy, public affairs and economic diplomacy within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ representations in Paris and Brussels and the European Parliament Representation in Copenhagen. Furthermore, Maj Tellefsen has worked in the private sector as a development consultant at Egmont Media Group, as well as at the Danish law firm Bruun & Hjejle, specializing in mergers and acquisitions and private equity.

Mikkel Solnado is a seasoned music industry professional with a career spanning over 30 years. He began as a drummer before transitioning into songwriting and production. In 1995, Mikkel moved to Denmark, where he played in various bands while completing a pedagogy course. His talent led him to Gabriel Flies, a renowned music production house, where he composed songs and produced music for Danish artists, ad campaigns, and films. In 2010, Mikkel relocated to Portugal after one of his compositions for an ad campaign became a massive radio hit. His journey in Portugal saw him touring the country extensively, performing in every corner. Eventually, he discovered his passion for working behind the scenes, and in 2017, he founded Great Dane, a music production powerhouse based in Oeiras. Today, Great Dane is one of the largest production houses in the Iberian Peninsula, producing music for top Portuguese artists, ad campaigns, and films. Recently, Mikkel expanded his expertise by founding Visible, a cutting-edge marketing and innovation agency. Visible specializes in creating websites, managing social media, and producing AI-driven content, AI assistants, and AI-powered ads. The agency also helps small to medium businesses integrate AI and automation into their workflows. Mikkel continues to be at the forefront of both the music and marketing industries, blending creativity with technology in transformative ways.

Pedro Fradinho Marques has been working at the Shared Services of the Ministry of Health in Portugal (SPMS) since 2017 and was appointed coordinator in June 2021.
He is currently the Coordinator for the Advanced Analytics & Intelligence area at SPMS, which operates in health data, business intelligence analytical systems, and artificial intelligence. Pedro Fradinho Marques holds a degree in Information Systems Management from the School of Business Sciences – Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal.