Nikunj Kotecha
Nikunj Kotecha is a Machine Learning Solutions Architect at BrainChip Inc. Currently, he works on developing and optimizing Machine Learning algorithms for the AkidaTM neuromorphic hardware. He also demonstrating capabilities of AkidaTM to client and supports with their neuromorphic solutions for AkidaTM. He has a Master of Science in Computer Science, where he specialized in concepts of Artificial intelligence with Deep Learning algorithms. At the time, he was a part of the Machine Learning lab and has published technical papers, supported research into different avenues of AI. He published research on Cross-Modal Fusion with Transformer architecture for Sign Language translation during the completion of his Masters. He has also worked at Oracle, where he build and integrated Machine Learning solutions to provide operational benefits of using Oracle Clinical Trial software.
Burnie Legette
Burnie currently serves as Sales Director in SMG and manages a sales team supporting US Edge AI ISVs. Burnie is also a contributing member of Intel’s SW Center of Excellence (COE) team that reports directly to Intel CTO Greg Lavender. Burnie has been in the high-tech industry for 20+ years spending 15 of those years in the communications and networking sectors. Burnie officially joined Intel in November 2016 and has held various roles within IoTG - Technical Account Manager (3 years), AI specialist (1 year), and US AI ISV Sales Manager (1+ year). Starting in 2019, Burnie has been solely focused on Intel’s AI Initiative serving as an AI “Core Team” member that helped define Intel’s Edge AI sales strategy, AI organizational support structure, and internal processes which also includes product development input. Burnie holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, an MBA from Babson College (Management/Finance), a certificate in ‘Behavioral Economics’ from the Harvard Business School, and also holds a Master of Divinity (MDIV) from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. In addition, Burnie is active contributor to Intel’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by assisting in minority college recruiting and minority retainment initiatives. Burnie is married to his beautiful wife Michelle and they have 3 children. In his free time Burnie enjoys reading, working out, entrepreneurship, and community service.
Brad Helfand
Rubie van Crevel
Soil Heroes enables companies in Europe and the UK to invest in environmental impact by working with regenerative farmers. We do this based on real soil data and through quantifying and verifying the positive change.
Rubie sets up partnerships between regenerative farmers, farmers in transition and companies active in the value chain of farmers, varying from banks, food brands, traders and processors. Rubie develops business models that generate positive impact for both farmers and companies based on the environmental impact and the high-quality, regenerative produce generated by regenerative agriculture.
Lorne Lucree
Lorne Lucree has spent his career utilizing a passion for beauty combined with a constant curiosity to distill consumer insights, developments in technology and active ingredients, packaging innovations, progress in sustainability, olfactive trends, inclusion efforts, and latest formulation techniques into blue sky ideas that translate into breakthrough, retail ready products that resonate with a wide range of consumers and retail partners.
Combine the consumer-first approach of marketing from Procter & Gamble, the attention to beauty métier from L’Oréal and Estee Lauder, the entrepreneurial creative spirit of the world of brand building at a fast growth beauty incubator, a successful ability to partner with founders and celebrity influencers, an understanding of working with private equity and venture capital firms, and a deep knowledge of operations and supply chain from personal care manufacturing, and you have a snapshot Lorne’s professional background that informs his approach to concept development.
Lorne has a keen eye for concepting successful innovation that wins awards and resonates with consumers and press on a global scale. Awards include Allure Best of Beauty, Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough, Refinery 29 Beauty Innovator, Glamour Beauty Award, Times UK Style Beauty Award, and Nylon Beauty Hit List.
Currently, Lorne serves as the Chief Innovation Officer and Head of ESG at Voyant Beauty, the largest beauty and personal care contract manufacturer in North America, leading a team of 75+ R&D, Marketing, and Innovation Experts implementing all skin, body, hair, and fragrance innovation efforts for a customer base that ranges from specialty retail and D2C focused indies to large blue-chip global beauty companies. He also serves on the Board of the Household and Commercial Products Association as well as the President of the Board of the Western Aerosol Information Bureau.
Lorne has his MBA with a focus on Marketing, Leadership, and Change Management from NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Women’s Studies from Boston University.
Alena Busche
Dr. Alena Busche is Vice President Intellectual Property at HMNC Brain Health and as such is responsible for the IP strategy and the management and expansion of the IP portfolio. Prior to joining HMNC Brain Health, she worked as an in-house counsel at Immatics Biotechnologies. Dr. Busche is European and French patent Attorney and developed her core skills at Lavoix, one of the largest French law firms, and at the German law firm Zwicker Schnappauf & Partner.