Joie de vivre 

Tell us about your session.

Why Attend This Session?
--Explore the fundamentals of design thinking and its relevance across diverse industries.
--Learn a powerful ideation technique to fuel your innovation and generate unique ideas.

We will dive deep into the concept of Bodystorming and its applications in a sample industry, and go through an exercise that fosters collaboration and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs from various industries.

What You Will Takeaway:
--Acquire a comprehensive understanding of design thinking principles and their applications.
--Gain an understanding of the innovation technique of Bodystorming, develop the ability to leverage physical movement and user experiences as catalysts for creativity.
--Establish valuable connections with entrepreneurs across diverse industries, opening up possibilities for collaboration and partnerships.

Led by an experienced UX professional, this workshop is designed specifically for entrepreneurs like you! You will walk away with practical strategies and actionable insights that you can immediately implement within your business, driving innovation and fueling growth.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

What excites me most about the future of tech is the incredible potential it holds for both personal and societal transformation. Transparent displays, projection holograms, and immersive technologies promise to reshape the way we work and connect, making the dream of working from anywhere a reality. This is an exciting prospect that can enhance flexibility and foster human connections across vast distances.

However, what truly ignites my optimism is the prospect of technology being harnessed for the greater good. Innovation has the power to address pressing global issues such as equitable access to clean water, healthy food, and quality education. Growth through Innovation, to me, means using technology as a force for positive change rather than a tool of division or exclusion.

I firmly believe that the marriage of the design thinking framework with cutting-edge innovation technology is a formidable combination that can unravel complex challenges. This alliance has the potential to infuse more empathy, inclusivity, and human-centered values into the heart of innovation. It's about bringing together diverse perspectives on a global scale to create adaptable, equitable, and resilient solutions.

I envision a future where Growth through Innovation isn't just a buzzword but a living reality, where technology is wielded as a force for positive change. It's a future driven by empathy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to addressing global crises effectively and sustainably. I'm excited to be part of this journey towards a brighter, more connected, and more equitable world through the transformative power of innovation.

BIO

I'm Jeannie Adair, and I'm all about innovation and the exciting possibilities it holds. With over two decades of experience as an Experience Design Strategist and leader, I've consistently driven positive business outcomes through transformative engagements, always with the aim of delivering delightful digital experiences.

Currently, I'm the Head of Design at CX Studios, a customer experience company. Here, I lead cross-functional teams to craft customer-centric experiences that resonate with users and propel business growth. My passion for design thinking and strategic storytelling empowers me to ideate and execute innovative solutions that leave a lasting impact.

Being a workshop facilitator is one of my favorite roles. I thrive on inspiring and guiding teams to generate groundbreaking ideas, fostering collaborative environments where creativity flourishes. I also love mentoring. My mentorship empowers individuals to unlock their creative potential and achieve their professional goals.

What sets me apart is my unwavering client-centric approach and strong interpersonal skills. I've forged lasting partnerships and established myself as a trusted advisor. My forte is aligning business objectives with user needs, resulting in seamless customer experiences that elevate brands and exceed customer expectations.

My mission is simple yet profound: to understand, empathize, imagine, and create. Together, we can create extraordinary experiences that drive innovation and growth.

BIO

Founder and Senior Managing Partner, Accredo Capital.

During his 40 years at the helm of technology related companies, Gil achieved many business, scientific and technological successes, including orchestrating the transformation and development of 5 Fortune 500 companies. The successful transformations of these companies resulted in substantial increases in shareholder value as the market capitalization of these companies increased significantly and returned billions of dollars to shareholders.

Gil served as Chairman, President, and CEO of Apple Inc. [NASDAQ: APPL] from 1996 to 1998, the world's largest market capitalized company, currently valued at $3.057T.

He was also Chairman, President, and CEO of National Semiconductor (1991-1996), and President of Rockwell Communication Systems, a unit of Rockwell International’s semiconductor business (1983-1998).

In 1998, Dr. Amelio moved into venture capital with Sienna Ventures. In August 2005, he founded and served as CEO and Chairman of Acquicor Technology, Inc. [AMEX: AQR], which he co-founded with ex-Apple CTO Ellen Hancock, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Two years later, Acquiror merged with and rebranded as Jazz Technologies, Inc. [AMEX: JAZ]. Dr. Amelio served as CEO and Chairman of the new company until his retirement in Sept 2008, following its merger with Tower Semiconductor [NASDAQ: TSEM].

Since then, Gil has been instrumental in launching and guiding several new companies including AirWire Technologies, ESS Technology, and XOTV. He is also Co-Founder of Cirus Foundation (formerly Cubera International), a big data company based in the U.S. and India. He is currently Co-Chairman of Safe Dynamics, the leading 4G/5G wireless technology safety company, based in San Diego, California.

Prior to his management career, he was a successful technology specialist. He is responsible for the development of the first practical Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor, which is used today to register images in consumer camcorders, professional video cameras, digital still cameras, television, and in astronomical and other equipment. The CCD is the eyeball of the Hubble Space Telescope and is used extensively at observatories around the world. Gil was recognized by the Nobel Committee for his work in this field.

Gil is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow and received the Masaru Ibuka Consumer Electronics Award for his contributions to development of the CCD image sensors and has been awarded 17 patents. Gil has also been the recipient of numerous awards including the Florida International University (FIU) Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Georgia Tech Business Achievement Award, the National Management Association's Silver Knight of Management Award, and the Albert Einstein Award.

Gil is a former director and chairman of the Semiconductor Industry Association served on the Board of Governors of the Electronics Industries Association and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Business and Higher Education Forum. From 1996 to 2009, Dr. Amelio served as an advisor to the Malaysia Multimedia Super Corridor, and to Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir Mohamed.

His current and past directorships include 18 years on the Board of AT&T Inc., InterDigital, Inc., Galectin Therapeutics Inc., Chiron Corp., Sematech, the Georgia Tech Advisory Board, and the American Film Institute.

In 1991, former President George H.W. Bush asked Gil to chair the 50th anniversary celebration of the US Savings Bond effort. Gil brought together 5O Fortune 500 CEOs as well as numerous celebrities from the arts and public sector to draw attention to this important program.

Gil is an author or co-author of 3 books, of which the last two were business book Best Sellers:

✓ An American Imperative (1993)

✓ Profit from Experience (1995)

✓ On the Firing Line (1998)

Gil earned his B.S., M.S., and PhD in physics at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Amelio and his wife Charlene live in Reno, NVHe is an air-transport rated jet pilot with more than 3,700 hours of flying time and is typed in the Gulfstream 100, the Cessna Citation, and the Dassault Falcon.

New Business Development | Technologies

Tell us what excites you about your session. 
As an Innovation are of LG Electronicts, LG NOVA can provide comprehensive resources to startups who is willing to collaboration with us and here from us about what you can access and build togather!!

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 
I'm a believer of technological innovation, if properly controlled, as the quintessential enabler for a better life. LG NOVA has been established on the same philosophy, bring innovation through the technologies that startups built to produce mutually successes.

BIO
Jin has been a core member of LG Electronics product management and new business development teams for the last 12 years, working for LG Business Solutions and Home Entertainment in the HQ office in Seoul, Korea. He currently is a member of the LG NOVA Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) team working on new business development with startups.

Before joining the LG NOVA team and while working at LG Business Solutions, Jin led product strategy and product planning for large format commercial displays. In this role, he was responsible for LG’s direct-view LED product strategy and was a leading member of the team that launched the world’s largest LED cinema screen (2020) and LG’s LED display for movie theatres. Through his experience with LG Business Solutions, Jin has worked with many partners, including Walt Disney Studios, Warner Brothers, Universal Pictures, Dolby Laboratories, Cisco Systems, Cinemark, Planar, IMAX, Verizon, SiliconCore and Boeing.

At LG Home Entertainment, Jin worked on new business planning, focusing on digital signage, TV, set-top/media box, tablet, laptop and smart home device product lines.

Prior to LG, Jin served as a system engineer and a product marketing manager at Cisco Systems Korea, where he worked on advanced technology solutions. At Cisco, he led joint-marketing initiatives and global programs for the Korean market with partners such as EMC, NetApp, VMware, HP, IBM, and Intel.

Jin holds a Bachelor in Business Administration and a minor in Broadcasting and Journalism from Sogang University in Seoul, Korea. He is a wine enthusiast with a particular affinity for California wines. Jin lives in the Bay Area with his wife and dogs.

Visionary | Innovative | Different

Tell us what excites you about your session.

This session speaks to the very essence of our mission here at ACT House. Our mission: We help innovators craft the best version of themselves, build their ideal team, and execute their dream, by leveraging innovation with cross-cultural collaboration.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

Innovation is unlimited! It is as numerous as the perspectives of those who drive it. Therefore, the possibilities to provide solutions to our world's challenges through tech, are infinite. That's exciting!

BIO

Inventor, investor, and a student of people, culture, and teams, Dominick Ard’is, has designed and directed accelerators, developed innovation programming across ecosystems in America, and transformed the minds of early-stage founders for the past decade.

Starting his first company in 2012, and then consulting alongside a cadre of innovators for 5 of the Fortune 100 companies, his appetite for creation emerged again when he started the ACT House, a b-corp that helps innovators find their innovation identity, their tribe to create with, and accelerating their dreams into the market. This is where Dominick invented the ACT Model - a proprietary team model and assessment to accelerate connection, collaboration, and creation amongst teams, innovators, and founders.

Alongside a dynamic team of Architects, Creatives, and Techies, Dominick architects ACT House’s $5 million accelerator - ACT Tulsa - which has invested in 45 Black and Latino-led startups in the past 18 months, while serving as managing partner of ACT Ventures, a subsidiary of ACT House, INC.

Speaking on domestic, international, and metaverse stages, Dominick’s work has been celebrated for his models of diversity centered around ethnicity, expertise, and experience for organizations. His models of personal transformation exude long-lasting impact, all centered around the mantra of ‘getting 2% better’ every day.

Dominick is a proud HBCU grad of Florida A&M University and holds two graduate degrees from Florida State University. Always loving and enjoying the intersection of creativity and cross-cultural collaboration, Dominick is also a proud summer graduate of Middlebury College’s language immersion programs where he learned to speak Hebrew and Arabic, with French and Spanish on the horizon. Fundamentally, Dominick is provoked by the notion to love God, love people, and serve the community. It’s not good enough to just think different–you must ACT different.

BIO

William Barkis, PhD, is Head of Grand Challenges and Ecosystem Development at LG NOVA, where he is focused on working directly with startups to drive the creation of transformative new businesses for LG.  Formerly, he led corporate strategy and innovation programs at Orange, directed two open innovation programs at Mozilla and served at the National Science Foundation where he collaborated with the White House on advanced computer science topics. Will holds a PhD in Neurosciences from UCSD and a BS with Honors in interdisciplinary computer science (Symbolic Systems) from Stanford.

BIO

Sandeep Bhadra is General Partner at VVUS and is excited to work with practitioners building companies in cloud infrastructure software, developer tools, data-driven SaaS and B2B fintech/insuretech. He’s an early investor and board member in Hasura, Orkes, Tulip, and BrokerBuddha, and a board observer/investor in Docker, Gitpod, KSOC, LeaseLock, and UnitySCM.

Prior to beginning his venture career in 2015 at Menlo Ventures (investments include Platform9, Signifyd, Unravel Data and Clarifai), Sandeep managed ~$425m in cloud/infrastructure software M&A at Cisco’s corporate development team. Earlier, as an engineer at Texas Instruments, he designed LTE/LTE-A cellular systems and a software-defined networking chip which spun-out into a venture-backed startup Barefoot Networks (acq by to Intel).

He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from INSEAD, and a Bachelor of technology from IIT Madras.

BIO

I like to be the first one in tackling hard problems; building talented, outcome-oriented teams; investing the time, smarts and capital in new ideas; &, then leveraging strong quantitative & analytic skills, strategic insights & interpersonal relationships to drive business objectives, profitable results & exits. I have over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, and educator in the financial services, life sciences, and telecom sectors, with a focus on data, AI, and innovation.

As the Executive Director of Vantage Ventures, I lead a team of passionate and talented professionals who support and invest in founders building scalable and impactful tech start-ups in the Appalachian region.

I am also the co-founder of FinTech Sandbox, a global non-profit organization that provides access to high-quality data sets for fintech startups, and a board member and advisor for several fintech companies and organizations. I co-founded and led the predictive analytics firm, Capital Market Exchange, where we leveraged a Bayesian estimation technique, NLP and AI to help institutional bond investors quantify non-financial factors influencing spreads. I was previously the Chief Operating Officer for Innovation at State Street Bank’s Global Exchange division & Head of the bank's Innovation Ventures.

My areas of investment focus are in digitizing private and public markets, DLT, and expanding access to community banking. I enjoy working with relentless problem solvers who are transforming the industry leveraging next generation technologies.

I have been recognized by American Banker, Innovate Finance, Lattice80, and NY FinTech Women as one of the most influential and inspirational women in fintech. I am committed to channeling the power of the capital markets to drive impact and also lifting other women up.

Insightful | Hopeful | Industrious

Tell us what excites you about your session.

I'm incredibly excited to be a part of this panel discussion because it delves into an area that I'm deeply passionate about: the symbiotic relationship between corporate incubators and startups. Over the course of my career, I've had the privilege of being at the epicenter of this dynamic interplay from every player's perspective. I've seen firsthand how a well-structured corporate incubator can serve as a crucible for innovation, providing startups with fantastic growth opportunities and market access.

What truly excites me is the role of the founder in this ecosystem. Corporate incubators offer a unique platform where visionary founders can accelerate their journey from ideation to market integration. The mentorship, scale motions and networking opportunities are unparalleled, often serving as a catalyst for startups to overcome hurdles that would otherwise take years to navigate.

Moreover, the collaboration between established corporations and agile startups is a two-way street. While startups gain from the corporate infrastructure and market insights, corporations benefit from the fresh perspectives and disruptive technologies that startups bring to the table. It's a win-win scenario that I believe is crucial for the future of innovation. I look forward to sharing practical insights and actionable strategies that can help both corporations and startups forge fruitful collaborations and drive mutual growth.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech?  

To me, "Growth through Innovation" is not just a catchphrase; it's a fundamental business philosophy that serves as the backbone of sustainable, long-term success. It's akin to the concept of "creative destruction" coined by economist Joseph Schumpeter, where new innovations disrupt existing frameworks to pave the way for progress. It means continually pushing the envelope, and exploring uncharted territories in technology to develop products and solutions that not only meet market needs but also anticipate future demands.

Growth through Innovation is a multi-dimensional approach that goes beyond mere technological advancements. It encompasses organizational culture, fostering an environment where every team member—from developers to marketers—feels empowered to think outside the box in a true product owner or startup founder mentality. It's about creating a virtuous cycle where innovation fuels growth, which in turn provides the resources and impetus for further innovation.

What truly electrifies me about the future of tech is its role as an accelerant in a founder-driven world. We're entering an era where technological leaps—from AI to quantum computing—are not ends in themselves but means to amplify a founder's vision. Imagine the potential when a founder's ingenuity in healthcare meets the computational power of AI, leading to groundbreaking personalized treatments. Or consider the impact when a founder focused on sustainability leverages IoT to create smart, eco-friendly cities.

The future isn't just about what technology can do; it's about what a founder can do with that technology. And the most exciting part? This is a global phenomenon. The democratization of technology means that the next visionary founder could emerge from anywhere—be it a co-working space in Seattle or a startup incubator in Nairobi.

BIO

With a career spanning 17 years, I specialize in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within Microsoft. As the Principal Program Manager for Microsoft's Incubation Studio, I operate within the Office of the CTO, focusing on Horizon 3 (H3) initiatives—essentially the long-term, disruptive innovations. My role involves designing and spearheading programs, initiatives, and partnerships that facilitate the growth of emerging products and businesses across the company.

My background is a rich tapestry of roles and skills. I've been a full-stack developer, an educator, an entrepreneur, and a venture builder. This diverse experience equips me with a unique blend of strategic, operational, and marketing acumen, which I bring to highly technical product teams and startups.

I'm also an active mentor and investor in the early-stage B2B SaaS and agency space. I collaborate with various platforms and networks, including Conduit Venture Labs, Fizzy Ventures, Founder Institute, Round, Microsoft for Startups, Forum Ventures, and Venture Out Seattle. My passion lies in connecting with individuals who are leveraging technology to tackle complex, intriguing problems. If you're one of these innovators, I'm always open to connecting and learning more.

Competitor | Innovator | Investor

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

This session speaks to the very essence of our mission here at ACT House. Our mission: We help innovators craft the best version of themselves, build their ideal team, and execute their dream, by leveraging innovation with cross-cultural collaboration.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Growth through Innovation signifies evolving through diverse, collaborative efforts. The future of tech excites me because it democratizes innovation, opening doors for more voices. Team synergy, as seen in the ACT Model, amplifies individual strengths and fast-tracks groundbreaking solutions.

BIO

Malachi Blankenship is a highly competitive and driven innovator with 7+ years of founder and early-stage investing experience. As a brand and go-to-market tactician, he is passionate about guiding others toward excellence not just success. In his daily efforts as one of the Managing Partners at ACT Ventures, he works hand in hand with founders to tackle the right problem.

BIO

Gerald Brady is the managing director for Silicon Valley Bank leading the firm's SVB Network which focuses on building the bank's relationships with Fortune 500 CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, CMOs and other C-level executives. SVB Network brings senior executives together to connect with the bank's clients, who are the entrepreneurs at the forefront of technology innovation, spanning every industry sector, as well as the venture capital investors backing these companies. Through a variety of events and programs, executives, entrepreneurs and investors can compare notes on sectors, share insights on technologies and trends, including SVB's own strategic insights, connect with their peers and together explore ways to collaborate more efficiently.

Prior to joining SVB, Brady served as the director of investor relations for Siemens AG, where he was responsible for all aspects of investor communications in North America. Before that, Brady was an acquisition director in the Strategic Planning Group at Siemens Corporation, and served as a managing director of Siemens Acceleration USA, which is the early stage venture capital arm of Siemens.

Brady has also worked at 3i in London and Palo Alto, where he was a director, investing in a number of technology businesses, including ActiveCard (ACTI), Bitfone (acquired by HP), Raw Communications (acquired by Thomson Financial) and Winery Exchange. Prior to his work in finance, Brady worked in the Internet and media industry, was part of the UK launch team for ZDNet in 1995, a sales manager for Yahoo! UK when it launched in 1996 and an executive at Ziff-Davis and EMAP Plc.

Brady holds an honors degree from Kingston University, an MBA from Cranfield University and he is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Brady served as chairman of the NVCA’s Corporate Venture Group from 2006-2007.

BIO

Winston Choe is an entrepreneur, mentor and global tech executive with expertise in business, corporate and venture-development in Mobility, IoT, BigData, and Security. He recently joined LG as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) and Innovation Business Development Director at LG NOVA.

Winston has over 20 years of experience and a track-record working with startups to grow from seed to exit, working on corporate-development to engage startups through commercialization, investment, acquisition, and doing venture-development with startups at Accelerators based in Silicon Valley.

He was a Founding EIR at PlugandPlayTechCenter, a Venture Accelerator with 30000+ startups, 300+ VCs, 500+ corporate-partners, accelerator-programs in 20 industries, investment-portfolio including 14 unicorns, and global-operations across 30+ sites. Winston co-founded TechGrowthVentures, an accelerator for US-Asia businesses, where he built a portfolio of 20 companies, based on cross-border synergies for supply-chain, joint-development, market-entry, investment. He also worked with governments in South-Asia to establish Accelerator-programs leveraging their local ecosystems with a bridge to Silicon Valley. Winston was also the VP Programs and Partnerships at ReadWrite Labs, the world’s first IoT Accelerator, where he established programs for 100+ startups and developed corporate-partnerships for US-China businesses. Among the wide portfolio of startups that he has worked on, 3 of them in healthcare telepresence, mobile security and mobile advertising, were acquired for $1B+.

Previously, Winston was Senior Director of Business Development at Intel, where he established a team for strategic-deals in the Client Computing Group, their largest division with revenues of $40B. He worked with startups in Wireless Charging and Immersive Vision through commercial-licensing, and investments through Intel Capital.

He was also Senior Director of Business Development in Hewlett-Packard, where he managed a team for strategic-partnerships and new market-development for the Mobile division, and led commercial-deals with Google, Microsoft and acquisition of a Mobile Device Management startup.

Winston holds a Bachelor of Math degree from the University of Waterloo, Canada, majoring in Computer Science and Operations Research. He started his career in R&D at Bell-Northern Research in Canada and Institute of Systems Science in Singapore, and subsequently completed a High-Tech Executive Management program at Stanford.

He is an avid outdoorsman who has completed overlanding trips across North America, with a passion for cooking and playing tennis.

Tell us about your session.

excited to share insights, learning and experience for over the years as a serial entrepreneur and founder of multiple health care startups.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

One of the major benefits of innovation is its contribution to economic growth. Simply put, innovation can lead to higher productivity, meaning that the same input generates a greater output.

BIO

Dr. Clement is a trained physician, angel investor, innovator and a serial entrepreneur. He is the CEO and Founder of Ciba Health a digital health and a value-based care company for chronic disease reversal. He is also co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Innomas Clinical Research, a New York and West African-based healthcare solutions provider. Prior to founding Ciba, Dr. Clement served as CEO and Co-Founder of Kaia Health Inc., a digital therapeutic company, where he oversaw US initiatives, including partnerships, clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and expansion across North America.

Driven | Excellence | Visionary

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

What excites me about the future tech is that it is going to be reimagined and led by a diverse group of brilliant youth, especially girls, that have more opportunities to not only enter but thrive in their full authentic selves.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Growth through Innovation means that as we develop new ideas, ways of thinking and opportunities, we are creating space to learn and grow and see things through a different lens.

BIO

Nikole Collins-Puri is a social justice visionary, strategist, advocate, and mentor who has committed her life to unleashing the potential of untapped communities. She’s the CEO of Techbridge Girls, a nonprofit organization that excites, educates, and equips girls from low-income communities through STEM, empowering them to pursue STEM careers and achieve economic mobility and financial security as adults. Nikole is a master collaborator who is able to leverage her rich professional experiences in tech, philanthropy, and education to bring diverse groups of stakeholders together to urge social change in our communities. As explained in her recent TEDx talk on reimagining the STEM revolution for every girl, she’s committed to removing those barriers and increasing access and opportunities for all those who are often left behind but essential to the success and growth of our society. Prior to Techbridge Girls, Nikole worked at AT&T where she spearheaded their diversity and inclusion efforts, at the College Board where she advised states on their college completion strategy for Black and Latinx students, and at the Women’s Foundation of California where she advanced women’s economic security by supporting and awarding grants to visionary grassroots organizations. Nikole holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Florida and MPA from City University of New York.

BIO

Cheryl Contee is CEO at The Impact Seat Foundation, where she leads early stage portfolio companies to success, provides resources for underrepresented founders, and helps build a new investment paradigm. In addition to her role at the TISF, Cheryl is the Founder and Chair of Do Big Things, a mission-based digital marketing agency. She was also the National Board Chair for Netroots Nation, the co-founder of Attentive.ly, and a New Media Ventures board member. In 2023, Cheryl is launching the re-edition of her Amazon best-selling book, Mechanical Bull: How You Can Achieve Startup Success.

Bold | Optimistic | Caring
 

Tell us about your session.

While technology is creating many new challenges that we must address, people all over the world - even in the poorest parts of the world - are now using technology to solve their own challenges and better their lives.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Around the world hundreds of millions, if not billions, of people are becoming innovators. We will see countless new ideas and solutions emerge over the next ten years, driving our global society forward.

BIO

Darlene Damm is an impact-driven visionary who pioneered the impact technology industry. She co-founded two of the world’s first impact technology companies in aerospace and drone transport, and as Faculty Chair and Vice President of Community and Impact at Singularity University, taught and mentored thousands of founders and executives who went on to build impact technology companies in every industry including Ag Tech, Food Tech, Ed Tech, Climate Tech, Gov Tech, Health Tech, and more.

Darlene served in leadership, strategy, operational, and expert roles with Singularity, Ashoka, the World Bank, nonprofits in Vietnam and Myanmar, and has spoken about impact technology at the United Nations, the World Food Programme, SXSW, Google, Salesforce, Intuit, WalMart, Sony, Aramaco and delivered TedX talks in Vilnius and Budapest.

She has written articles for Harvard Business Review, Forbes, the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Spiceworks, the OECD Forum, the Qatar Foundation and GRIT Daily. A number of news outlets including TechCrunch, Fast Company, Venture Beat, Wired, Popular Science, Aviation Week, NPR, Gigacom, Forbes, MoonandBack, engadget, The Denver Post, Le Monde and 60 Minutes have covered her work in drones, rocketry and Singularity University impact technology projects.

Darlene received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS), was a fellow with Japan-US Community Education and Exchange, is an advisor to the UN World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator, was a mentor with Google’s impact accelerator, a judge for Stanford BASES, and served on the Biden Administration’s Working Group on Cross Border Trade. She holds patents in drone technology and Authority Magazine featured her as a social impact hero.

Visionary | Facilitator | Strategist

BIO

Dr. Izzet Sidki Darendeli is the Director of The Smith Center for Entrepreneurship and an Associate Professor of Management at California State University, East Bay. He holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Management from Fox School of Business, Temple University, Philadelphia. In addition to his academic successes and research on innovation and entrepreneurship, he has founded, invested, and advised multiple startups and served as a member of the Board of Directors for several Multinational Corporations in the U.S and Europe.

BIO

Joshua Di Frances is the head of incubation at LG and cofounder of U.S Digital Corps. He previously served as Senior Advisor for Technology Innovation and New Ventures to the Director / Commissioner of the Technology Transformation Services at GSA. He is also passionate about breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship in healthcare and translating technology into commercial healthcare products. He currently resides with my wife, Vanessa, in Washington D.C. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors (running, hiking, biking, skiing, etc.), reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

BIO

“Tonton” Ali Diallo is a Silicon Valley-based investor, a White House Presidential Innovation Fellow, and an award-winning venture builder (10 startups and 2 exits) with deep expertise in contrarian innovation and in sustainable capitalism which combines profit, purpose, and planet.

He is the Managing Director of NOVA Prime Fund, a VC fund that was launched through a partnership between LG Electronics and Clearbrook. He co-founded United Capital, a Dubai-based group that accelerates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through large-scale international investments, public-private partnerships, and a $5B portfolio of global industrial projects. He is also a Partner at Ecogreen Capital and Polaris Ventures and a Board Member of the Great Green Wall, a global climate initiative launched by the African Union and supported by the European Union, the French Government, and the United Nations.

Tonton co-founded Aurion Capital, an investment holding group that builds a connected and sustainable future for society through a portfolio of 7 funds and 50 startups; and RISE (Resilient Investments for Sustainable Economies), a global coalition of investors, corporations, and principled leaders that are uniting to drive systems changes and economic impact across emerging economies.

As an advocate of financial and digital inclusion, he founded a TMT venture studio, a fintech company and a telecom group that advances connectivity and digital infrastructure in rural America and across Africa. He is a member of the MIT community as the former head of Global Programs of the MIT Legatum Center, the manager of MIT’s fintech prize for emerging markets, and a partner of the MIT Inclusive Innovation Challenge. He served as Director of Investments of LG NOVA, LG Electronics’ innovation arm; and head of Advertising Operations of Gannett/USA Today. He is a contributor to VentureBeat and Forbes and the recipient of ten awards.

Bio

Matthew (Matt) Durgin is Vice President in the Content and Services Division for LG Electronics. As the leader for North American region, he and his team manage the distribution, partnerships, innovation and content programming and acquisition for LG Channels. During the past 14 years at LG, he has been responsible key partnerships including Netflix, Amazon, Max, Disney+, Hulu for LG Electronics to brought these services to more than 200 million devices around the world.

Lucky | Ambitious | Disciplined

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

Looking forward to discussing strategy regarding funding and methods for the effective inclusion of new technology in raise and investment processes.

BIO

A graduate of the University of Michigan and a former D1 athlete, Marell Evans - Founder and Managing Director of Exceptional Capital - has utilized characteristics and attributes from his athletic experience to generate positive outcomes across enterprise, investing, and entrepreneurship. He is an anomaly in venture with a strong combination of management skills, enterprise expertise, and analytic rigor. Prior to launching Exceptional Capital, he worked at SoftBank, where he sourced investments and utilized his robust operating experience for the $100M Opportunity Fund, $100B Vision Fund and $8B Latin American Fund. Previously he worked at Okta and IBM leading enterprise sales teams. A current Kauffman Fellow, Marell has worked alongside venture leaders throughout his career, and has found investment success most recently with investments in Quicknode, SmileDirect, Vitable, Afriex, Rippling, Brex and more.

BIO

Alex Fang is a serial social impact entrepreneur with extensive experience in both nonprofit and for-profit social impact enterprises. Before joining LifeMoves, Alex oversaw the implementation of the first non-profit accelerator at OneValley, a Silicon Valley-based accelerator and venture fund.

Alex is an OnDeck Fellow, a Berkeley Skydeck Key Advisor, and advises social impact companies on how to achieve and scale their missions. He is completing his master's thesis at the Frankfurt School of Finance in Germany, where he is researching the use of Donor Advised Funds for impact investment, and holds an MBA from Quantic School of Business.

Before joining LifeMoves, Alex founded Surf For Life. This international development organization has completed over 62 brick-and-mortar projects in developing nations that have helped over 600,000 children access clean water, shelter, health care, and education. In addition, he has raised over $28 Million in Venture Capital and has exited a company for $43 million.

Outgoing | Dedicated | Ambitious

BIO

My professional journey centers around my fervor for driving business growth and adept problem-solving. After spending eight years in management consulting primarily focused on business strategy and innovation I completed my MBA in Finance at Northwestern Kellogg. I now channel my passion for driving growth, consulting analytical skillset, and finance background into investing in early stage start-ups. Outside of work, I am a mom to a 6 month old baby girl and incredibly needy 85 pound bernedoodle.

Healthcare-Visionary | Data-Passionate | Trust-Advocate

Tell us what excites you about your session.

I am thrilled to be participating in this exciting session on Exploring Transformative Solutions for Digital Health. There are many innovative opportunities in digital health, but the ones I am most excited about right now are those with the potential to truly disrupt the traditional episodic care model. This is driven by explosive growth in generative AI and monitoring technologies, including wearables and passive sensing. With more data, we can paint a much better longitudinal view of an individual’s health and the management of disease. I see huge potential at the intersection of healthcare and the smart home. Everything, from helping monitor a parent with diabetes from hundreds of miles away to facilitating dialysis from the comfort of your own bedroom.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Growth through innovation, in my view, is a journey that can be undertaken by an individual company or an entire industry. When aiming for true transformation, we can take incremental innovative steps that deliver tangible value at each stage and address current market needs. This consideration holds particular importance in healthcare, an industry known for its slower adoption of change. For instance, a near-term innovation could offer valuable time-saving solutions for burnout-afflicted care providers.

Currently, what excites me (and I assume many others) about the future of technology is the rapid advancement of AI. The potential applications in healthcare and digital health appear immensely promising. However, I am also aware that along with these opportunities come challenges and risks related to health data and trust. This is where standards, transparency, and industry alignment play crucial roles. Over time, with the right industry support, AI can assume a pivotal role in aiding diagnostic and treatment decisions.

BIO

Aaron Goldmuntz is a visionary leader with a proven track record in healthcare, emerging technologies, innovation, and transformation. He is passionate about how digital health, data liquidity, and analytics can drive better outcomes for individuals. He has experience in strategy, business development, and coalition building across diverse business environments, including startups, growth-phase companies, nonprofits, and large corporations.

Aaron is currently the Chief Operating Officer for the Center for Medical Interoperability, an organization focused on advancing the seamless exchange of information to improve healthcare for all. He also chairs the Steering Committee for the Connectivity Standards Alliance’s Health and Wellness Working Group. CSA is the group behind the new Matter smart home standard. He is a staunch advocate for the emerging opportunities for healthcare in the home through the advancement of monitoring technologies and artificial intelligence.

Aaron has experience in corporate strategy and business development related to medical technologies. He led business development for CardioNet (Philips) through its IPO. CardioNet was the pioneering provider of mobile cardiovascular telemetry. At Guidant Corporation (Boston Scientific), he focused on investments and strategic alliances. Aaron received his BA in Biochemistry from the University of Colorado, his MHSA from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and his MBA from the Michigan Ross School of Business. He currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and actively participates as a member of the Health Review Committee for Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Grit | Determined | Motivated

Tell us what excites you about your session.

My excitement stems from a combination of personal values, professional experiences, and the belief that supporting female founders is not only the right thing to do but also a pathway to a more vibrant and equitable business world. As an entrepreneur and ecosystem builder, I am always trying to find ways to support women in business thorough resourced, education and access to capital.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

I love to talk about the ceiling vs sky mentality. So many individuals limit their own beliefs of themselves, whether from outside factors or internal factors and often cannot truly see what is possible. By surrounding each other with possibility, belief, support and proper tools, someone can finally begin to see the sky. Options and innovation are limitless.

BIO

Flossie is a Veteran Navy spouse and accomplished serial entrepreneur who has generated and exited 7-figure businesses across e-commerce, ed-tech, CPG, mass production and more. She has built and scaled global entrepreneurial education training programs, accelerators, and military programs using both remote and in-person educational curricula and technology. Through the programs Flossie has built, she has had an impact on thousands of founders globally to start, scale, and sustain their own businesses. Flossie has secured global partnerships and sponsorships with companies such as Amazon, USAA, Nasdaq, Yahoo Small Business, and more. Flossie has been featured in Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square.

Flossie stays incredibly busy managing a portfolio of companies and teams across CPG, Marketing and EdTech, as well as stepping into her role as CEO of San Diego-based non-profit Stella Foundation, serving female founders and female funders globally. Flossie resides in Western NY with her husband and four children. She loves all things NPR, the ocean, and reading a book a week.

Curious | Creative | Collaborative

Tell us what excites you about your session.

I want to motivate attendees to think creatively, explore new possibilities, and apply insights from the sessions to their own work. I also want to foster a sense of community and networking, encouraging interactions and discussions among participants.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

For me, Growth through Innovation is all about spurring progress by fostering creativity, embracing change, and pursuing dynamic ideas to make better products, stay competitive, and connect people in an ever-changing world.

I'm particularly excited about the transformative potential of AI and machine learning across various industries, especially entertainment and sustainability. Technology has the power to address challenges and benefit a wide spectrum of individuals, as well as captivate and delight.

BIO

Annie Hanlon is an accomplished executive and award-winning producer with expertise spanning immersive and virtual production as well as traditional film and series, digital, commercials, and documentary production. A lifelong cinephile working at the intersection of media and technology, she thrives at the forefront of innovation – as the earliest of early adopters – witnessing firsthand how the harmonious integration of art and technology transforms storytelling.

A dealmaker and relationship manager with a passion for storytelling and cutting-edge technology, she has a track record of strategy, media, vision, and impact for leading companies in Hollywood and Silicon Valley including Netflix, Lytro, Cisco, and Here Be Dragons.

A member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and a board member of Infinity Festival, Annie has mentored filmmakers at Facebook (VR for Good) as well as students at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

BIO

John Han is Director of Open Innovation and Partnership overseeing North America for LG Home Appliance and Air Solution Company. He has 18+ years of experience with multinational technology companies leading wide range of external partnerships in the areas of corporate strategy, product planning, business development, and open innovation. He holds MS in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA and MBA from Aalto University, Finland.

BIO

Alicia is the Principal for Institutional Partnerships at LG NOVA. 

Alicia is fortunate enough to have worked with both startup, private and public companies such as LG, Walt Disney, the Department of Defense, the NFL, and most proudly the US Army. After her six year service in the US Army Alicia returned to civilian life to lead the way for veterans to become startup founders, launching the LA chapter of Bunker Labs, and helping scale the organization from 10-35 locations in 15 months. Alicia has designed curriculum for use at Saudi Aramco’s Wa’ed Accelerator, worked with various family offices, and VC firms, and helped hundreds of startup founders develop and launch new businesses. Her perseverance through her military training, as well as overcoming a major loss in her life has helped her to be a successful adviser today for fast-paced startups & international celebrities such as NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, and NBA Allstar and investor Baron Davis where she directed fund management, and investments.

Alicia is the Founder & Managing Partner at Dear Mama Ventures. An investment platform, with a $1B initiative to deploy financial, social, and intellectual capital to Black, brown, female, and Veteran-led founders who are solving some of the world’s most challenging problems.

Alicia believes that it is possible to change the world a little, to a lot each day. She demonstrates this through her commitment to empowering underestimated entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams, inspiring people to be their best, and building thriving, sustainable ecosystems for the communities she serves.

Driven | Caring | Connected

Tell us what excites you about your session.

I'm honored to join the Women in Tech session because... when we come together women in technology are a diverse, trailblazing and empowered force! This gathering will showcase diverse journeys, be a time to inspire and be inspired, lean on and learn from one another. Diverse teams have been shown to outperform others so join us to celebrate the power of women in tech!

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech?

To me, growth through innovation IS the future of tech. That excites me because it signals opportunity: an opportunity for change, for improvement, and reflection on how we want to shape our lives, planet and existence for the better of all.

BIO

Michelle is an accomplished marketing leader with a passion for helping technology innovators and entrepreneurs bring their vision to life. Operating at the intersection of marketing, communications, and strategy she has a track record of launching B2B and B2C startups, pioneering market categories, building global brands, and achieving successful exits.

Currently a partner at Embark GTM, Michelle guides visionary technology leaders to construct effective Go-To-Market (GTM) foundations that build brand and fuel repeatable, scalable growth.

Michelle is a proud member of Chief—a prominent women’s network committed to championing women in industry leadership. She’s also actively involved in Empowered CMO—a powerful community of women marketers elevating women professionally and personally through leadership, inspiration and craft.

Michelle began her career on Capitol Hill before relocating to Hong Kong where she transformed a single flagship office into an award-winning regional PR agency that helps U.S. tech companies thrive in the dynamic Asia Pacific markets.

Her previous marketing roles span iconic technology brands like Google, Firefox, Skype and HP, as well as enterprise software ones: Hyperion (Oracle), SuccessFactors (SAP Cloud), and Adaptive Insights (Workday).

Curious | Creative | Passionate

Tell us what excites you about your session.

What truly ignites our passion for this subject is the prospect of harnessing over a decade's worth of insights gained from collaborating with 25,000 government, academic, and commercial innovation teams. With our support, these teams can potentially save between six months to two years of valuable time and effort. We essentially serve as mentors, guiding them through a tailored journey of discovery. Our achievement lies in delivering a multifaceted knowledge base, interwoven with countless layers of content, making it remarkably efficient and effective for them to explore and chart a successful course for their ideas and opportunities.

Looking ahead to the future of technology, we firmly assert that AI is far from being a passing trend. What truly excites us is the belief that AI won't displace human jobs; rather, it will empower individuals to enhance their work through AI tools. We're thrilled to offer the very best of AI, leveraging our extensive decade-long experience. Our mission is to democratize access to these invaluable resources for the upcoming generation of innovators, paving the way for groundbreaking processes, services, and products that have the potential to transform the world. Through our efforts, we aim to expedite progress towards this future.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

Always learning.

BIO

Entrepreneur, angel investor, and entrepreneurship educator, Jim Hornthal is the co-founder and Chairman of LaunchPad Central, Zignal Labs, and M34 Capital. His private investment fund, Hornthal Investment Partners, has made investments in over 50 early stage companies, including Lending Club, Lyft, Change.org, Hightower Advisors, Krave Jerky (Hershey), KIND Snacks (Mars) and Hipmunk (Concur). He is also an investor and/or advisor for several venture capital funds, including funds managed by Presidio Partners, Swan & OLegend, Sonoma Brands, TPG, and Kleiner Perkins.

As an entrepreneur, Jim is best known as the Founder of Preview Travel, one of the first online travel agencies. Jim took Preview Travel public in 1997, and later initiated its merger in 2000 with a division of Sabre Holdings to create Travelocity.com, where Jim served as Vice Chairman.

Jim has been a Lester Center Fellow for Entrepreneurship at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley since 2002, where he leads the teaching team for The Lean Launchpad course. Jim has also taught the class at Princeton and Stanford, and has been part of the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps Teaching Team at UCSF and Stanford.

Philanthropically, Jim focuses on mentoring social entrepreneurs who are working to make the world a smaller place by bridging gaps between conflicting regions and nations.

As past Chairman of the YPO Peace Action Network, he gets to work with business leaders who want to play an active role in affecting change and entrepreneurship in their own regions. PAN members share the belief that business leaders have a responsibility to engage and help create jobs, a vital part of improving the prospects for a sustainable peace. PAN has fostered the creation of an India-Pakistan Forum, an Israeli-Arab forum, and the Arab American Action Forum that Mr. Hornthal co-founded and currently serves as co-Chair.

Audacious | Bold | Focused

Tell us what excites you about your session.

As an investor, my mission is to support entrepreneurs to turn their lofty ideas into globally successful incorporations. It takes a ton of grit and resilience to be audacious enough to solve the world's most pressing challenges through disruptive innovation. The need to balance growth with discipline is key to winning in the innovation business but it is always easier said than done. It is my job to help founders strike this balance as they build their young businesses through the hardest part of its lifecycle - the early stage.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech?  

The future of tech excites me because technology is the great democratizer. The most impactful innovation grows and spreads across the globe giving access to capital, education, and opportunity, where there hadn't been before. To see how technology has already created incredible, unprecedented wealth and opportunity for underserved communities around the world by disrupting, and sometimes even leapfrogging, the status quo has been incredible in the past 2 decades. And in many parts of the world, this tech innovation is just getting started. The time remains now.

BIO

Lydia Idem is a fund manager and investment advisor who has been an investor and trader for more than 25 years. She has managed millions of dollars in both private and public investments. As a fund manager, Lydia has spent her career investing in startup companies in Africa and Latin America at the early stage. She has sat on the board of non-profit organizations serving on their respective finance and executive committees, utilizing her financial and analytical skills to determine optimal investment opportunities and capital utilization for these organizations. She has been a special guest on Yahoo! Finance, featured in FORBES Magazine and CNNMoney, and named #3 of the Top 10 Women To Follow In Finance. In 2014, she launched FM Capital Group LLC, a registered investment advisory firm with a mission to empower more people to become smart, impactful investors.

Lydia is currently Chief Operating Officer at LoftyInc Capital, a venture capital firm leading the vanguard in capital formation and VC investing in Africa. There she oversees Fund Administration, Portfolio Management, Investor Relations, Compliance, Finance, Communications, Human Resources, and sits on the Investment Committee for Fund 3. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the New Haven Schools Foundation serving on their Investment Committee.

Lydia has a Master of Science in Management from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Vanderbilt University.

Bio

Amoghavarsha JS is a filmmaker, photographer and storyteller. He has worked with media orgs like National Geographic and BBC in the past. His films have won awards such as the 67th National Film Awards and the Impactdocs Award of Merit. He is the art director on Grammy® Award Album "Divine Tides" by Ricky Kej at the 64th and 65th Annual Grammy Awards. His work on climate change was showcased in United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President François Hollande. He has addressed the United Nations headquarters in 2020 when his movie Wild Karnataka was screened there. Amoghavarsha has also appeared on TED Talks India hosted by Shah Rukh Khan.

Matchmaker | Entrepreneur | Thoughtful

Tell us about your session.

We're at a tipping point for cleantech, and startups will drive this industry forward.

BIO

Liz Kerton is an innovation catalyst in the technology segment across mobility, cleantech, and communications. She currently heads Cleantech Council and Autotech Council where she uses corporate innovation strategy to position companies for the future. An active supporter of women s entrepreneurship, Ms. Kerton was named one of Silicon Valley's Most Influential Women by San Jose Business Journal in 2012, inducted into the TU Automotive Hall of Fame in 2017, and nominated for CxO of the year by IoT World in 2019.

BIO

Dong-Su Kim is the CEO and board member of LG Technology Ventures. He has over twenty-five years of investment, strategy, planning, and technology experience. As the founding CEO, Dong-Su established the fund structure, hired key people, and initiated investment operations. Under his guidance, LG Technology Ventures manages over $400 million of fund assets and invests in early-stage information technology, automotive, manufacturing, life-sciences, energy, and advanced materials companies. Portfolio companies include AmazeVR, Lygos, May Mobility, and Ridecell.

Previously, Dong-Su was Vice President and GM of Samsung Ventures America where he managed offices in Menlo Park, Boston, London, and Tel Aviv. He has led the investment of over thirty companies in diverse sectors including semiconductors (Soft Machines, Verisilicon, Wave Computing), equipment (DCG Systems, IMS, Reno Subsystems), materials (Nanosys, NexPlanar, Voltaix), and storage systems (Pure Storage).

Prior to joining Samsung Ventures, he was a Director at Asia Evolution, an investment bank in Korea covering mid-market financing, private placement, and M&As.

Before that, he was a Director at the Technology Strategy Office of Samsung Electronics. As the CTO’s staff, he was responsible for strategic venture investments and technology alliances. He also worked in technology planning for Samsung’s Telecom R&D center, responsible for discovering new research topics. Dong-Su started his professional career as a Technical Leader at Samsung Fiber Optics Business Unit in development of fiber optic components.

His past Board Director appointments include Datera, Digital Specialty Chemicals, Femtometrix, Inpria, Reno Subsystems, SBA Materials, SVXR, D2S, DCG Systems (acquired by FEI), NexPlanar (acquired by Cabot), Voltaix (acquired by Air Liquide), Panasas, and Pixtronix (acquired by Qualcomm). Dong-Su also served on the Investment Advisory Committee for Sierra Ventures.

Dong-Su has earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University, and a B.S. with Honors in Applied Physics from California Institute of Technology

Focused | Curious | Collaborative

Tell us about your session.

We're addressing an age-old problem of team disharmony. What excites me the most about our session is to share the ACT Model on how to build a strong foundation for starting teams. True innovation is fueled by true diversity. In the same vein as nature's flourishing power with biodiversity, people's collaborative power can be amplified through contrasting layers of intricate ecosystems. At ACT House, we believe that diversity in education, expertise, and ethnicity is the key to unlocking the power of innovative potential. 

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

'Growth Through Innovation' means that evolution is not possible without pushing the boundaries of our comfort zone. To grow is to move forward with intent, and that starts from the top. The future of tech is riddled with possibilities for new yet familiar ways of collaboration. With the increased visibility of opportunities and democratization of knowledge learning, it's exciting to see how we can overcome physical, emotional, and digital barriers that once seemed impossible to break through.

BIO

Maria's journey from journalism to leading teams in Michelin-starred restaurants has equipped her with a versatile skill set. As a digital nomad, she thrived as a freelance copywriter while exploring the world. Today, Maria is the Head of Insights at ACT House, spearheading the development of a proprietary assessment tool for building stronger teams. Her passion for forging meaningful connections makes her a vital part of the innovation community. Join Maria and fellow innovators at LG NOVA to unlock growth through innovation.

Super-connector | SaaS-leader | Ethical-futurist

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

AI tools allow us to make data-driven decisions; it's like turning a light on in a dark room. We can increase our chances of success, leveraging bleeding edge tech. behavioral data, cognitive data, biometric data - we can weave this into a story using cross-channel analytics to truly understand not only our users, but the correct path forward.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Growth through innovation means the pursuit of growth and expansion through continuous improvement at every step and business unit (similar to the Japanese philosophy, Kaizen).

By implementing this strategy across innovative ideas, products, processes, and business models, we understand that staying competitive and achieving long-term success often requires more than just incremental improvements. Instead, it involves fostering a culture of creativity and exploration to generate breakthrough innovations (which means constantly learning and thoughtful research). Aside from continuous improvement, some key tenets are: Adaptation and Flexibility, monitoring/measuring success, and risk management.

BIO

Nick Larson is a serial entrepreneur/angel investor/podcast host with a passion for people, technology, and surfing. A Silicon-Valley native, Nick has started and scaled mission-driven companies: Willow (AI SaaS; backed by Google, Green Park Ventures), OnePiece Work (Co-Working/Accelerator; backed by UpHonest Capital), and now CRO at Unity Central, pioneering SCM/knowledge management via a distributed ledger technology with customers like Meta and the DoD. Named one of the 25 most influential people in communications technology by PRWeek in 2021. Host of Silicon Zombies, a live tech show and community (top 5% of podcasts on Spotify).

Intuitive | Caring | Creative

Tell us about your session.

Startups in today's competitive landscape require more than just innovative ideas; they need the power of AI to optimize, scale, and lead. Join us for a targeted session where you'll delve into specific AI tools that are revolutionizing how startups operate, enhancing efficiency, and scaling results.

Get a firsthand look at how CLEAN AI Technologies stands as a testament to this revolution. I will unveil our real-world applications and strategies, offering a clear blueprint on integrating these AI tools into your startup's workflow.

By the end of this masterclass, you'll have actionable insights tailored to your startup's needs. Understand not just the 'what' but the 'how' of AI implementation, empowering you to take immediate steps towards accelerated growth. Don’t just adapt to the future; shape it.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

To me, 'Growth through Innovation' is the alchemy of transforming novel ideas into tangible value. It underscores the belief that static methodologies can stagnate growth, while fresh, dynamic approaches can propel an organization into new realms of success. As for the future of tech, my excitement stems from its boundless potential. Each technological advancement is not just a new tool or gadget but a door to countless possibilities, an avenue for positive change, and a catalyst for industries to evolve in ways we've yet to fully comprehend.

BIO

Fueled by an unwavering drive for innovation, I continually explore the expansive realm of AI, aiming to redefine its limits and to challenge the traditional frameworks. My goal has always been to craft impactful solutions that not only inspire but also effect genuine change.

My professional journey, rooted deeply in marketing, technology, and healthcare, has converged in the design of pioneering solutions that cater to real-world challenges. My personal encounters with trauma have provided me a firsthand understanding of the intricacies associated with PTSD and ADHD, and the urgency to develop robust healing mechanisms.

Out of this blend of personal insights and professional expertise emerged our flagship product, Dreamscapes Immersive. Slated for a 2024 release on Oculus and Vision OS, Dreamscapes Immersive represents a new frontier in therapeutic intervention. It leverages the revolutionary advantages of immersive virtual therapy, offering those grappling with PTSD, trauma, and ADHD a fresh perspective on healing. The integration of 8D bilateral stimulation amplifies its therapeutic efficacy, engaging the brain's natural mechanisms to facilitate a more profound healing experience.

As we advance in this innovative journey, Dreamscapes Immersive promises a synthesis of state-of-the-art technology and our understanding of human neurological challenges. Come be a part of this transformative expedition, where technological ingenuity meets human resilience.

Curious | Optimist | Technologist

BIO

Angel investor and entrepreneur, Marco is the founder and CEO of Mind the Bridge, a global innovation advisory firm that works for Fortune 100 companies as well as startups and investors. He is also the founder and managing partner of MTS Fund, a Silicon Valley seed venture capital fund.
Prior to that, he was responsible for Google’s partnership development in several areas of digital publishing for over 7 years.

Marco’s 25+ years professional experience spans from artificial intelligence research to startups in VoIP, Ecommerce, Elearning and Ticketing. He's a board member and lecturer of IE Business School (a top tier EU business school) and president of the SVIEC Foundation in Silicon Valley.
He was awarded Primi-10 2013: "Outstanding human beings that are an example and inspiration for our generation and generations to come", "Cavaliere della Repubblica Italiana" (Knight of Italian Republic) by the Italian President in September 2017 and Ambassador of the city of Genoa in October 2021.

Playing Offense | Relentless Positivity

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

First Last Mile Partnerships

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Growth through Innovation, as epitomized by the LG NOVA Innovation Festival, resonates profoundly with the ethos of fostering sustainable practices within the Simon Fraser University community under my stewardship. To me, it encapsulates the infusion of cutting-edge technological advancements to propel not merely organizational growth, but to engender a culture of sustainability and inclusivity.

The potential of clean technology in catalyzing a mobility transformation is palpable. Being at the helm of initiatives like the 'First Last Mile' model, the synergy between innovation and clean mobility augments the accessibility and adoption of electric vehicles, thereby dovetailing with the broader climate action goals.

The momentum of innovation isn't just a pathway to growth; it's a conduit for engendering systemic transformations that resonate with my core professional ethos of intertwining sustainability with operational excellence.

BIO

Sid is the Senior Director of Ancillary Services at Simon Fraser University (SFU), located in Metro Vancouver, Canada. With a community of over 43,000, SFU champions the student experience and focuses on creating a thriving campus culture. Sid's role is to navigate and coordinate how the SFU community lives, works, eats, travels, and celebrates. As an influential leader, he oversees over $60M in annual managed services, making it one of the largest operations in the country.

Renowned for his expertise in sustainable food systems and clean mobility, Sid integrates these passions to create a comprehensive approach to climate leadership and action. His vision is driven by the goal of transforming the food landscape and achieving SFU's scope three transportation emission targets by 2025.

In the food sector, Sid has driven local and plant-based purchasing up to 40%, with an ambitious target of reaching 50%. He has pioneered innovative initiatives such as the SFU Foodie program, which focuses on transforming food systems and promoting sustainability, and Canada's only 24x7 Dining program, mitigating the issue of food insecurity. Sid's contributions extend to a global scale, as he has actively engaged in food and retail-related discussions at United Nations organizations, aiding in developing strategies and tactical solutions for transitioning to sustainable food systems.

Parallel to his food system transformation efforts, Sid's clean mobility leadership is exemplary. Leveraging his expertise in sustainable practices, he has developed policy frameworks, infrastructures, and operational processes necessary for transitioning to electric mobility. His work on creating the First Last Mile model for clean tech focuses on accessibility, government policies supporting the adoption of electric vehicles, and effective stakeholder engagement.

Sid's unique blend of expertise has positioned him as a sought-after speaker and curator, focusing on system transformation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic relationship-building towards climate action. He is regularly invited to share his insights on various global platforms, from universities and corporations to international conferences and UN organizations. Sid's in-depth knowledge, practical strategies, and visionary leadership make his presentations truly enlightening for attendees.

Sid currently serves on the Board of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services, the largest professional auxiliary services support organization serving higher education in North America.

Beyond his professional role, Sid has managed multi-million-dollar operations in diverse sectors, such as energy resources, hospitals, schools, airports, and retail. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Telecommunications, a Diploma in Industrial Electronics, and holds certifications in Six Sigma Green Belt, Financial Planning & Analysis, and EDI Influencer. He also completed the Queen's University Executive Leadership program.

On a personal note, Sid is a passionate foodie and enthusiastic tennis player, having traveled to 194 cities worldwide. His unwavering dedication to climate action fuels his mission to effect transformative change in food systems and mobility worldwide. Sid's leadership truly represents a fusion of sustainable food systems and clean mobility, making him a global champion for climate action.

BIO

MARK MINEVICH is a President and founding partner of Going Global Ventures, a digital cognitive and AI strategist, a global thought leader, an investor, and an artificial intelligence expert. Mark is an upcoming book author - Our Planet Powered by AI: How We Use Artificial Intelligence to Create a Sustainable Future for Humanity by Wiley.
Mark is an award-winning technology-digital executive leader of AI, Digital Transformation, and CTO/CIO/CDO communities. Mark Minevich is a highly regarded and trusted digital cognitive Al strategist, artificial intelligence expert, global social innovation and technology executive, UN advisor, leading author and columnist, private investor/venture capitalist, and the principal founder and president of Going Global Ventures. Minevich advises the public sector, large global enterprises, and brands in the US, EU, Gulf Countries, South America, and Japan.
He dedicates innovation efforts and AI knowledge to amplifying capabilities and positively impacting climate change and social innovation agenda. Throughout his professional journey, he endeavoured to showcase how AI can bridge knowledge gaps, drive innovation, and lead humanity toward a brighter, equitable future.

Over the years, he has been engaged with various organizations and sectors worldwide, including prominent foundations in healthcare, education, and technology. He observed AI's transformative potential first-hand.

• His insights on AI's potential and challenges have been recognized and showcased across platforms. He emphasized AI's potential as a tool for societal good, promoting a vision that transcends mere technological advancements.

• Working with industry leaders, government, civil society, and academia across the globe has enriched his perspective on AI's diverse applications and potential pitfalls. It's instilled in him the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to AI governance.

• His upcoming book, "Our Planet Powered by AI," delves into AI's potential as a cornerstone for a sustainable and inclusive future. This book is not just about technology; it's about his belief in AI's potential to transform the world.

Mark is a co-founder and co-chair of the Al for the Planet Alliance steering committee in collaboration with UNDP, UNESCO, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a knowledge.

BIO

As Cofounder and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Lockstep Ventures based in New York, Sakyi is
passionate about the power of startups to solve global climate issues. He’s a 30-year business veteran
with a career spanning venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, and the music industry. Lockstep is
a founding member of the LG NOVA Capital Alliance with a mission of driving business success for
startups.
Sakyi previously worked at Bloomberg, PWC, Deloitte, HSBC, JP Morgan, Def Jam, and Universal Music
Group in roles that included product marketing & sales, partner management, auditing & control
governance, finance & accounting, process-engineering, and business development. At Bloomberg,
Sakyi led a go-to-market strategy team that built their ESG enterprise data business which also included
water management, CDP/TCFD, carbon emissions, and sustainable debt data offerings to buyside/sell-
side financial-service firms. Sakyi served as a Controller for the Hedge Fund and Private Equity groups at
HSBC and JP Morgan. During the 1990s, Sakyi built the marketing and product-development function at
Universal Music Group working with recording artists such as Elton John, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Eminem,
Diana Krall among many others. Sakyi is current developing a strategic coalition of venture capital firms
to work with governments and supercharge startups that are tackling health-tech, water innovation, and
climate. Sakyi serves on the New York Board of Directors of Defy Ventures, which advocates for
criminal-justice reform and lowering recidivism through entrepreneurship business education. Sakyi
served in the US Navy during Operation Desert Storm, and is supporter of veterans causes, as well as
other global humanitarian initiatives.

Driven | Intuitive | Consicous

Tell us about your session.

Design and Scale Using Behavioral Science - We are building technology for the future, but have forgotten that our users still rely on a brain that hasn’t changed in 200,000 years. To design and scale successful products, learn how to leverage the power of behavioral science, and cater to the ancient decision maker inside all of us.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

Tech Giants like Uber, Facebook, and Airbnb are introducing Behavioral Scientists into their teams because they are realizing that our existing models of how to understand and influence human decision making are incomplete. As we look to the future we need to combine our learnings from Behavioral Science with Data Science and AI to create a more complete map of how to influence behavior for good. This will ultimately allow tech companies to build habit forming products that will help people live healthier, happier & wealthier lives.

BIO

Shirin is the founder and CEO of Next Step, an award-winning Behavioral Design Agency based in San Francisco. She's also a guest lecturer at Stanford University and NYU. Her work applying Behavioral Science in marketing and product is regularly featured on Forbes, INC and has helped both emerging and established brands like LG, GitHub, and Credit Karma increase demand for their products. She has a degree in engineering from UC Berkeley, as well as accreditations in Behavioral Science and Positive Psychology from Duke.

Resilient | Dog Mama

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

I deeply believe value can be created at the intersection of Corporates and Startups

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Growth through innovation suggests improved customer experience. What is new and what is next rather than "how can do the same thing but cheaper"

BIO

Laura Plunkett is the Executive Director of Startup Engagement and head of Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs where she acts as a bridge between Comcast and the startup ecosystem to identify opportunities that accelerate innovation. Her experience in strategy and corporate development—including new market entry, technology commercialization, and route to market optimization—allows her to forge pathways to partnership and investment between Comcast NBCUniversal and startups all over the world. Laura arrived at her deep belief in the value created at the intersection of enterprises and startups when she took over leadership of French manufacturing company Saint-Gobain’s CVC arm after graduating from INSEAD. And she loves nothing more than hiking with her two dogs, Bogey and Penny.

BIO

Shilpa Prasad is an experienced leader in the startup ecosystem with a strong passion for entrepreneurship & corporate startup engagement/innovation. As an Entrepreneur in Residence at YouNoodle Inc, she was instrumental in driving innovation for various open innovation projects across corporations, governments & accelerators & establishing new partnerships across the global startup ecosystem.

A keen interest for creating real value within corporate startup ecosystems & enthusiasm for new innovations, she brings her global experience in corporate-startup strategy to LG NOVA.

BIO

Ellen is the founder and CEO of Kismet Impact, which invests in impact technologies and provides global advisory services to corporates, IGOs and start-ups. She is also the founder of a technology platform (in stealth) launching in 2024.

Ellen serves on the boards of Ethic Alliance, the Edward R Murrow Center for a Digital World at the Fletcher School and Agreefy Technologies, of which she is a founding investor. She is a judge for the University of Chicago’s annual New Venture Challenge (since 2018) and has advised groups such as NATO on the launch of its Innovation Fund, the BBC, Global Thermostat and GovCoin, the world’s first blockchain-based government-backed welfare distribution protocol, backed by Barclays and the Bank of England.

Ellen began her investment career at Guggenheim Partners in New York (2006-2014), where she was a macro analyst and managed hedge fund and impact investments for ultra high net worth clients ($25M- $3B AUM), and later helped launch and co-managed 5 hedge fund of fund portfolios seeded by Guggenheim. From 2014-2018 Ellen managed partnerships and direct investments at two family offices out of Hong Kong and Rio, where she worked on multi-billion-dollar transactions across verticals and oversaw deal teams at Blackstone and BAML.

Passionate about conservation and humanitarian causes, Ellen has raised millions for and managed complex humanitarian missions, most recently rescuing hundreds of women and children from Afghanistan, in coordination with USAID. She is an advisor to various foundations and conservation efforts globally, including the White Lion Trust in South Africa.

She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Masters in International Strategy & Diplomacy from the London School of Economics & Political Science, and BS in Finance from the University of Colorado. She is a former 5-time Junior Olympian alpine ski racer.

Ellen is the founder and CEO of Kismet Impact, which invests in impact technologies and provides global advisory services to corporates, IGOs and start-ups. She is also the founder of a technology platform (in stealth) launching in 2024.

Ellen serves on the boards of Ethic Alliance, the Edward R Murrow Center for a Digital World at the Fletcher School and Agreefy Technologies, of which she is a founding investor. She is a judge for the University of Chicago’s annual New Venture Challenge (since 2018) and has advised groups such as NATO on the launch of its Innovation Fund, the BBC, Global Thermostat and GovCoin, the world’s first blockchain-based government-backed welfare distribution protocol, backed by Barclays and the Bank of England.

Ellen began her investment career at Guggenheim Partners in New York (2006-2014), where she was a macro analyst and managed hedge fund and impact investments for ultra high net worth clients ($25M- $3B AUM), and later helped launch and co-managed 5 hedge fund of fund portfolios seeded by Guggenheim. From 2014-2018 Ellen managed partnerships and direct investments at two family offices out of Hong Kong and Rio, where she worked on multi-billion-dollar transactions across verticals and oversaw deal teams at Blackstone and BAML.

Passionate about conservation and humanitarian causes, Ellen has raised millions for and managed complex humanitarian missions, most recently rescuing hundreds of women and children from Afghanistan, in coordination with USAID. She is an advisor to various foundations and conservation efforts globally, including the White Lion Trust in South Africa.

She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Masters in International Strategy & Diplomacy from the London School of Economics & Political Science, and BS in Finance from the University of Colorado. She is a former 5-time Junior Olympian alpine ski racer.

Make an impact

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

Growth through innovation, for me, means creating and growing businesses in new areas, often times using novel and “outside the box” thinking.

BIO

Sokwoo Rhee is Corporate Senior Vice President for Innovation at LG Electronics and Head of LG NOVA, a new Silicon Valley-based innovation center. He leads LG Electronics’ global innovation projects, new business creation, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem development. Prior to joining LG, Sokwoo served as Associate Director for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Innovation at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, covering innovation programs for Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities. He managed the Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC), a U.S. federal government program to develop a global ecosystem of major business and technology stakeholders to create replicable and scalable IoT/smart city projects. Sokwoo previously served as a Presidential Innovation Fellow on CPS, a program by the White House. During his tenure, he co-led the SmartAmerica Challenge, which brought together IoT technologies and organizations across the nation to demonstrate how they can collaborate to create technology-based projects with a focus on socio-economic benefits.

Prior to joining the U.S, government, Sokwoo was a co-founder and CTO of Millennial Net, Inc., one of the first organizations to successfully commercialize low-power wireless mesh/sensor networks and IoT technologies from academia. He also worked on wireless medical sensors as a research associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His work and achievements have been widely recognized and he has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the MIT Technology Review’s “Top Innovators under 35.” Dr. Rhee received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Innovation | Family | Adventure

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

Connecting with amazing startup leaders and innovators!

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

I'm excited to watch early stage companies become the leaders of the future, and hope they will create a better world for people and planet.

BIO

Matt is Head of Startup Ecosystem, US at Google. In this role, Matt runs accelerators for early stage companies using AI/ML, Cloud and other technologies. Prior to this role, Matt worked in Google Hardware UX on Wearable devices (Pixel Watch) and AR.

Prior to Google, Matt led accelerators and innovation programs at IDEO, supporting early stage organizations across the world focused on education, health, climate change, food systems and more, with clients like the UN and The Rockefeller Foundation.

Matt is a former architect and designer and holds his MBA from California College of the Arts and his Bachelors from Cal Poly SLO. Matt is a proud husband and father of 3 young (energetic!) kids.

Tenacious | Focused | Creative

Tell us what excites you about your session.

I am excited to moderate a panel on generative AI! As the producer of the Me, Myself, and AI podcast, I've heard interesting examples about the use of generative AI — and have also heard from many organizations that they're not yet ready to talk about it and/or haven't yet started working with it. I'm excited to meet my panelists and see what examples and insights they have to share.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

With AI being a huge topic/disruptor, I wonder if one can/should innovate without AI. How we can apply useful frameworks/heuristics for innovation 'best practices' (e.g., human-centered design) and include AI as a layer?

BIO

Allison Ryder designs, implements, and manages media communication strategies to help people and organizations share ideas, build brands, and grow businesses. She is program director, Big Ideas Research at MIT Sloan Management Review, where she oversees content development and client relations for MIT SMR’s research programs and produces the popular artificial intelligence podcast Me, Myself, and AI. Allison previously worked in marketing communications at design consultancy Continuum and in product development at Harvard Business Publishing.

Adventurous | Visionary | Resilient

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

"Growing through Innovation" implies that education can flourish when we bring in new and creative ideas. The promise of future technology in education is thrilling. It holds the potential to create more engaging classrooms, personalized learning experiences and even bridge educational gaps globally. This paves the way for a more enlightened and connected generation.

BIO

Elnaz Sarraf is a successful entrepreneur and CEO, renowned for her innovations in the field of EdTech, AI, and Robotics. She is the founder of ROYBI® Robot, an AI-powered smart toy that teaches children language and STEM skills. This groundbreaking product has won several prestigious awards, including being named one of TIME Magazine's Best Inventions in Education and winning the World Economic Forum Smart Toy Award.

With over 15 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur, Elnaz has established herself as a leader in the industry. As the CEO of ROYBI, an investor-backed EdTech company, she has raised millions in funding to focus on early childhood education and self-guided learning through artificial intelligence.

Elnaz's journey to success has been shaped by her early experiences growing up as a woman in Iran, where opportunities were limited. However, her drive and passion for entrepreneurship led her to the U.S., where she has significantly contributed to the tech industry. Her achievements include being selected as Inc. Top 100 Female Founders, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center Milestone Maker, named the Woman of Influence by Silicon Valley Business Journal, and Entrepreneur of The Year in Silicon Valley.

As a board member of the Consumer Technology Association Small Business Council and a member of Forbes Technology Council, Elnaz continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of education and technology. She has also been invited to speak at various conferences, such as the Mobile World Congress, ASU GSV Summit, LEAP, and Consumer Technology Association.

BIO

Curtis Sasaki has over 30 years in Silicon Valley and is currently Senior Advisor to LG NOVA as well as several startups developing hardware, software and services. He was most recently at Samsung Electronics as VP of Ecosystems, Marketing and Communications, General Manager of IoT, and SVP of Media Solutions Center of America where he was responsible for partnerships, developer programs, and development of innovative new services. Prior to Samsung, Curtis held executive positions at RIM, Sun Microsystems where he was responsible for Java in consumer devices, managing Sun’s thin client solutions, and data centers. Prior to Sun, Curtis managed product management at General Magic, NeXT, and Apple. He has appeared at a number of prestigious conferences as keynote/invited speaker including CES, JavaOne Conference, Blackberry Developers Conference, Samsung Developer Conference and Apple Developer Conferences. He is the recipient of more than 8 patents for innovative technologies.

Curious | Enthusiastic | Connected

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

Having a conversation with inspired innovative thought leaders who are continually creating as a daily function of their roles is inspirational. Can't wait to hear what they have to say.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

What inspires me most is tech for positive impact in the world. Tech that brings forth, enhances and works with the humanity and human in each of us to better the world. This is what innovation means to me.

BIO

Limor Schafman leads the climate tech initiative for LG NOVA, an innovation unit for LG Electronics. Focused on developing sustainable energy solutions at the edge, the Cleantech Task Force is targeting 2024 for the launch of its first venture studio startup with the vision of making Life Good for people, their communities and the planet by empowering accessible, affordable, sustainable energy lifestyles for people, companies and public organizations.

To this green IoT program, Ms. Schafman brings her deep knowledge in smart buildings, as she was founding lead and Senior Director of the Smart Building Program for the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The program developed the Spire™ comprehensive building assessment and rating program now managed in partnership with Underwriter Laboratories.

Delving deeply into smart cities as well, Ms. Schafman contributed as: • Co-chair of the Smart Buildings Super Cluster within the Global City Teams Challenge, NIST, Department of Commerce. • Lead and contributing editor of the published Smart Buildings Framework. Co-lead of the Building & Urban Design Solutions Group for the Greater Washington Board of Traded Connected DMV Initiative. • Keynote for Smart Buildings for Smart Cities keynote speaking tour on behalf of TIA and BiCSi in MEA/Dubai, Japan, Manila, Singapore.

Prior to this, Limor was an international corporate attorney working on corporate and international trading transactions. She began in technology by working in the video game and theme park industries, followed by founding the consulting company, KeystoneTech Group consulting to startups and companies exploring new market segments. In addition, Ms. Schafman served as President of the World Future Society DC Chapter and co-founded and is now Chair Emeritus of an IPv6 Forum chapter.

An insatiable thirst for ground-breaking innovation

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

Helping entrepreneurs fulfill their vision and build game-changing companies

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Every week I see at least 2-3 new innovations across every market space. Helping these entrepreneurs shape their companies, their go-to-market and reach the potential of their technology is what excites me. That's why I'm here today at the LG NOVA Innovation Festival - to see innovation and help entrepreneurs where they need it.

BIO

Sharmila Mulligan is an investor and strategic advisor to tech companies ranging from early stage to high growth, late-stage companies. She has created and shaped several game-changing multi-billion dollar market categories and created winning companies in each category. Sharmila also serves on the Board of Fortune 500 companies, including Director at ConocoPhillips, serves on Northwestern University’s Entrepreneurship Board and the Board Northwestern’s College of Arts and Sciences. Most recently Sharmila served as Chief Strategy Officer at Alteryx and prior to that was CEO and founder of data analytics company acquired by Alteryx. She’s been early member and executive of 6 tech companies from inception to IPO and acquisitions, including General Magic, Netscape, Aster Data, and Opsware with Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. She’s also one of the earliest investors in Databricks, Cloudera, Starburst, and Anyscale, creator of the Ray AI platform, that OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Cohere and leading Generative AI companies use to scale AI. She is deeply involved in innovative companies across the enterprise B2B and consumer market space today.

Resilient | Visionary | Unbound

Tell us what excites you about your session.

During the Impacting Startups with AI session, I will be sharing insights, case studies, and practical examples of how startups can harness the power of AI to gain a competitive edge, drive innovation, and accelerate growth.

What excites me most about this topic is the incredible adaptability and scalability that AI offers to startups of all sizes and industries. Whether you're in fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, or any other sector, AI has the potential to unlock new possibilities and drive positive impact.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

“Growth through Innovation" embodies the idea that sustainable progress is achieved by constantly seeking creative solutions and innovative approaches. What excites me about the future of tech is its boundless potential to drive positive change across various domains, from AI and machine learning to blockchain and sustainability. I'm particularly thrilled about how tech innovations are transforming education and workforce development, breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive future. The synergy between technology and innovation has the power to drive economic growth, empower individuals, and contribute to a better world. I'm excited to be part of a community passionate about leveraging innovation to address challenges and unlock new possibilities, shaping a brighter future.

BIO

I am the Founder and CEO of Stemuli, a gaming company at the intersection of AI, education, and workforce development. Stemuli’s mission is to make education and career navigation accessible to 8 billion people by turning brands into metaversities, while helping anyone navigate an intellectually and economically fulfilling career.

Stemuli Studios was founded in 2020 when we partnered with the Dallas Independent School District to launch the country’s first educational metaverse.

As the founder and CEO, I oversee the company's vision while simultaneously spearheading the efforts to drive sales and foster growth.

I've recognized the urgency in addressing the inequities and barriers that hinder economic mobility starting in our K-12 systems. I believe that by leveraging AI and the metaverse, there is an opportunity to propel the world closer to a future where every individual has equal access to opportunities at every level of their educational journey.

To date, I am the 94th black woman in the history of the world to raise over $1 Million in venture capital. D Magazine has recognized me as one of Dallas’ most influential CEOs of 2023 and Forbes and the Yass Prize have recognized Stemuli as one of the most transformative applications for kids.

BIO

Atul is passionate about inspiring and leading diverse teams to deliver meaningful digital health solutions at scale that are clinically appropriate, improve patient health, and drive revenue growth. As general manager of digital health at LG, Atul fuels innovation for LG and its partners by establishing a community to nurture, grow, and create businesses. Outside work, he enjoys travel, reading non-fiction books, learning Latin dances, and playing golf.

Curious | Caring | Creative

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

We are at the cusp of the largest transformation in human longetivity and health through digital technology and precision biology

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Personalization and AI

BIO

Ranjan Sinha is a serial entrepreneur, author, and innovator. He is passionate about AI, gut-microbiome, and genomics-based care and has practiced it successfully to address his life-threatening condition. Encouraged by doctor and scientist supporters, Ranjan converted his passion into a mission of creating better cures through Precision Biology and Nutrition. He is a Wharton alumnus and a trained engineer.

He formerly worked at Apple and built large data, HR & consumer foods companies. He is an author, published scientist, avid bicyclist, and member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the American College of Gastroenterology. He holds patents in gut precision biology and personalized health and is a regular speaker at health technology and food conferences.

Visionary | Goal Oriented | Loving the process

Tell us what excites you about your session.

Due my focus and passion about the intersection of environmental sustainability and community engagement. The opportunity to showcase the work that CH is doing in the space to highlight that intersection to push towards a more green equitable economy.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? 

CH was built on the philosophy of the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival. Growth through innovation means that no matter where the journey takes you, there is a lesson to keep you pushing forward and to increase to momentum towards change. What most excites me is the endless possibilities that the future of tech can bring to various diverse communities to close the digital gap while create sustainable high paying jobs.

BIO

Kameale is the Co-Founder and CEO of ChargerHelp, Inc., an app that enables on-demand repair of electric vehicle charging stations. As the former Director of Programs at EV Connect, an electric vehicle charge station network provider, Kameale structured and led teams to execute electric vehicle infrastructure projects and programs in the United States, Australia, and Canada for commercial and government entities. Her most notable projects include the Electrify America - Phase One Program, the Southern California Edison Charge Ready Pilot, and the New York Power Authority portfolio.

Prior to this role, Kameale created, hired, and oversaw the Customer Experience Department at EV Connect by partnering with the Southbay Workforce Investment Board to employ candidates from the local community. As a South Central Los Angeles native, Kameale believes that an equitable green economy can be achieved through impactful workforce development and realignment.

Innovation | Delight | Augmentation

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

I'm excited about the coming convergence of wearable computing, context awareness and generative AI into devices that become agents for multiplication of human productivity and creativity.
 

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Personally, growth through innovation refers to the principle that investing in innovation is one of the best ways to generate long term growth. Historically, technology has been the principal driver for improvements in the quality of life and the scale of the human economy. Investing in technology innovation is therefore one of the safest and most reliable mechanisms for creating a better future. I am excited to witness and to participate in the creation of this future.
 

BIO

Mr. Ullrich is a well-known technology, UX, and standards leader in the field of human-machine interaction. He has worked at the intersection of physical interfaces and user experience for more than 25 years. Mr. Ullrich was instrumental in leading the early research and productization of haptic technologies now used in more than 3 billion devices worldwide including mobile phones, game consoles, XR devices, and automotive HMI. He is currently the CTO at Cognixion Corp., a Santa Barbara, CA based startup building the future of augmented reality, brain computer interfaces. Prior to this, he worked as CTO at Immersion Corp., (NASDAQ: IMMR) where he led the research, engineering, and standards initiatives across the company. Mr. Ullrich is a prolific inventor and is named on more than 100 patent families with worldwide coverage. Mr. Ullrich holds a M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics from the University of British Columbia and a B.Math from the University of Waterloo.

Bold | Grit | Consistency

BIO

Scott Walbrun is a principal venture capital investor at BMW i Ventures, the independent venture capital fund managed on behalf of BMW Group based in Silicon Valley, where he focuses on Series A & B investments in cleantech and mobility. In this capacity, Scott has served on the board of seven companies. He also serves as a mentor and workshop leader for hundreds of startups through various accelerator programs across the country.

Prior to joining BMW i Ventures, Scott provided M&A and capital markets advisory as a member of Jefferies’ Technology Investment Banking team. Scott joined Jefferies after completing his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. While completing his MBA, he worked at Kinzie Capital Partners evaluating private equity investments, as well as at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation supporting the commercialization of science-based and deep tech companies.

Prior to business school, Scott managed Strategic Finance and FP&A at Truck Hero (a TA Associates portfolio company) and began his career in Fiat Chrysler’s Finance Leadership Development Program.

Frontier | Technology | Executive

BIO

Ryan Wang is recognized globally as a technology futurist and business executive in the Artificial Intelligence, Spatial Computing and Frontier Technology industries. Ryan Wang is Co-founder and General Partner of Outpost Capital. Established in 2015, Outpost Capital is a leading cross-border early stage venture fund based in San Francisco and China, focusing on frontier technology investments.

In 2020, Ryan co-founded Zebra Labs, a metaverse entertainment company creating new IPs and content with cutting edge technology in gaming and AI.

Having a multicultural background and proven track records, Ryan oversees companies in the US and greater China with solid insights and strong connections in both markets. Ryan has been frequently featured by international media, and invited to deliver keynotes at numerous conferences globally. Early in his career, Ryan has compiled a comprehensive and successful career as an investment banker at Citigroup and Societe Generale in New York City. Outside work, Ryan is a snowboarder, world explorer and collector of stylish hats.

BIO

Elliott W Wislar is the CEO and founder of Clearbrook, a diversified asset management company headquartered in Stamford, CT with offices in the U.S., Norway, and Asia. Clearbrook provides discretionary and non-discretionary investment advice and customized investment solutions for institutions, family offices and other institutional clients.

Under Mr. Wislar’s leadership, Clearbrook’s accomplishments include:

• Grown the firm to advise and manage over $12 billion in assets for Endowments, Foundations, Family Offices, Corporations and other Institutional clients.

• Selected as a strategic advisor to one of the largest banks in the PacRim

• Building multiple successful relationships with large conglomerates and prominent families throughout Malaysia, South Korea and five South American countries

Prior to Clearbrook, Mr. Wislar held senior executive positions in marketing and distribution with UBS, Fleet Bank, United Jersey Bank, and The Boston Company, a division of The Bank of New York, Mellon, where his accomplishments included:

• Assisted in growing the Institutional Asset Management business for Fleet Bank from $6 billion to $226 billion in AUM within 11 years including participating in five bank and an asset management complex acquisition

• Developed a business concept working with a 4-Star United States Admiral which was eventually sold to the Boeing Corporation

• Developing strong relationships with governmental entities, and the venture capital community

Elliott’s family immigrated to the U.S. in the 1660s and settled in the Boston area. An avid sailor and ocean racer, Elliott has served on numerous boards and charities, which include President of the Board for the Newgrange School of Princeton and Head of the Investment Committee and Board member for the Sacred Heart School of Princeton. Elliott is active on social media including Facebook,  Twitter and Pinterest. He is also a prolific blogger.

Elliott received his BA in Political Science from the University of Arizona and received his MBA in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and has completed Advanced Management studies at the Kellogg School of Management.

BIO

Kyra’s career has encompassed leadership positions in academia, government, and the lean startup community. Her appointment represents LaunchPad Central’s renewed commitment to empowering universities and the public sector with lean methods to support their commercialization efforts.

Kyra previously was the Program Manager at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) where she executed the pilot program for Bay Area I-Corps Lean LaunchPad for Life Sciences and Healthcare. UCSF’s program pioneered the lean methodology in biotech, medical devices, diagnostics and digital health, and now serves as the blueprint for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) national I-Corps program. Prior to her position at UCSF, Kyra co-founded VOZ, a social enterprise that brings Chilean textiles to New York Fashion Week and high street boutiques in eight countries.

Before her experience as an entrepreneur in Chile, Kyra lived in Washington DC and held positions in government and political organizing with Swing Semester, New Organizing Institute, and the Department of Energy. Kyra graduated from UC Berkeley and earned a Masters in Management with high honors from the London School of Economics, focusing on innovation.

Hard-working | Compassionate | Curious

Tell us what excites you about your session.

As founders evaluate their fundraising options in this new market, more and more are choosing to raise from their community, either alongside VC funding and large angel investors or entirely from their fans & customers. Through Wefunder, over 3,000 founders have raised funds on Wefunder from over 500,000 investors, and we're just getting started. Wefunder is on a mission to enable start up founders to raise the capital needed to bring their visions to life.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Innovation--whether in new technologies like AI or in new regulations like equity crowdfunding--fuels the growth of our economy. I'm excited about the potential for these new innovations to increase economic opportunity for all.

BIO

Catherine Wright is the Sr. Director of Business Operations at Wefunder. Catherine brings a decade of experience working in fintech at Lending Club, Amazon, Commonwealth, and Wefunder. Her passion lies in leveraging new technology and products to increase access to capital and economic opportunity. Catherine’s current company, Wefunder, is the market leader in equity crowdfunding. This relatively new model enables early-stage startups to raise equity from their community—both unaccredited and accredited investors in one line on their cap table. Companies such as Mercury Bank, Substack and Replit have raised Community Rounds with Wefunder to share their financial upside with their customers. Catherine has an MBA from MIT Sloan with a Certificate in Sustainability and a BA from Georgetown University. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys yoga, watching live music, and doting on her one-eyed rescue dog, Gracie.

BIO

Thomas Yoon is President and CEO of LG Electronics North America, and is the company's most senior executive in the Western Hemisphere. 

Yoon's stellar three-decade LG career includes a dozen years in the Western Hemisphere, including serving as head of LG's North American home appliance business and President of LG Canada. 

Yoon is responsible for LG Electronics activities in the United States and Canada for the home appliances, home entertainment products, vehicle components solutions business units as well as commercial displays, and HVAC solutions, in addition to related service and support activities. He serve as President and CEO of LG Electronics USA Inc.

A visionary leader, Yoon has extensive experience in the region and around the world throughout his three decade career.  He returned to the United States in January 2020 after serving at global headquarters as Executive Vice President and Head of Overseas Sales & Marketing for home appliances for the past year.

Since starting his LG career in 1991, Yoon has held many key roles across LG's worldwide network, including marketing, sales and operations management positions the United States, Spain and South Korea. From 2017-18, Yoon was Senior Vice President and Head of Home Appliances & Air Solutions for LG North America and President of LG USA Home Appliances. Previously, he was President of LG Canada for three years and LG Argentina for four years.

Yoon earned his master's degree in business administration from the Helsinki (Finland) School of Economics (now known as the Aalto University School of Business) after attaining his bachelor's degree from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in South Korea.

Optimist | Eldest sister | Operator

Tell us what excites you about your session. 

Building great companies has always been challenging—but we are at a moment where there is a ton of wisdom and efficiencies that are paving the way for emerging companies.

Growth through Innovation is the theme of the LG NOVA Innovation Festival.  What does Growth through Innovation mean to you? What excites you about the future of tech? 

Doing the same things better, and doing new things.

BIO

As Chief Operating Officer, Megan leads the Membership, research, and operations teams at Rock Health. Through thought partnership, the power of community, and market-leading research, her teams support enterprise clients advancing their digital health innovation strategies. Prior to joining Rock Health, Megan worked at The Advisory Board Company, where she led the Physician Executive Council, a best practice research membership supporting Chief Medical Officers at 1,300+ hospitals and health systems. Megan received an MBA from Berkeley Haas and graduated cum laude from Duke University.