Richard’s background in economics combined with over 35 years of experience designing automated retractable roof greenhouses, knowledge of plant physiology. His worldwide experience in many crop industries allows him to be very effective in designing crop production systems and creating financial models which benchmark retractable roof houses against conventional greenhouses.

Ivan Harjacek is at the forefront of applying advanced automation and digitalization to the global feed, pet food, and biofuel industries. As a prominent thought leader, he frequently speaks at international industry forums on the practical applications of AI, digital twins, and model predictive control to boost efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

With over 24 years’ experience in new technology development & early field deployment of novel technologies, with his last 7 years as a Shell “Gamechanger”, turning radical and disruptive ideas into reality, Michael’s is now focusing entirely on food production as CEO and Founder of Airponix, which has recently completed a full-scale turn-key facility in the Saudi desert.

Dr. Vega is a research associate specialized in post-harvest preservation technologies. For her outstanding contributions to safe grain storage, Dr. Vega was honored in 2023 with the prestigious Women in Ag Award - Agribusiness category, by the German Agricultural Society and Women in Ag Magazine.

With over 40 years of experience in the horticultural industry, 20 years as owner of the largest high-tech greenhouse in the center of the Dutch horticultural industry, Don has 30 years of experience with investors & partners in setting sustainable, and successful agriculture indoor facilities Worldwide! Don also is speaker on Seminars and gives lectures at several Universities and High Schools Worldwide.

Nesha Armo is a strategist and storyteller working at the intersection of food, innovation, and public policy. As Strategic Program Lead at Topian – NEOM Food, she develops transformative initiatives that not only feed people but also empower communities, protect the planet, and drive meaningful change.

Professor Mohammed Hossain is CEO of Digital Readiness and Intelligent Systems Ltd and a leading expert in AI and digital transformation with over 30 years of experience. He has held senior academic positions in the UK and Bangladesh, led £16 million in international research projects, and collaborated with over 100 companies worldwide. With 350+ publications and recognized innovations such as RaiDOT.ai and AIquaBoost.com, his work focuses on trustworthy AI, cybersecurity, and AI for societal impact.

Woody Ang is the Director of Ecosystem at Topian – NEOM Food, where he leads the development of partnerships and innovation networks that drive NEOM’s vision for a sustainable and future-ready food system. With expertise in ecosystem building, strategic collaboration, and agri-food innovation, he works to connect stakeholders across industry, research, and policy to accelerate solutions for food security, resilience, and global impact.

Imtiaz Shamsuddin is the founder and CEO of FLOX, a leading company applying advanced computer vision to chicken farming, overseeing over 65 million birds annually. He previously co-founded Post Urban Ventures, a deep tech venture builder collaborating with top institutions including Cambridge, Imperial, Fraunhofer, Cornell, and UCL. Imtiaz work spans agriculture technology, AI, and poultry innovation, with FLOX backed by leading global venture investors.

Kristijonas Gedvilas is the CEO of the European Chamber of Commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he leads initiatives to strengthen trade, investment, and business collaboration between European and Saudi stakeholders. With extensive experience in international business development and economic diplomacy, he focuses on fostering partnerships, promoting sustainable growth, and supporting a dynamic business ecosystem in the region.