The speakers
INPUTS
IDEAS
INSPIRATIONS
We are very much looking forward to the great variety of inputs from our speakers!
Stay tuned: The list of speakers is updated continuously!
Andreas Diensthuber
Co-Founder & Managing Director
DAPHOS GmbH
DAPHOS GmbH
Markus Gugatschka
Med Uni Graz
Lars Kamolz
Head of the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical University of Graz.
Director of COREMED & Head of the Research Unit for Safety in Health.
Prof. Dr. Lars-Peter Kamolz was born in 1972 and began his medical studies at the University of Vienna in 1990. He completed his specialist training at the Institute of Anatomy III before moving to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Vienna General Hospital in 1999. There he also headed the Center for Severe Burn Injuries from 2007 to 2010. Accordingly, one of his main scientific interests is burn treatment and tissue engineering, the artificial production of skin and fatty tissue material for reconstructive procedures. Shortly afterwards, he was given responsibility for the field of plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at Wiener Neustadt Regional Hospital and as a consultant for the regional hospitals in Baden, Mödling and Neunkirchen. So much for his extraordinarily impressive career. But that's not all, of course. Prof. Dr. Kamolz now heads the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical University of Graz. He is also Director of COREMED (Cooperative Center for Regenerative Medicine) and Head of the Research Unit for Safety in Health.
Mario Kreimer
Business Development Manager at LEAN MC
Mario Kreimer is a Business Development Manager at LEAN MC – a consulting engineering office that guides product development from idea to series production. Our goal is to drive innovation in process optimization and quality improvement, enabling industries, including medical technology, to meet ISO13485, GxP and ISO14971 standards with advanced CAQ software solutions"
Christoph Ludwig
CEO Steirische Wirtschaftsförderung (SFG)
Sophie Narath
Innovation management of the Medical University of Graz
Originally from a background in sociology and sports science, MMag. Dr. Sophie Narath worked for many years as a statistician (AGES, Joanneum Research Health) and completed her doctorate in metabolomics. She then moved into the management and communication of interdisciplinary projects and major clients at CBmed and QMD Services. Since 2023 at the Medical University of Graz, Sophie landed in the innovation department where she is the internal and external interface to innovative projects and people.
Michael Ploder
JOANNEUM RESEARCH
Michael Ploder is an economist (University of Graz) and has been part of JOANNEUM RESEARCH since 2000. He has played a key role in establishing evaluation expertise at the institute has particularly strengthened the institute’s international focus in project acquisition, especially with the European Commission and clients in Germany. Since 2024, Michael Ploder has been the head of POLICIES, the Institute for Economic, Social and Innovation Research. Through analyses and evaluations, the institute provides the foundation for evidence-based decision-making, supports implementation, and stands for responsible research and innovation policy, Regional development, labor market and equality policy, as well as innovation initiatives.
Iene Rutten
Biosensors group – Lammertyn lab, Department of Biosystems – KU Leuven
Daniel Strauss
University of Saarland
Head of Systems Neuroscience & Neurotechnology Unit (SNN-Unit)
Medizinischen Fakultät der Universität des Saarlandes und der Ingenieurwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der HTWdS
Medizinischen Fakultät der Universität des Saarlandes und der Ingenieurwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der HTWdS
Sebastian Freiberger
Manager at BDO
Sebastian drives forward-looking projects and has extensive experience in consulting within the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Previously, he worked on integrating sustainability across various industries, including pharmaceuticals. His interdisciplinary background in system sciences and sustainable development complements his commitment to innovation and the adoption of new technologies.
Karl Hartleb
Managing Director
InternationalisierungsCenter Steiermark – ICS
Karl Hartleb is a law graduate, specialized in European and International competition law. He gained work experience in the private and public sector, inter alia as President of a US-subsidiary of a European industrial company and as counselor in the European Parliament.
In the context of his activities for the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Mr. Hartleb was appointed Assistant Trade Commissioner to the US (NYC), Deputy Trade Commissioner to Japan and Commercial Counselor of the Austrian Embassy in Tehran, with responsibility for the Islamic Republic of Iran and Afghanistan.
From 2008 through 2016 he was Deputy Director General of the Austrian Foreign Trade Services Advantage Austria, member of its executive board and Head of its markets division, which is responsible for the strategic management of Austria’s Trade Commissions worldwide, and the regional directorates in the Viennese headquarters and Austria´s internationalization program go-international. He was further in charge of sector programs, fairs, Austria´s World Expo participations and other events abroad.
From February 2016 until August 2023, Karl Hartleb served as Austrian Trade Commissioner for Australia and New Zealand, and Head of the Consulate General of the Republic of Austria in Sydney. On September 1, 2023, he became Managing Director of InternationalisierungsCenter Steiermark – ICS GmbH. the export Service Organization of the Styrian Economy based in the State Capital of Graz.
Michael Katzianschütz
Head of the economic and logistical sector and head of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) at the LKH-Univ. Klinikum Graz
Dipl. KHBW Michael Kazianschütz, MBA, MSc is the head of the economic and logistical sector and head of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) at the LKH-Univ. Klinikum Graz and thus the contact person for economic and logistical matters at the hospital.
Andrea Kurz
Rector of Med Uni Graz
Andrea Kurz was born in Vienna and completed her medical studies and training as a specialist in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, where she also qualified as a professor. Her professional career is characterized by numerous management functions in the university and clinical field. These included heading the Division for Clinical Research at Washington University and serving as a full professor of anesthesiology at Inselspital - University Hospital Bern. From 2014 to 2018, Andrea Kurz was the first Austrian to head the Department of General Anesthesiology at the renowned Cleveland Clinic in the USA. She is now Vice Director for Research at the Department of Anesthesiology there. Since 2020, she has also headed a research unit at the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine at the Medical University of Graz.
Andrea Kurz has been conducting clinical research at the highest level for around 25 years and has published more than 250 scientific articles, including in renowned journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet.
Craig Matthews
Senior Innovation Consultant at Science Park Graz & Managing Director and Founder of myDigitalTwin
Craig Matthews is a high-energy entrepreneur, networker, and keynote speaker, who excels at building meaningful and inclusive relationships and scaling sophisticated tech-driven companies.
He is also the Managing Director and creator of myDigitalTwin, a digital health company that offers direct-to-consumer genetic testing to optimize individual health and aging. With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, he has founded and led several tech start-ups, managed cross-functional teams, built global channels, driven revenues, and managed investor relations.
Finally, Craig is also a Senior Innovation Consultant at Science Park Graz, where he consults, mentors, and supports high-tech start-ups in various domains. He has evaluated over 5000 start-up ideas and aimed to provide valuable recommendations that apply to their businesses.
Lorenz Neuhäuser
Business developer MedTech at Human.technology Styria.
Lorenz Neuhäuser is an enthusiastic networker. His endeavor is to connect clinicians, researchers and industry partners in the medical technology sector for something even bigger.
Lejla Pock
Managing Director of Human.technology Styria GmbH.
Since October 2022 Managing Director at Human.technology Styria, 11/2019 to 09/2022 Commercial Manager at Human.technology Styria, 2012-2019 Partner and Managing Director at Austin Immobilien- und BeteiligungsgmbH, 2004-2011 Shareholder and Procurator at Austin, Pock + Partners, 1999-2011 Shareholder, Senior Consultant and Project Manager at Austin, Pock + Partners, BSc in Theoretical and Applied Translation Studies.
Gerald Sendlhofer
Head of Quality and Risk Management
University hospital of Graz
University hospital of Graz
Manfred Taschner
CEO LifeTaq
Manfred Taschner studied biotechnology in Vienna (BOKU) and Brisbane (Griffith University) and Boston (Harvard Medical School) before he started at Affiris AG working in preclinical research on vaccines against Alzheimer’s Disease. Experiencing firsthand the issues of drug development, he then started LifeTaq to address these challenges and revolutionize the sector by automated tissue production.
Anton Fuchs
Head of Operations
Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH
Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH
Anton Fuchs completed his PhD in Electrical Engineering (2006) and his habilitation in Process Measurement and Sensor Technology (2009) at Graz University of Technology.
He is with Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH since 2008, where he is head of the "Information Systems and NVH" department and authorized signatory (COO). He is author/co-author of more than 100 scientific publications.
Aljaž Hölbl
Associate Expert at Medical Research Department of UKC Maribor / University Medical Centre Maribor
Aljaž Hölbl, BSc is a recent addition to the research sector at the University Medical Centre Maribor, where he has been working for over a year as an Associate expert at the Medical Research Department. During this time, he has been actively involved in numerous national and international research projects, specializing in the coordination and management of European-funded projects.
His expertise lies in overseeing projects under the Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, Interreg, and EU4Health programs, among others. His responsibilities include financial and administrative coordination as well as collaboration with research partners at both the national and international levels. He is particularly focused on interdisciplinary cooperation and the implementation of innovative solutions to support scientific and clinical advancements.
Beyond project management, he has experience in communication and dissemination strategies, planning and the development of research capacities within the University Medical Centre Maribor. His work is driven by a commitment to teamwork, efficient research organization and identifying opportunities for further international collaboration to strengthen connections with European research networks and funding programs.
Michael Kerschbaumer
Project manager Innovation SFG
Michael Kerschbaumer studied economics and adult education at the University of Graz, the National University of Ireland and the Universidad de Malaga. He started his professional career as a trainer and workshop facilitator in youth work and labour market projects, before he joined an IT Start-up. After that, he worked as innovation manager in Austria’s biggest private training provider. In 2005 he joined the Styrian Business Promotion Agency SFG, where in 2008 took over the innovation agendas with the main focus on building up the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the regional contact point for EU Framework program. Besides working for the EEN, co-chairing the Networks internal groups on European research and innovation as well as renewable energy, he acts as regional contact point for the EU Framework and is responsible for two regional innovation-funding programs.
Thomas Lechner
Co-founder of Luminous Labs
Thomas Lechner is among 140 globally with an MLL in Light and a master’s in Innovation Management (FH Campus02). Now pursuing a doctorate at Graz University of Technology, he co-founded Luminous Labs - driving strategy, product development, and global R&D with proven start-up expertise.
Heinz Mayer
CEO JOANNEUM RESEARCH
Boryana Petrova
Director of the Research Metabolomics Core at MedUni Vienna
Dr. Petrova, an expert in metabolomics, has led research at MIT, HMS, and Boston Children's Hospital, where she established a mass spectrometry facility. Now Director of the Research Metabolomics Core at MedUni Vienna, she advances AI-driven precision medicine, fosters collaboration, and pioneers metabolomics innovations to tackle complex biological and clinical challenges.
Lucanus Polagnoli
Founder Calm/Storm Ventures
Lucanus is one of Europe’s prominent emerging managers with an impressive track record in the industry. In 2020, Lucanus founded Calm/Storm Ventures, a specialized micro-fund that rapidly became Europe's most active HealthTech investor—now holding the top spot for three consecutive years. With more than 80 super-early-stage investments, Lucanus has demonstrated his ability to “pick and win” those rare cases where entrepreneurs build both outstanding products and sustainable businesses. Lucanus is passionate about digital solutions that enhance health, improve lives, and contribute to a more sustainable future. He believes in community and lifelong learning, shaping Calm/Storm as a “founder’s fund” and joining the prestigious Kauffman Fellows program for venture capitalists. In his free time, you’ll find Lucanus spending time with his wife and three children, as well as racing sailing boats in his home turf, or as he fondly calls it, “The Sound Of Music Land.”
Maria Anna Smolle
Med Uni Graz
Maria Smolle is an orthopaedic and trauma surgeon (F, 29a), and finished her training in 2023 at the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz (Austria). Her main clinical as well as scientific focus is Orthopaedic Oncology, i.e. treatment of patients with benign and malignant tumours of the musculoskeletal system.
Over the past years, I she had the opportunity to visit several renowned sarcoma centres (in part within the EMSOS traveling fellowship), including the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center (The Netherlands), the Clinical Ortopedica ed Oncologia Ortopedica dell’Azienda Ospedale-Universitá di Padova, Padova (Italy), and the HELIOS Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Berlin (Germany). Through close collaborations with these centres, several publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals have emerged.
Tobija Glawogger
Product Manager at Bartelt
Alejandro Huenich
Head of EU @Decoto International
Manfred Knye
Ltr. Einführung Exoskelette, Digitalisierung, Automotive Health bei Volkswagen AG
Philipp Lindinger
CEO Austromed
Martin Mössler
Managing Director SPG | ESA Space Solutions Austria General Manager
Martin Mössler studied mechanical engineering at University of Technology Graz, Political Science in Salzburg, International Relations in Oxford, and completed a Master´s degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Since June 2016, he has been Managing Director of Science Park Graz (SPG), which he successfully leads and further develops through leadership competence, his international biography and broad networking.
Lucas Pflanzl-Knizacek
Strategy & Innovation at Steiermärkische Krankenanstaltengesellschaft m.b.H.
Lucas studied biomedical engineering and innovation management in Graz. His professional track covers translational clinical research and business development in Europe and Southeast Asia. In 2022 he joined KAGes in the field of strategy and innovation. He was awarded a fellowship by the European Resuscitation Council in 2022 for his work in medical simulation and international guidelines.
Silvia Russegger
Joanneum Research
Silvia Russegger is a mathematician and has been working at JOANNEUM RESEARCH for nearly 30 years in the field of information and media networking. Her work focuses on complex, interconnected application environments based on new software architectures and technologies. Since 2021, she has been leading the 16-member research group "Connected Computing" and has increasingly focused on "Digital Care."
Emma Somerville
Project manager Innovation SFG
Emma Somerville graduated from Dublin City University with a degree in Applied Languages. After graduation, she worked in multilingual positions in the software industry before moving into an account management role in the localisation sector managing large projects comprising remote and onsite teams. A few years after a geographical move to Graz, Austria also saw a move from the private sector to the semi-state Styrian Business Promotion Agency SFG. Here her focus is on innovation and she is also part of the team of the Enterprise Europe Network – the world’s largest support network for SMEs who wish to innovate and grow internationally.