Speaker

Helmut Lindner worked in industry for many years before joining the Institute for Applied Computer Science at FH JOANNEUM in Kapfenberg as a lecturer. He leads the FFG (Coin)-funded Radius project, in which FHJ collaborates with companies on projects related to AI in business.

Lecturer (University of Applied Sciences), FH JOANNEUM

Tristan Horx has been speaking on international stages since he was 25. His talks, delivered in English (his native language) and German (also his native language), offer fresh perspectives on the processes of change and transformation in our time. His topics span a spectrum ranging from digitalization to mobility, from generational perspectives to “social change,” and from questions of crisis psychology to the “fiery optimism” that is necessary in our time. Tristan comes from the Horx “Future” family, which has been exploring the topic of the future from ever-changing perspectives for many years.

Horx:Future, LLC

Philipp Amann is Head of Digital Security (Cybersecurity) at the European Central Bank (ECB), where he is responsible for the cybersecurity strategy and operations aimed at protecting critical digital assets. Previously, he served as Group Chief Information Security Officer at Austrian Post and as Head of Strategy at the European Cybercrime Center (EC3) at Europol, where he focused on emerging cybercrime and cybersecurity threats. His career includes roles in cybersecurity, cyber defense, and digital security in the financial sector, as well as at international organizations such as the OPCW, the ICC, the OSCE, and the CTBTO.

Head of Division, Digital Security Services (Cybersecurity), European Central Bank

Martin Holler is a professor of machine learning methods at the University of Graz and head of the Applied Mathematics and Machine Learning research group (amml-research.at). His research interests include generative machine learning methods for imaging, biomedical image processing, uncertainty quantification, and inverse problems. His work is characterized by a close connection between the development of fundamental methods and interdisciplinary applications, particularly in healthcare.

University Professor, University of Graz

Agnes Heftberger is Corporate Vice President & CEO of Microsoft Germany & Austria. Before joining Microsoft, Agnes Heftberger worked at IBM for more than 20 years, where she held various leadership positions. Most recently, she led IBM’s business in Australia, Southeast Asia, Korea, and New Zealand. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Sales for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and a member of the Executive Board of IBM Germany. In her work, Agnes Heftberger consistently focuses on innovation and customer-centricity—and, as an experienced executive in the technology industry, promotes sustainable and inclusive growth. Her global perspective and experience provide important insights at a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the innovation and production processes of many industries in Germany. A native of Austria, Heftberger holds a master’s degree in International Business from the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

CVP & CEO, Microsoft Germany & Austria, Microsoft Deutschland GmbH

Florian Brugger studied economics and sociology at the University of Graz and holds a doctorate in economics and sociology. In addition, Florian Brugger completed a Master’s degree in Data and Information Science at the FH Joanneum Graz. Florian Brugger has been working at Raiffeisen Landesbank Steiermark since 2020. Between 2020 and 2022, he was responsible for the development of omnichannel sales management and customer analytics in the Raiffeisen Banking Group Styria. Since 2022, he has been Head of Department for Software Development, Data Science, Automation, Business Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence.

Head of AI, BI, Automation, Software Development Department, Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark

Jürgen Altenriederer is a Digital Solution Consultant at the Digital Makers of CANCOM Austria AG. He works on the development and implementation of data-based solutions with cloud, IoT and AI technologies and combines technical system understanding with a clear focus on practical process optimization. Together with his customers, he designs technical solutions so that they achieve clear benefits and comprehensible results.

Digital Solution Consultant, CANCOM Austria AG

Kai Dresia studied aerospace engineering and is head of the Systems Analysis and Control team at the Institute of Space Propulsion at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). For his doctorate, he researched the use of AI in space propulsion systems and developed an AI-based controller, which he successfully tested on the test bench. He is particularly interested in the question of how AI can be used safely and responsibly in safety-critical applications such as rocket engines.

Head of the Systems Analysis and Control Team, German Aerospace Center

Karin Kaltseis has more than 25 years of experience in process engineering as well as GMP and qualification services, particularly in API and biopharmaceutical plants, transport validations and temperature mapping. As Director Quality Management at VTU Group, she is responsible for the implementation of management systems (ISO 9001, SCC), process definitions and quality training for all employees. She is also the VTU Group’s Data Protection Officer and monitors compliance with the GDPR.

Director Quality Management, VTU Group

Petia Niederländer took on the role of Director of Payments, Risk Supervision and Financial Education at the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB) in 2021. In this position, she is in charge of the payment strategy and the digital euro project within the central bank of Austria. Prior to joining the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Ms. Niederländer held several management positions in one of Austria’s largest banks, was Chairwoman of the EBA Clearing Board and a member of national and international payment committees.

Director of the Payment Transactions, Risk Monitoring and Financial Education Department, Oesterreichische Nationalbank