Day 1 • 9 Sept 2026

Master of Ceremonies

Opening, Session I, Session II, Session III

Aleksandrs Cepilovs
Research Officer

eu-LISA

Dr Aleksandrs Cepilovs is a research officer at the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) and a research fellow at Tallinn University of Technology, where he obtained his PhD in Public Administration/Technology Governance. Previously he has worked as a research fellow and project manager at Tallinn University of Technology and was a civil servant in Latvia.

Session 1: Setting the scene and sharing experience: Member States and Institutions

Georgios Stavropoulos
Research Associate

ITI-CERTH

Mr Georgios Stavropoulos holds a Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, awarded in 2006, and has worked as a Research Associate at the Information Technologies Institute (ITI) since 2007.

His research interests include artificial intelligence, deep learning, computer vision, misinformation detection, fake news analysis and social media analytics. He coordinates the Horizon Europe projects Ceasefire, Einstein and AutoBorder, which focus on crisis management and information integrity.

Proficient in C++, C# and Python, he has developed AI-based systems for text mining and biometric authentication. Mr Stavropoulos has authored more than 30 journal and conference publications and has contributed to numerous European and national research and development projects.

Eleftheria Katsoura
Research Associate

ITI-CERTH

Ms Eleftheria Katsoura has been a Research Associate at the Information Technologies Institute (ITI) of the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) since November 2023. She holds a BSc and MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), specialising in Informatics.

She contributes to EU-funded research projects at the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Her research interests include machine learning, blockchain analytics, and the development of AI-driven tools to support law enforcement and security applications.

Session 2: Data governance and compliance by design

Theofanis Syrigos 

Head of Programme and Solutions Management Unit 

eu-LISA

Mr Theofanis Syrigos is Head of the Programme and Solutions Management Unit at eu-LISA. He previously led the Business Relations Management Sector and chaired the EES-ETIAS Advisory Group. He also coordinated the activities of the Working Group on ICT solutions for Member States with external land and sea borders.

Mr Syrigos is an ICT engineer with more than 30 years of experience in large-scale IT systems in the area of justice and home affairs.

He has served in several diplomatic missions for his home country and was Head of the Schengen ICT Sector at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also worked as a Seconded National Expert at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Home Affairs.

Bart Dekempe
Associate Partner

IBM

Mr Bart Dekempe is a Consultative Account Executive at IBM with more than 20 years of experience in driving innovation in data and artificial intelligence. He supports EU institutions in achieving their digital and data ambitions.

He has played a key role as a solution architect in defining and implementing the target architecture for eu-LISA’s Common Repository for Reporting and Statistics (CRRS), which is expected to enter into operation at the end of 2026.

Mr Dekempe believes that data powers the digital world and that artificial intelligence unlocks its value. Within IBM Technology’s Data and AI practice, he works with senior stakeholders to demonstrate the transformative potential of generative AI in their specific business contexts.

Toon Segers
Director National Security & Co-founder

Roseman Labs

Mr Toon Segers is Director for National Security and Co-founder of Roseman Labs, a Dutch deep-tech company specialising in secure data collaboration.

Roseman Labs enables law enforcement organisations to securely combine and analyse sensitive intelligence and operational data without exposing the underlying information.

Mr Segers has led engagements with national security agencies, police organisations and international bodies. His work focuses on enabling secure collaboration in areas including organised crime, financial crime, and maritime and border security.

Nicolae Paladi
CEO

Canary Bit AB

Mr Nicolae Paladi is CEO and Co-founder of Canary Bit AB. He holds a PhD in Systems Security from Lund University in Sweden and is the author of more than 30 publications and four patents.

He has extensive experience in academic and industrial cybersecurity research, with a particular focus on hardware security, cloud platforms and distributed systems.

In 2020, Mr Paladi co-founded Canary Bit with the aim of strengthening the security of Europe’s digital infrastructure and data through privacy-enhancing technologies.

Session 3: Secure and scalable data architectures for the public sector

Joris Vankeerberghen
Head of the Smart Hosting Platform Services Sector

eu-LISA

Mr Joris Vankeerberghen is Head of the Smart Hosting Platform Services Sector at eu-LISA. He has extensive experience in the operational management, design and delivery of large-scale IT infrastructure.

Before taking up his current role, he served as the Agency’s Head of the Network Infrastructure Sector from 2019 to 2024. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering in Electrotechnics from KU Leuven and an Executive MBA in Artificial Intelligence Management and Data Innovation from De Vinci Executive Education.

His work focuses on the strategic deployment of cloud and on-premises platforms. He currently leads key initiatives related to sovereign cloud architectures and the continued evolution of eu-LISA’s hosting platforms.

Ingrid Romjin
CEO & Co-founder

Q*Bird

Dr Ingrid Romijn is CEO of Q*Bird, a Netherlands-based company specialising in quantum-secure communications. The company develops highly secure networks designed to protect critical infrastructure and prepare organisations for the quantum internet of the future.

Before co-founding Q*Bird, she held leadership positions at QuTech, Delft University of Technology and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). She also contributed to the Dutch National Agenda for Quantum Technology and Quantum Delta NL.

Dr Romijn serves on the Advisory Board of Women in Quantum Development and on the Board of Holland High Tech. She holds a PhD in Physics and is committed to applying breakthrough science to pressing societal challenges.

McCandless

Jonny McCandless
Senior Solutions Architect

Elastic

Mr Jonny McCandless is a Senior Solutions Architect at Elastic, with more than a decade of experience in designing and delivering complex security and big data solutions for the public sector.

After five years of supporting the delivery of the Elastic platform to some of the UK’s largest government organisations, he now advises public sector leaders across Europe on addressing complex data-related challenges.

Mr McCandless specialises in connecting technical delivery with strategic vision. He works directly with senior leaders to share expertise and support the implementation of transformational public sector projects.

Derrick Struys
Director Data Services & Storage

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Mr Derrick Struys is a technology and channel sales leader based in the Brussels Metropolitan Area, with extensive expertise in hybrid cloud solutions, data infrastructure and partner ecosystems.

He focuses on helping organisations modernise their IT operations through solutions including Morpheus Enterprise and Data Fabric within the Hewlett Packard Enterprise portfolio. His work supports greater automation, scalability and data mobility across complex IT environments.

Beyond his professional activities, Mr Struys has contributed to cultural and voluntary organisations and remains actively engaged in industry discussions on resilience, innovation and emerging enterprise technologies across Europe and beyond.

Guust Franssens
Solution Engineer

Microsoft Belgium

Mr Guust Franssens specialises in data solutions across the Microsoft technology stack, including SQL and NoSQL databases, analytics platforms and data governance.

Working exclusively with public sector organisations at Microsoft, he also has extensive knowledge of digital sovereignty and the specific data and technology requirements of government institutions.

Wesley Backelant
Director Data Services & Storage

Microsoft Belgium

Mr Wesley Backelant is a Chief Architect at Microsoft, based in Belgium. He works with enterprise and public sector organisations to design and implement advanced analytics and artificial intelligence solutions on Azure.

With a background as a database architect working on large-scale SQL Server deployments, he has extensive expertise in data platforms and cloud transformation.

Mr Backelant is an experienced data professional and an active speaker and contributor within the technology community. He supports organisations in turning data into actionable insights through modern cloud architectures.

Day 2 • 10 Sept 2026

Master of Ceremonies

Opening, Session IV, Session V

Javier Galbally
Senior Research Officer 

eu-LISA

Dr Javier Galbally holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain. He worked as an Assistant Professor at the university until 2013, when he joined the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre as a Scientific Officer.

Since 2022, Dr Galbally has worked as a Senior Research and Innovation Officer at eu-LISA. His technical expertise focuses primarily on the application of data science to biometric technologies, particularly in the context of large-scale IT systems.

Matthias Leese
Assistant Professor for Technology and Governance at ETH Zurich. 
Senior Lecturer for Digital Public Governance at University of Zurich

Mr Matthias Leese is Assistant Professor of Technology and Governance at the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences at ETH Zurich. He is also Senior Lecturer in Digital Public Governance at the Department of Political Science at the University of Zurich. His research examines the effects of digital transformation on governance.

He is currently Principal Investigator of two multi-year research projects: CURATE, funded through an ERC Starting Grant from 2022 to 2027, and INFRASEC, supported by an SNSF and FWO WEAVE Grant from 2026 to 2030.

Session 4: Solutions for data sharing

Coen Janssen
Policy Officer 

DG Connect

Mr Coen Janssen has been a Policy Officer at the European Commission since 2023, where he is responsible for standardisation initiatives supporting the European Strategy for Data and the European Data Union Strategy.

His work focuses on interoperability within and across data spaces and involves close cooperation with the Data Spaces Support Centre, CEN-CENELEC JTC 25 and ETSI TC DATA. With more than 25 years of experience in ICT standardisation, he specialises in facilitating collaboration, analysing complex issues and building consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Mr Janssen holds a degree in Economics and a postgraduate qualification in Big Data and Analytics.

Gianfranco Cecconi
Data Ecosystems & Sovereign Data Lead 

Capgemini

Mr Gianfranco Cecconi is Data Ecosystems and Sovereign Data Lead at Capgemini. From 2024 to 2025, he served as Executive Director of the EU Data Spaces Support Centre, where he supported the coordination and development of Common European Data Spaces and contributed to frameworks adopted by the European Commission, including the Maturity Assessment of Common European Data Spaces.

Previously, he led the European Data Portal and the European Commission’s Support Centre for Data Sharing. His work focuses on data sharing, governance and interoperability, connecting policy, business and engineering perspectives across European institutions, Member States and the wider data industry.

Mr Cecconi specialises in supporting the large-scale adoption of data-sharing frameworks and sovereign data ecosystems.

Darío García Coder
Lead Architect/Technical Director

Sopra Steria

Mr Darío García Coder began his career as a software developer, building a strong technical foundation through hands-on engineering and delivery. Over more than two decades, he has progressed into solution and enterprise architecture, expanding his focus from software development to system design, technology strategy and large-scale digital transformation.

As Lead Architect at Sopra Steria, he designs scalable, secure and future-ready solutions for complex environments. His experience combines deep technical expertise with architectural leadership, enabling him to connect development teams, business stakeholders and strategic objectives.

Mr García Coder supports the delivery of data-driven, sustainable and resilient digital initiatives.

Amine Chetouane
Technology Leader & Enterprise Architect

Sopra Steria

Mr Amine Chetouane is a Technology Leader and Enterprise Architect with almost 20 years of experience in designing and delivering mission-critical systems of systems for the European defence, security and law enforcement communities.

Working at the intersection of technology strategy and national security, he develops secure, reliable and resilient-by-design solutions that comply with regulatory requirements and data protection frameworks.

Daniel Arosa
Executive Manager

NTT DATA

Mr Daniel Arosa Otero is an Executive Manager at NTT DATA, specialising in public administration reform, digital transformation and public procurement. He holds a PhD in Economics focused on public procurement and has more than ten years of experience advising European institutions, international organisations and national administrations.

He has led projects for the European Commission, including initiatives related to the Public Procurement Data Space, interoperability and data-driven policymaking.

Mr Arosa Otero’s expertise combines policy, technology and data, with a particular focus on the digitalisation of public services, procurement reform and the use of data spaces to support evidence-based decision-making.

Morgane Commowick
VP Product & Customer Operations

Dawex

Ms Morgane Commowick is Vice President of Product and Customer Operations at Dawex, where she leads the strategy and development of the company’s data exchange solutions.

She is responsible for customer operations, drawing on her expertise in the internationalisation, localisation and customisation of customer experiences. She also oversees compliance projects related to data regulations, both within Dawex and in cooperation with its customers.

Before joining Dawex, Ms Commowick worked for more than five years as a Digital Platform Project Director at a data company, managing a team of web and content specialists. She also led the development of an international public buying guide available in more than 20 countries.

Ms Commowick holds a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD.

Session 5: Data exploitation, analytics and AI readiness

Jose Rui Teixeira Nunes
Solutions Architect/Technical Director

Amazon Web Services

Mr Jose Rui Teixeira Nunes is an experienced Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services, based in Brussels.

In his current role, he works closely with European institutions and agencies, supporting them in cloud migration and digital transformation.

With more than 20 years of experience in information technology, Mr Teixeira Nunes has developed a strong understanding of the specific requirements and challenges faced by public sector organisations.

Domenico Borla
AI Strategist

Capgemini

Dr Domenico Borla leads the AI Strategy and Governance practice at Capgemini Invent in Poland, where he advises organisations on responsible AI adoption and compliance with the EU AI Act, ISO/IEC 42001 and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework.

He holds a PhD in Information Theory, Statistics and Machine Learning and has more than 15 years of industry experience in advanced analytics and data strategy. His previous experience includes consulting at McKinsey & Company and developing financial crime analytics for banking transaction monitoring systems.

Dr Borla’s work focuses on governance frameworks and operating models that enable organisations to adopt AI responsibly and at scale in sensitive and highly regulated environments.

Dennis Diefenbach
CEO

The QA Company

Mr Dennis Diefenbach is CEO and Co-founder of The QA Company, a French start-up. He leads the company’s strategic direction and product development, with a focus on making complex data more accessible through its flagship AI platform, QAnswer.

QAnswer enables organisations to create intelligent chatbots that can interact naturally with internal documents, websites and structured data. The platform helps transform raw data into actionable insights while maintaining strict enterprise security standards.

Closing Remarks

Philippe Harant
Head of the Strategy, Capabilities and Coordination Unit

eu-LISA

Mr Philippe Harant has been Head of the Strategy, Capabilities and Coordination Unit at eu-LISA since 2020. The Unit is responsible for the Agency’s research and innovation activities, including the organisation of the eu-LISA Industry Roundtable.

He has extensive experience in international organisations, as well as more than 15 years of managerial experience at national level and within other EU agencies.

Mr Harant holds a degree in Political Science from Sciences Po Bordeaux, a postgraduate qualification in Public Law from Montesquieu University in Bordeaux, and a diploma in Management from the French School of Public Health, EHESP.

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