Announcing the Speakers and Panel Discussions for Innovation Hackathon 2025
The stage is set for the UAE’s most anticipated student innovation event! The Technology Express Innovation Hackathon 2025, powered by Zayed University–College of Technological Innovation, brings together a powerhouse lineup of industry leaders and innovators, as well as an engaging program designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and breakthrough solutions.
Meet the Speakers
We are thrilled to announce an exceptional group of speakers who are redefining marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation across global markets:
- Anna Vapnichna, Brand Director for Asia, Africa & Middle East at @bacardi
- Neda Lazic, Senior Director of Marketing Network Operations & Capabilities, Eurasia & Middle East at @cocacola
- Seif El Hakim, CEO of Alpha Global Enterprises
- Bassel El Shaboury, VP Marketing: Emerging Markets & Australia at @henkel
- Zivpreet Kaur, Marketing Director for India & Pakistan at @honorglobal
- Anas Derieh, Head of E-commerce at @arlaarabia
- Natasha Hatherall, Founder & CEO of @tishtashtalks
- Zeina Akkawi, Founder of @pazmarketing
- Anika Berger, Founder of @niknak_pr
These trailblazers bring decades of global experience in marketing, entrepreneurship, and digital business transformation—preparing to share their unique journeys, insights, and strategies for shaping the future.
Panel Discussions Schedule
Day 1: 18 October 2025
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Advent of the Next Industrial Revolution: The Age of AI and Automation
A deep dive into how AI and automation are transforming business, industry, and daily life. - 12:15 PM – 01:00 PM: WorkForce 2030: The Future Jobs That Don’t Exist Today
Insights on roles, skills, and industries shaping careers for the next decade. - 2:15 PM – 03:00 PM: Building Your First Startup: What Founders Wish They Knew
Founders share lessons and advice from their entrepreneurial journeys. - 3:15 PM – 04:00 PM: The $500B Career Economy: Gaming, AR, VR, and the Metaverse
Exploring new career frontiers in immersive tech, gaming, and metaverse applications. - 4:15 PM – 05:00 PM: Innovation in Motion: Mobility Ecosystem of Tomorrow
From EVs to urban air mobility, a look at the future of transportation. - 5:15 PM – 06:00 PM: Data Power: The Hidden Backbone of the New Economy
Exploring why compute, storage, and data infrastructure are key to future growth.
Day 2: 19 October 2025
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Human-Centric Living: What Comes After Smart?
Designing homes and communities for wellbeing, comfort, and sustainability. - 12:15 PM – 01:00 PM: The Future of Trust: Digital Identity and Cybersecurity
Discussing digital identity, security, and trust in the digital economy. - 2:15 PM – 03:00 PM: Fail Fast, Learn Faster
Why rapid experimentation and resilience fuel tomorrow’s breakthrough innovation. - 3:15 PM – 04:00 PM: Influence is the New Currency: The Creator Economy is Real
Understanding the power of creators and influencers in commerce and culture. - 4:15 PM – 05:00 PM: Reinventing Media: Who Owns the Story?
Examining how technology and AI are reshaping media ownership and narratives. - 5:15 PM – 06:00 PM: The Next Big Unknown: Building the UAE of Tomorrow
Visionary discussion on the bold bets shaping the nation’s future.
Stay tuned as we count down to three days of breakthrough ideas, bold conversations, and unmissable networking opportunities at the UAE’s Innovation Hackathon 2025.
For the latest updates, follow @hackathonuae on Instagram for more updates!