GREENTECH FESTIVAL SPEAKERS

Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström is the Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Professor at the Institute of Earth and Environmental Science at Potsdam University. Rockström is an internationally recognized scientist on global sustainability issues, who led the development of the new Planetary Boundaries framework for human development in the current era of rapid global change at the Stockholm Resilience Centre. He is a leading scientist on global water resources, with about 25 years of experience from applied water research in tropical regions, and more than 150 research publications in fields ranging from applied land and water management to global sustainability. Rockström provides strategic scientific guidance as a member of the European Commission’s Expert Group ‘Mission Board for Adaptation to Climate Change, including Societal Transformation’ and the ‘Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences’ and consults several governments and business networks.

Tilmann leads Quantis Germany’s work on Chemicals. Previously he directed Systemiq’s program on sustainable automotive and batteries, where he created and led The Battery Pass Consortium. He holds degrees with distinction from Maastricht and Lund University.

Elissa Brunato is the CEO of Radiant Matter. Previously, she worked in the design and production of textiles and garments. While overseeing international production sites, she noticed significant amounts of unnecessary waste at multiple stages of manufacture, harming the environment and exposing workers to hazardous materials. Realizing that the industry lacked sustainable options for embellishment components and surface finishes, Elissa founded Radiant Matter, a material technology start-up that develops sustainable, brilliantly colored, bio-inspired material solutions from cellulose. Their growing platform technology helps reduce microplastic pollution, shift dependence on petroleum, and is less resource-intensive, promoting a circular economy.

Since joining Ragn-Sells Pär has been instrumental in transitioning the company from a traditional linear actor to circular leader. Before Ragn-Sells he began his journey in the food industry, where he championed both ethical and climate initiatives., for that his efforts have earned him international recognition. Beyond his role at Ragn-Sells he serves as co-chair at the International Chamber of Commerce’s working group on circular economy as well as in the steering committee for UNEP Global Partnership on Nutrient Management.

Apsara Mitra, 23, is a Bengali-American, engineer, scientist, climate and civic justice mobilizer with expertise in conservation, housing justice, and technology development previously working in commercial aviation and now as a researcher/aerospace engineer at NASA. Among her engagements, she has also served as a Climate Fellow at the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Environmental Health at the University of Pennsylvania, advocates for appropriations for conservation with WWF, and currently serves as the Deputy Technical Director at Re-earth Initiative.

Showcasing the results of a Swedish study funded by Climate-Leading-Process Industry. The project utilizes BASF’s “Chain Extender” technology to enhance the quality and viscosity of degraded landfill plastics and OceanWaste, upgrading them into spinnable yarn for textiles.Key highlights:*The successful conversion of waste into yarn, *Reparells plans for industrial scalability*Collaboration opportunities to drive systemic change. * World premiere of first product created using this technique, demonstrating a scalable and sustainable solution to landfill and marine litter.

Benjamin Cassou is a Franco-American entrepreneur and innovator dedicated to redefining materials through circular economy solutions. As the co-founder of ReStalk, he transforms agricultural co-products into high-value, sustainable materials, replacing fossil-fuel-based and tree-based packaging and goods. With a background in film, storytelling, and business, Benjamin brings a creative and strategic approach to sustainability, bridging industries to build scalable, regenerative solutions. He is currently leading global initiatives to develop Agri-Hubs, fostering collaboration between agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. Passionate about systemic change, he champions innovation that harmonizes economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Montgomery Wagner is the Co-Founder and COO of revoltech, pioneering circular material solutions like LOVR™ & MATTR™. He studied Politics, Administration, and International Relations at Zeppelin University before earning a degree in European and International Public Policy from LSE. His global academic journey included time in France and Colombia. Before revoltech, Montgomery gained experience across industries, from the hotel sector to government, consulting, and environmental policy. His expertise spans entrepreneurship, product innovation, strategic thinking, and leadership.

Clément is Head of FoodTech at REWE Group, leading a team to drive FoodTech ventures and innovations. Previously, he co-initiated NX-Food, Metro’s Food Innovation Hub, gaining expertise in startups, sustainability, and corporate venturing. With a diploma in economics from the University of Cologne, he is passionate about shaping the future of food. His core strengths include Business Innovation, Innovation Development, and Startup Innovation.

Erik has been with Schenker for more than 25 years in various positions and, in addition to various IT areas, has also headed the innovation area for Schenker Germany since 2011. Since 2016, he has been responsible for the Innovation division for DB Schenker globally. The focus of his area is, among other things, on researching/observing social and technical trends, their impact on the logistics industry and the derivation of future business models for the logistics of tomorrow. He is also responsible for DB Schenker’s own Lab, all start-up activities and innovative pilot projects.

Ben Pope has more than 20 years in the metals industry, primarily focused in Non-Ferrous space, and aluminum in particular. Previous roles in the buying/selling of aluminum billet, flat-roll products, secondary ingot, and various scraps supporting the Automotive Industry created the network/knowledge base for inserting new technology to transform the aluminum industry towards better circularity. Ben holds an MBA from Eastern Kentucky University and is passionate about aluminum industry.

Moritz Tölke is steering the decarbonization strategy of the road freight carrier Sovereign Speed as a clear pillar of its business development. Based on more than 10 years of experience in operational and sustainable logistics, his goal is to combine customers transport requirements with the company’s promise of low-emission transportation on the #ourwaytozero. Moritz´s main focus is currently on biofuel and e-vehicle deployment across Germany and Europe.

Jure Mikolčić is the Executive Vice President and CEO of the Germany Division of Stadler Rail. His professional journey encompasses diverse experiences in the railway industry: Starting in 2001, he worked in various positions for Siemens, i.a. as Sales Director for Commuter & Regional Trains in Germany. Before he joined Stadler in 2019, he served as the CEO of Knorr-Bremse PowerTech. In addition to his role at Stadler, Jure Mikolčić actively contributes to the Verband der Bahnindustrie in Deutschland (VDB) as the Vice-President for Vehicles. His involvement in this capacity highlights his commitment to advancing rail transportation and shaping the industry’s future. His dedication to advancing rail technology and driving innovation makes him a significant figure in the railway sector.

Silke Stremlau was the Chairwoman of the Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee of the Federal Government within the 20th legislative period. Furthermore she is member of the supervisory board of Norddeutsche Landesbank, of UmweltBank AG and of a family office. Former stations were a senior fellowship from Mercator Foundation, five years on the board of Hannoversche Kassen – a sustainable pension fund – and between 2000 and 2015, she built up and managed the “Sustainable Investment” division as a partner at imug.

Shaun co-founded Third Sphere to help startup founders to build the world beyond climate change. He’s responsible for venture investments, founder coaching and connecting founders to the Third Sphere extended family of customers, investors and partners.

Bernhard is the Head of the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator, which he created in 2015. The Accelerator sources, supports and scales start-ups and nonprofits working to achieve Zero Hunger, as well as running accelerator programmes for external partners such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Humanitarian Grand Challenge, and other UN Agencies. Prior to starting the Accelerator, Bernhard co-founded the award-winning ShareTheMeal app that crowdsources funding for WFP, helping to deliver over 167 million meals for hungry children worldwide. ShareTheMeal was named as an App of the Year (2020) by Apple and Google. He gave a TED Talk and is a regular speaker at global conferences and events related to artificial intelligence, blockchain, social impact and entrepreneurship and disrupting global hunger through technology, i.e.‘tech for good.’

A visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in real estate innovation and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry. As the driving force behind UnitedShare, she combines an entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for sustainability. She has spearheaded the development of the platform, focusing on tenant engagement and energy savings to address the pressing need for decarbonization in the real estate sector by ensuring UnitedShare stays at the forefront of sustainable real estate innovation.