António Costa is a Portuguese politician with a long governmental career, having served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 2015 to 2024. In 2025, he was appointed President of the European Council, taking on a central role in political coordination at the highest level of the European Union. He is widely recognized for his negotiation skills and political leadership, as well as for his contribution to European stability.

Economista e cientista política formada pela Universidade de Colónia, Barbara Konner tem uma carreira internacional ligada ao sistema das Câmaras de Comércio Alemãs. Liderou a AHK na Argentina, Uruguai e Paraguai e, desde 2023, é Vice‑Presidente Executiva da AHK São Paulo. Tem experiência em diplomacia económica, promoção de PME, internacionalização e cooperação institucional entre Alemanha e América Latina.

Carlos Moedas was born in 1970 in Beja, Portugal, and graduated as a civil engineer from Instituto Superior Técnico (Lisbon) in 1993. He was one of the first Erasmus Students in Portugal and attended the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris (1993). In 1998 he graduated with a Master in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School, USA (1998/2000).
He started his career as a civil engineer working for the French conglomerate Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux in France, where he lived for 5 years. After his graduation from Harvard he worked for Goldman Sachs in their Investment Banking division in London. In 2004 he returned to Portugal and became head of Aguirre Newman, where he was also a member of the executive board in Spain. In 2008 he went on to create his own investment management company.
In 2011 he headed the Social Democrat Party's (PSD) economic team and participated on the negotiations for Portugal's 2011 Public Budget.
That same year he was elected a Member of Parliament by the Beja constituency and appointed under-Secretary of State to the Prime Minister of the XIX Constitutional Government of Portugal where he was tasked with coordination of monitoring the adjustment programme structural reforms.
In 2014 he was nominated by the Portuguese Prime-Minister to be the European Commissioner. He is the Commissioner responsible for Research, Science and Innovation, one of the largest science and innovation projects on the planet worth 77 billion euros. He designed the proposal for the future Horizon Europe programme worth 100 billion euros, set to be launched in 2021. He is the 5th Portuguese national to hold this position since Portugal became a EU Member State in 1986.
In 2019 he joined the board of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. He is also vice-president of the Jacques Delors Institute in Paris.
Carlos Moedas co-authored a series of publications in the field of science and innovation. Among these articles, one stands out: 'Open Innovation: Research, Practices and Policies' published in the California Management Review, co-signed by Henry Chesbrough who is known for coining the term 'Open Innovation'.
In 2014, the Commissioner became the youngest member to be elected to the Portuguese Academy of Engineering. He is an honorary fellow from the African Academy of Sciences. In 2016 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Laws by the University of Cork in Ireland and in 2018 an Honorary Doctorate in Management from the ESCP Europe (École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris).
On 26 September 2021 he was elected President of the Lisbon City Council and re-elected for a second term on 12 October 2025.
Since July 2024, he has been a member of the Council of State, elected by the Assembly of the Republic, as a representative of the Social Democratic Party (PSD).
In November 2025, he was elected President of the Lisbon Metropolitan Council.

Trained as a geographer (PhD), Christoph Schemionek has built a career representing the interests of German industry in the United States. He acts as a bridge between U.S. policymakers and German companies, with extensive work in economic diplomacy, trade policy, transatlantic relations, and the economic impact of German companies in the U.S. He teaches as an adjunct professor at George Washington University.

Born in 1978, Dirk Schrödter has been Head of the State Chancellery of the Land of Schleswig‑Holstein since 2017. Since 2022, he has also served as Minister for Digitalization and Media Policy in Schleswig‑Holstein. Previously, he worked at the Ministry of Finance, where he was responsible for financial and budgetary planning as well as federal financial relations.
Dirk Schrödter studied Economics at the University of Potsdam. He teaches Economics and Public Finance as a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences for Administration and Services of the Land of Schleswig‑Holstein.

Holding a PhD in Law, he has been President of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation since 2022 and is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.
Between 2008 and 2014, he served as Advisor for Legal and Constitutional Affairs in the Civil Cabinet of the President of the Republic, an institution for which he has acted as a consultant since 2014. He was Director of the Migration Observatory and Secretary of State for Administrative Modernization in the 20th Constitutional Government. He also served on the National Council for Migration and Asylum and on the Management Board of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.

Dr. Volker Treier is responsible for the area of foreign trade and is a member of the Executive Board of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) in Berlin. Among other responsibilities, he represents the DIHK in matters of external economic policy and European policy and oversees the areas of International Affairs, the European Union, and the global network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK).
Previously, he served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Director of the International Department and, before that, held various positions including Chief Economist and Deputy Director of the Department for Vocational Training and Education Policy.

Paulo Portas served as Portugal's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister between 2011 and 2015. He was also Minister of Defence from 2002 to 2005. Dr. Portas led the Christian‑democratic, moderately conservative CDS‑PP party for 16 years and was a Member of Parliament for seven terms. He served on the Council of State and on the Higher Council for National Defence at different times.
He founded Vinciamo Consulting, a strategic consulting and business intelligence firm. He is Professor of Geo‑Economics and International Relations at NOVA School of Business & Economics and at universities and academies across Europe and Asia, and leads seminars on geopolitical trends for multinational companies.
He is Vice President of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP), a member of the Board of Trustees of the Champalimaud Foundation, and a Non‑Executive Director of Mota‑Engil (since January 2023). He is a Membre d'Honneur of the Académie du Royaume du Maroc. He is the author and host of the weekly television program "Global". Dr. Portas is fluent, both written and spoken, in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Italian.

ICEYE is an international Earth observation company and a global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, enabling continuous near‑real‑time monitoring of the planet, day or night and in all weather conditions. Operating the world's largest constellation of SAR satellites, ICEYE delivers precise and actionable data to support decision‑making in areas such as security and defence, insurance, natural disaster response, maritime monitoring, and the financial sector. With a global presence, ICEYE contributes to strengthening community resilience and promoting safer and more sustainable development.

TEKEVER is an international technology company founded in 2001, specializing in defence and security, and developing advanced solutions based on autonomy and artificial intelligence. The company creates innovative capabilities to protect people, infrastructure, and nations, transforming operational experience into strategic advantage and supporting critical missions anywhere, at any time.

Dr. Frank Meyer has been a Member of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH since February 1, 2024. He is responsible for the Energy and Building Technology business sector at Bosch, which includes the Building Technologies division, the Home Comfort Group, and the Smart Home subsidiary. In addition, he is responsible for Bosch's business operations in Japan and for central quality management at Robert Bosch GmbH.
Frank Meyer was born in 1978 in Dorsten, is married, and has two children. He studied Physics and Mathematics at RWTH Aachen University and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and also studied Physics at the University of Paris‑Sud (Orsay), France, and Imperial College London, UK. In 2006, he earned a PhD in Physics from the Max Planck Institute in Munich. In 2023, he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 412,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2025). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of 91 billion euros in 2025. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch's broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is "Invented for life," Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 490 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch's global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch's innovative strength is key to the company's further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 82,000 associates in research and development.
The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering." The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant upfront investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-four percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a limited liability company with a charitable purpose. The remaining shares are held by Robert Bosch GmbH and by a company owned by the Bosch family. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG. It is entrusted with the task of safeguarding the company's long-term existence and in particular its financial independence - in line with the mission handed down in the will of the company's founder, Robert Bosch.

Prof. Dr. Sabina Jeschke is a manager, entrepreneur, and scientist and has been working as a Senior Advisor at Deloitte Germany since June 2021, focusing on technology consulting. Previously, from 2017 to 2021, she was a member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Bahn AG for "Digitalization and Technology," where she was responsible, among other areas, for IT infrastructure, 5G rollout, data management/AI, cybersecurity, as well as technical innovations and greentech. In 2021, she founded Arctic Brains AB (AI consulting and development) and, since 02/2021, has supported the Berlin initiative "KI Park" as a future AI accelerator in Europe; additionally, she is building Quantagoia (GmbH i.G.) in the field of quantum-computing porting technologies. Her academic career includes professorships, among others, at TU Berlin, the University of Stuttgart, and RWTH Aachen, with a focus on AI, data analytics, robotics, cyber-physical systems, and (high-performance/quantum) computing. She has served on several supervisory and advisory boards, received various awards, and also advises political bodies of the German federal government. In 2019, she was recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Influencer in the German-speaking region and lives in Berlin, Strömsund, and Madeira.

KI Park e.V. is a European innovation ecosystem for Artificial Intelligence, based in Germany, bringing together companies, start-ups, research institutions, universities, and policymakers. It serves as a neutral, cross-sector cooperation platform designed to accelerate the development, testing, and real-world deployment of AI solutions. Through collaborative innovation, knowledge exchange, and access to advanced technological infrastructure, KI Park supports the responsible adoption of AI and aims to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty and global leadership in Artificial Intelligence.

Christian Beckmann has served as CEO of the SAERTEX Group and member of the Global Executive Board since April 2024. In this capacity, he oversees the company's strategic direction, with particular emphasis on sales, marketing, global market expansion, and new business development.
With revenues of approximately €350 million, 1,500 employees, and 17 locations across five continents, SAERTEX stands as a global leader in the manufacture of technical textiles from glass and carbon fibres - serving key industries including wind energy, aerospace, and lightweight construction.
Mr. Beckmann´s academic background spans industrial electronics engineering, a university degree in Industrial Engineering, and an MBA in Finance. He brings nearly two decades of international leadership experience spanning Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Prior to joining SAERTEX, he served as CEO of the RELINE Group, as a member of the Executive Board of the Viega Group, and as Vice President at Danfoss. He additionally holds advisory board positions at an investment fund and an AI company.
His core areas of focus include sales and innovation, digitalisation, sustainability, and international corporate leadership - underpinned by a clear commitment to a resource efficient future for the composites industry.

SAERTEX is a globally recognized German company specializing in the development and manufacture of textile reinforcement materials for composite applications, and is acknowledged as a world leader in multiaxial non-crimp fabrics (NCF) and core materials for lightweight structures. Headquartered in Saerbeck, Germany, the company provides advanced solutions based on glass, carbon, aramid, and natural fibers, used in high-performance structural components.
SAERTEX operates across strategic sectors such as renewable energy (especially wind energy), aerospace, automotive and mobility, shipbuilding, infrastructure, and civil engineering, contributing to lighter, stronger, and more resource-efficient solutions. Its materials are widely used, for example, in wind turbine blades, aerospace structures, vehicles, trains, and industrial components, supporting the energy transition and sustainable mobility.
With a global industrial presence, SAERTEX operates multiple production facilities and technical centers across different continents, combining industrial capacity, applied engineering expertise, and close customer collaboration. The company supports its partners from the concept phase through to series production, offering not only materials but also technical know-how across the entire composites value chain.

Graduated in Chemical Engineering at the University of Aveiro, João later specialized at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in extraction with supercritical fluids. João also has a postgraduation degree from the Porto Management School (EGP) in Quantitative Management Methods.
João's career has been heavily associated to established companies leading in various industrial areas, from quality, to manufacturing and general management. His experience in the associative world is vast and equally significant having been the President of Portugal's Cork Association (APCOR) between 2012 and 2021. The following years until the start of 2024 João led the European Cork Confederation. He was also president of the Cork Technology Centre, Board member of CINCORK and president of FILCORK (Portuguese cork cluster).
At the State level, João was part of the ''Reflection Group for the Future of Portugal''- an advisory body to the President of the Republic between 2018 and 2022 and coordinated the social and democratic party's ''National Strategic Council'' in all public services and state reform-related matters in 2023.

Robert Jozic is Managing Director of Schwarz Digits - Disruption. In this role, he is responsible for strategic foresight as well as the identification and evaluation of future-oriented technology and business fields within the Schwarz Group (including Lidl, Kaufland, PreZero, and Digits). His focus lies on ensuring the group's long-term competitiveness.
Since joining the group in 2016, he has held several key leadership positions. From 2018, as Managing Director of Schwarz Digital, he was responsible for the group's digitalization strategy as well as the design and scaling of digital ecosystems. With the additional responsibility for Schwarz Media in 2021, he significantly contributed to business development and go-to-market strategies for innovative retail media solutions.
Previously, at Schwarz Business IT, he served as Managing Director leading the BI & Analytics division. In parallel, he supported strategic initiatives such as the IT consolidation between 2017 and 2018, the development of new digital business areas, and initiated the partnership with the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), where he has been an active member of the supervisory board for nine years.
Robert Jozic studied Computer Science and Business Administration and has extensive consulting experience. He began his professional career in 2001 at a leading international management consulting firm. In 2005, he founded his own consulting company focused on Business Intelligence, Analytics, and Data Mining. After this entrepreneurial phase, he became Managing Partner in 2011 at an international consulting firm specializing in data-driven solutions and transformation.

The DIHK - The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry - represents the interests of more than three million companies in Germany. As the umbrella organization of the 79 Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs) and together with the worldwide network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), it effectively integrates economic concerns into political decision-making processes. Companies from all industries - from start-ups and medium-sized businesses to globally active corporations - benefit from this pooled expertise and the deep practical experience of the IHK system.

Leica Camera AG is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras, lenses and sports optics. As part of its growth strategy, the company has expanded its portfolio to include mobile imaging (smartphones) and the manufacture of high-quality spectacle lenses and watches and is also represented in the home cinema segment with its own projectors.
Leica Camera AG, having its headquarters in Wetzlar, Germany, and a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, operates a global network of its own distribution companies with around 120 Leica Stores worldwide.
The Leica brand stands for excellence in quality, German craftsmanship and industrial design, combined with innovative technologies. An integral aspect of the brand culture is the promotion of the culture of photography, with around 30 Leica Galleries worldwide, the Leica Akademie and international awards such as the Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA).

Schwarz Digits is the IT and digital division of Schwarz Group and offers impressive digital products and services that meet the high German data protection standards. With the aim of achieving the greatest possible digital sovereignty, Schwarz Digits provides the IT infrastructure and solutions for the extensive ecosystem of Schwarz Group's companies and develops it for the future. Schwarz Digits' sovereign core services include Cloud, Cyber Security, Data and AI, Communication and Workspace. In addition, Schwarz Digits creates optimal conditions for the development of trend-setting innovations for end customers, companies and public sector organizations.

With more than twenty years of global leadership experience, Jordi Laguarda has worked extensively in the aerospace, defense, transportation infrastructure, and government sectors. Currently serving as the Vice President for Spain, Portugal, and Italy at ICEYE, he is responsible for spearheading sovereign satellite mission initiatives throughout Southern Europe.
Jordi's professional background includes executive senior roles in Spain, the UK, and the USA. He previously acted as the Director General of International Trade and Investment for Spain within the UK Department for International Trade and served as the Global Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Director at EXPAL Systems, where he cultivated significant expertise in defense sector collaborations.
A Civil Engineer by training, Jordi also holds an EMBA from IE Business School and has completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School.

Vice Minister in the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs,Regional Development and Energy since November 8, 2023

• Tobias Gotthardt was born on June 3, 1977, in Regensburg and grew up in Burglengenfeld and Kallmünz.
• After completing his high school education and studying political science in Regensburg and Freiburg, he initially worked as a parliamentary assistant and head of office in the European Parliament and the German Bundestag.
• After his election to the Bavarian State Parliament in 2018, he assumed the chair manship of the Committee for Federal and European Affairs. In addition, in 2021, he was appointed as deputy and then acting chairman of the Committee of Education and Culture. At the same time, he was the federal, European, education and youth policy spokesman of the FREIE WÄHLER parliamentary group.
• After his re-election, Tobias Gotthardt was appointed Vice Minister and member of the Bavarian State Government in 2023

The Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy is a central authority of the Bavarian state government in Germany. It is responsible for the economic development of the state, energy policy, and regional planning.
Its main tasks include strengthening the Bavarian economy, supporting businesses-especially small and medium-sized enterprises-and creating and securing jobs. The ministry also focuses on the energy transition by promoting renewable energy and ensuring a secure and sustainable energy supply.
Another key goal is balanced regional development across Bavaria to ensure equal living conditions in both urban and rural areas.