Experience includes administrative leadership at day and boarding schools in three Canadian provinces and three countries, spanning 37 years.
Currently in his 7th year leading TASIS Portugal, where he founded and built the school into one of the country’s top international institutions with 960 students and 180 employees.
Previously transformed a university campus on Vancouver Island, overseeing major infrastructure development - including a trades centre - and driving 100% enrolment growth.
A global EdTech leader with 15 years of experience building modern school models, designing online learning systems, and advancing student-centered education across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Designs high-impact online learning environments, personalised student coaching programs, and educational content; builds strategic narratives and learning experiences for global marketing teams; advises organisations on transforming their learning culture through smart, scalable implementation.
Leads UnconstrainED in helping schools integrate emerging technologies - especially AI - to give educators more time, capacity, and connection with students.
Founder & executive director of the Global Recruitment Collaborative.
Chief of educational strategy for the Reliance Foundation.
Former head of educational initiatives at RoundGlass.
Served 13 years as Head of the American School of Bombay, launched transformative initiatives in international education.
First-ever recipient of the Dr. Keith Miller International Innovation Leadership Award (AAIE, 2016).
AI Focus: AI in education, AI-enabled school transformation, technology-integrated learning.
Co-founded Great Learning, scaling it from 0→$100M+ revenue and reaching 10M+ learners in 170+ countries before its $600M acquisition by Byju’s; teaches young people how to launch startups, build MVPs, and scale ventures; speaks internationally on entrepreneurship, employability, and the future of learning.
Built and exited a global edtech business; led multicontinental teams through high-growth entrepreneurship; speaker at Stanford University; named to BW Businessworld 40 Under 40; MIT Sloan Legatum Fellow (entrepreneurs from emerging markets).
AI Focus: AI in education, AI-enabled skilling, AI for startup creation & scaling, AI-driven learning platforms.
An IB high school student living in Portugal, originally from Australia, driven by a deep passion for entrepreneurship and the art of building something from nothing.
Host of The Seen, a podcast uncovering the raw, behind-the-scenes journeys of entrepreneurs and how they became seen; explores breakthrough stories from founders and companies that rise above the noise.
AI Focus: AI in content creation, AI-enabled storytelling, AI for youth entrepreneurship and learning.
A globally minded high school student passionate about learning from people across generations and career paths.
Hosts a podcast connecting high school students with professionals and university students worldwide; achieved listeners across 15+ countries on five continents, with strong engagement and positive feedback.
Pursues academic interests in economics, international relations, financial markets, and global politics. Interested in the two-way relationship between human development and economics.
Completed prestigious summer programs, including Yale Young Global Scholars in Economics, Law and Politics, and the Invest Inn London Young Investor Internship.
Recipient of multiple academic and volunteering awards.
AI Focus: AI for global learning communities, AI and the impact on the equilibrium of power among economic agents, AI for data analytics, AI and the sports industry
A global technology executive from Argentina with 25+ years of international experience across consulting, sales, marketing, and enterprise leadership.
Has built and led high-performing teams across four continents; held senior roles at Microsoft - including Principal Consultant, Regional Technology Leader, Regional Business Manager, Field Enablement Director, Sales Excellence & Strategy Director (Asia), Enterprise Lead (Singapore), and Country Lead (Philippines).
Previously led Quest Software in the Middle East and served as Director of Sales and Marketing for IBM in the Middle East & Africa.
AI Focus: AI-enabled enterprise transformation, AI adoption in global markets, AI-driven productivity & cloud innovation.
Advisor & Shareholder at Holmes Place Portugal, TRIB3, Pilat3s, and EGYM.
An ex-global executive leader in sports, fitness, and performance brands, with senior experience across Precor, Peloton, and Amer Sports (Arc’teryx, Atomic, Wilson, Salomon, Peak Performance, Mavic, Suunto).
Advises premium fitness operators, studio franchises, and fitness technology companies; supports strategic growth, innovation, and market expansion; serves on the Advisory Board of Nottingham Business School (UK).
AI Focus: AI in fitness technology, AI-enabled performance & coaching, AI-driven member engagement & health optimisation.
Purpose-driven leader with a proven track record transforming businesses through marketing technology, digital strategy, and emerging AI-driven channels.
20+ years of leadership success across the US, EMEA, and Asia.
Deep domain expertise across Marketing, MarTech, AI, Media, and digital transformation.
Recognised thought leader in profitable eCommerce and digital growth strategies.
AI Focus: AI-enabled marketing transformation, AI for customer growth & performance, AI-driven eCommerce acceleration, AI in MarTech & media ecosystems.
A global brand marketing and strategy leader working across luxury, women’s health & wellness, technology, and sport
Invests in and advises health and wellness start-ups, helping them scale through brand, culture, and emerging technologies;
founder of Livebrave.com, an anti-cancer brand and platform; author of Live Brave, inspiring cancer fighters worldwide;
previously founded, scaled, and exited LUV Wellness, a digital-first luxury beauty brand created following her personal journey with stage III breast cancer
Global brand leadership roles at CHANEL and NIKE
Former Global Head of Strategy for Influencer Marketing at Nike, signing cultural icons including Drake, Travis Scott, and Kendrick Lamar
AI Focus: AI in health & wellness, AI-enabled consumer brands, AI for longevity & biohacking innovation
With more than two decades in international executive roles, he helps technology-driven companies navigate complex transitions, aligning people, culture, and performance to create lasting traction.
His work connects human with artificial intelligence, combining behavioural insight with strategic execution. The result: leadership that is both data-informed and deeply human.
Ferdinand is known for bringing clarity to uncertainty, translating strategy into action, and guiding organisations to lead with purpose in a digital age.
A creative strategist and entrepreneur blending storytelling, design, and technology to shape forward-thinking brands and experiences.
Brings 20+ years of film, production, and marketing expertise; transforms complex ideas into visually compelling, scalable concepts; leads projects across real estate, hospitality, and lifestyle sectors with a focus on clarity, emotion, and innovation.
AI Focus: AI-driven creative strategy, AI-enhanced storytelling and design, AI for brand experience innovation.
A thought leader at the intersection of filmmaking, business development, and innovation technology, working across Fortune 100 companies and startups.
Integrated AI and emerging technologies into live stage production.
Creator of patented ML and interactive video technologies.
Award-winning filmmaker with global distribution on platforms such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Warner Bros., and Lionsgate.
A global capital markets and technology leader with 20+ years of experience building industry-defining regulatory and data solutions.
Leads a no-code AI platform automating complex data and regulatory workflows.
Previously built S&P Global’s regulatory reporting suite - including the market-leading SFTR solution - and drove major acquisitions such as Catena and Cappitech.
Former leadership roles at IHS Markit and BNP Paribas.
AI Focus: AI for regulatory automation, AI-driven data workflows, AI in capital markets infrastructure.
A pioneer in robotics, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity with a multi-decade track record of building companies that shape emerging technology markets
Leads MOV.AI, developing software to operate and manage fleets of mobile robots
Founded TUGBOT, an autonomous robot designed to replace human labour in industrial cart-movement logistics
Founded RoboSavvy, distributor of robotics equipment and creator of the first twerking humanoid robot featured on CNN and CNBC
Earlier founded Xpert, one of the first internet and cybersecurity integration firms, and XaCCT, a Silicon Valley startup that pioneered internet usage-based billing
AI for robotics, AI-enabled autonomy, AI-driven fleet management, AI in industrial automation
Clinical psychologist, researcher, and digital mental health innovator.
Specializes in adult and youth resilience, depression, and anxiety; creator of eQuoo, the award-winning emotional fitness game and the only game ever featured on the NHS Apps Library.
Contributes to global youth well-being as a member of the Healthy Digital Childhood Alliance.
AI Focus: AI in mental health, AI-driven prevention tools, AI and gamification for youth well-being.
25+ years of experience at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and impact.
Coached and supported CEOs of major educational organizations in the US.
On the front lines of several early-stage start-ups in the education and healthcare industries.
Transformational coach who works with clients to access their deepest inner wisdom and unlock stuck energy.
Holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Dartmouth College.
Certified Professional Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
In a world rapidly pulling us away from our humanity, Allison’s coaching practice is grounded in helping individuals reconnect with their most human capacity to feel, connect, and access their creative potential.
The Longevity Generation in the AI Era: Designing the Future of Human Health Across Generations
Dr Joana Costa & Dr Carolina Costa
As humanity enters the AI era, the future of our species depends on how consciously we design health from early life to advanced age.
This session explores longevity as a life-long and intergenerational strategy, beginning with the first 1,000 days of life and extending into Medicine 3.0, AI-powered prevention, and proactive aging.
Dr Carolina Costa reveals how early-life biology, epigenetics, and environment shape lifelong health and resilience, laying the foundation for raising a longevity-generation of children.
Dr Joana Costa expands the perspective into adulthood and the future of medicine, showing how intelligent, personalized health strategies allow us to extend healthspan and redesign aging.
What you will take away: • How to raise longevity-generation children • A practical framework for proactive, AI-enabled health • A clear plan to design your next 100 healthy years for yourself and future generations
Pediatrician and neonatologist trained at the UK’s finest hospitals in London and Cambridge. With a deep commitment to providing top-tier healthcare to infants and children, Dr Carolina brings a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure that every child receives the highest standard of care. Following her paediatric training she underwent a postgraduate certificate in Genomic Medicine by Cambridge University, UK, which has enabled her to focus her practice on epigenetic reprogramming during infancy. She is also a certified BabyBrains® trainer, a neuroscience program for parents that gives education on infant cognitive development.
Dr Carolina Costa is a co-founding member of SPMCLONG (Portuguese Society for the Medicine and Science of Longevity), where she advocates for the importance of the first 1000 days of life and how the environment and early life experiences shape our health as adults and influences the appearance of chronic diseases as we grow up.
Dr Costa is committed to guiding the growth and development of young patients with a personalized and attentive approach at every stage. Discover how specialized care can make a significant difference in your child’s life!
Catarina Nunes
COO & Chief Compliance Officer, Starkdata Known for translating complex regulatory requirements into practical, deployable AI solutions
Specialises in AI governance, compliance, and risk transformation for highly regulated industries
Oversees Starkdata’s governance-first Enterprise Intelligence framework; led national deployments including Portugal’s Intensive Care Registry (RNMI) and the justice-sector AI lifecycle mapping project with DGPJ
Previously spent a decade in compliance and risk modelling at international hedge funds and later served as CEO of Portugal’s first deep-tech venture builder
Frequently speaks at industry events (FinAI Conf, Lisbon AI Talks, Visa Innovation Programme) and contributes to major publications, including the Portugal Fintech Report 2025
Published scientific papers on AI Governance, Systems Theory, AI Ethics, and Compliance
AI Focus: AI governance & accountability, AI risk & lifecycle management, AI compliance for regulated sectors, trustworthy enterprise AI
A global financial services and fintech leader with 20+ years of institutional experience across premier Wall Street firms and high-growth digital asset companies
Advises fintech, blockchain, and digital asset organisations
Previously held senior roles in sales, account management, and client strategy at Symphony and Coinbase; built her career at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch in global financial services
Honoured by Women in Finance for Excellence in FinTech; Board member at Board Owl and NABU.org; Advisor to the Blockchain Reg-Tech Initiative and Web3 Creators Collective at Nova University
AI Focus: AI in financial services, AI for digital assets & blockchain ecosystems, AI-enabled client strategy & automation
Dawn Perdew
Serial Entrepreneur • Board Member • Strategic Advisor in Marketing & Advertising
Successful founder and operator who has co-founded, built, and sold 5 companies, advising organisations on growth, marketing innovation, and digital performance
Previously helped companies solve complex marketing challenges and drive revenue growth; have led 100+ teams and guided digital transformation across sectors including beauty (ELF, Shiseido), apparel (Vineyard Vines, Guess?, Brooks Brothers), CPG (P&G, J&J, Nestlé), digital-native brands (Casper, Zillow, Skullcandy), and home goods (Target, Wilson, Bassett)
Investing in leading U.S. startups since 2004, including globally recognized unicorns like LinkedIn, Pandora, Slack, SpaceX, and ID.me.
Serial founder who has served in operating roles at 10 early-stage companies; works directly with founders he backs to help them achieve successful exits.
Board and advisory roles have included Ustream (acquired by IBM), Bitium (acquired by Google), eteamz (acquired by Activision), Harvest.ai (acquired by Amazon), and Scopely (acquired by Savvy Games Group).
An honor graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; served as an Army Intelligence Officer, where he completed elite Army programs: Ranger School and Airborne Training. Earned joint MBA and JD degrees from UCLA.
2004 won Season 2 of NBC's hit reality show The Apprentice.
Published author and nationally recognized speaker on leadership, technology, and entrepreneurship.
AI in startup scaling, AI-enabled enterprise solutions, AI as a driver of market disruption for early-stage ventures
ExecutiveDirector, APCRI – Portuguese Private Equity & Venture Capital Association
Board Advisor, Independente Hotels Group
Professor of Finance & Entrepreneurship, NOVA FCT
A manager, investor, and ecosystem builder with 25+ years of experience across investment, innovation, real estate, tourism, and public-policy leadership
Supports and strengthens Portugal’s entrepreneurial and investment landscape; teaches finance and entrepreneurship at NOVA FCT; advises hospitality and real estate ventures;
previously led Startup Portugal, shaping national policy and driving competitiveness in the startup ecosystem; earlier career includes Accenture and senior leadership at one of Portugal’s largest family offices, overseeing major real estate, hospitality, and urban development investments
AI Focus: AI in investment & venture capital, AI for innovation ecosystems, AI-driven transformation in tourism & real estate
Yuri Rabinovich is an entrepreneur, investor, and community builder with over a decade of experience in launching and scaling tech startups. As the founder of VNTR, StartupMonthly, StartupSocials, and other ventures, Yuri has been at the forefront of accelerating innovation and creating thriving ecosystems and communities. His initiatives have cultivated a global network of more than 200,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, fostering collaboration across diverse sectors. Yuri is widely recognized for his expertise in building strong relationships and strategic partnerships. He excels at connecting founders, investors, and industry influencers, offering valuable guidance on early-stage funding, business development, and scaling strategies. His deep understanding of the startup landscape, combined with his commitment to supporting investors and founders through complex challenges, positions him as a trusted advisor and a transformative force in the tech and innovation space.
He founded VNTR, a global community of accomplished investment professionals who actively share deal flow and co-invest alongside top-tier investors, funds, and global partners. VNTR's mission is to build the world’s largest community of investors, creating a platform that facilitates co-investments in leading tech startups and funds. With a presence in over 40 countries and hosting more than 200 events annually, VNTR has engaged over 5,000 active investment decision-makers globally.
B2B SaaS founder with experience selling drugs, derivatives, data and digital media
Currently scaling ToucanTech, a specialist CRM and community software for school fundraisers and membership associations (400 customers in 25 countries such as the American Institute of Architects, University of Oxford, Médecins Sans Frontières and Phillips Exeter Academy)
Previously led commercial teams for GlaxoSmithKline, BNP Paribas and TruRating and founded and sold b-school media platform BusinessBecause to the Graduate Management Admissions Council (owners of the GMAT)
AI focus: using AI to supercharge operational admin efficiencies for sales, marketing, product and customer workflows and building new AI features into ToucanTech’s CRM product suite
Dr. Laurence Tham is the Chair of TIGER 21 Portugal, a global peer network for founders, entrepreneurs, and wealth creators, where he facilitates high-level conversations on wealth preservation / creation, decision-making, leadership, and long-term thinking in an increasingly complex world.
As a former health practitioner in Australia, Laurence works internationally as a business strategist and coach, helping leaders build future-ready businesses while staying grounded in values, health, and family life. His work increasingly focuses on how AI and emerging technologies can be used intelligently and ethically to support health professionals and their business.
As a parent of two teenagers at TASIS, Laurence brings a personal lens to the future—exploring how families, communities, and leaders can better prepare the next generation for the Intelligence Era. At the iFuture Summit, he joins as a guest interviewer to help guide thoughtful, practical conversations about the world we are building together.
IB high school student with a strong passion for political philosophy, global relations, and the creation of better, mutually beneficial systems.
Has competed in local and international Model United Nations and debate competitions, winning multiple awards for persuasive argumentation, including on the ethical and intentional adoption of emerging AI technologies.
AI focus: ethical/sustainable use of AI (a tool of learning and productivity, not a blindfold); keen interest in future-focused AI legislation and AI’s capacity for promoting upward socioeconomic mobility.
IBDP student at TASIS Portugal, attending Wake Forest University in Fall 2026 to study Politics and International Relations with a concentration in Global Health and Innovation.
Educated across six schools in three countries under multiple curricula, with a diverse international perspective.
Completed a NATO internship on AI-enabled language translation for diplomatic communication, conducted research for OxJournal on environmental sustainability in global diplomacy, and participated in numerous Model UN and Speech & Debate conferences on technology and policy.
AI Focus: Ethical and sustainable AI in global health, and advance applications in medical, environmental, and political fields to support democracy and diplomacy.
.webp)
.webp)
