Downstream Space Summit Theme: Image Intelligence for Commercial and National Mapping Applications

Ali Al Shehhi is a distinguished leader with over three decades of experience in aviation, geospatial, and space technology. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Science and a Master's degree in Management and Communications, Ali has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for innovation and project management throughout his career.

As the former head of the Space Reconnaissance Center in Abu Dhabi and current Director of the National Space Science and Technology Center at UAE University, Ali is committed to advancing scientific discovery and technological innovation. An esteemed keynote speaker, his insights and expertise are sought after globally, making him a driving force in shaping the future of space-tech and space new economy strategies.

Parya Pasha has a background in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation and has work experience in academia, private sector, and government as GIS/RS consultant and as Programme Manager. She has co-founded Marmoris and attended the European Space Agency's Business Incubation Programme at SBIC Noordwijk with a goal of using Geospatial information for environmental impact through supporting conservation and restoration efforts by making data-driven decisions.

Christian, a passionate space enthusiast and seasoned business development professional, has been a driving force in the NewSpace industry since 2018. As the founder of New Space start-ups, he translates visionary strategies into tangible market success. With a proven track record, Christian excels as a dynamic sales strategist, conducting thorough market assessments, developing robust product-market fit strategies, and orchestrating comprehensive marketing initiatives. His leadership at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for over five years showcased exceptional managerial skills, where he led interdisciplinary teams in delivering international flagship projects with precision. Christian's enduring client relationships and successful sales campaigns underscore his commitment to space innovation.

Francesco Pignatelli is the Strategic Advisor for the Digital Economy Unit at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. He provides expert advice on emerging policy challenges in the context of the new Commission's priorities, on JRC/Unit work programme, strategic partnerships, organisation and outreach. He represents the EC in boards/committees and inter-service groups, by identifying opportunities, and supporting negotiations process.

Francesco by education is an engineer and spent the first years of his career in the Space Industry, as responsible for the development and management of large scientific, commercial and training satellite systems programmes.

Francesco joined the European Commission in 2000, and co-ordinated for many years, EU-led space applications initiatives such as Galileo and GMES/Copernicus, and advising for Space Policy-related activities in Brussels.Member of the European Commission Delegation of the inter-governmental Group on Earth Observations (GEO) concerned with Ministerial Summits political negotiation process for international agreements in Earth Observation.

In the last 10 years he led JRC research projects on "Digital Government and Innovation of Public Services", investigating impacts and opportunities offered by AI and other technologies (i.e. Digital Platforms, Blockchain, Big Data, IoT, Digital Twins or Virtual Worlds/metaverses) to increase efficiency of public services and transform the relationships between governments, business and civil society.

He also managed EC-funded Interoperability Actions, namely the "European Union Location Framework - EULF" and the "European Location Interoperability Solutions for E-government - ELISE" and associated large contracts, dealing with geospatial data and location interoperability.

Thomas Blaschke is a Professor at the University of Salzburg and Deputy Head of Department of Geoinformatics - Z_GIS. He also acts as the director of the Doctoral College GIScience and serves at various editorial boards and commissions including ISPRS and the ESA Earth Observation advisory board. His research interests include methodological issues of the integration of GIS, remote sensing and image processing also with aspects of citizen participation and human-environment interaction. Prior positions comprise several lecturer, senior lecturer and professor positions in Germany, Austria and the UK as well as temporary affiliations as guest professor and visiting scientist in Germany and the US including a Fulbright professorship. His academic record yields 370+ scientific publications including 130 journal publications.

My name is Begona Verdejo Herreras, I have a degree in Geodesy and Cartography from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. I have been working in the Geospatial industry inside Hexagon for more than 30 years in different sectors for the EMEA region, managing projects in Defense, Government, Transportation and lately in Sustainable projects and urban digital twin's developments. My experience is mainly doing pre sales activities and also business development but had worked in other departments, such as support, product development and training. I collaborate very closely with R_Evolution, the green division of Hexagon that works in sustainable disruptive initiatives and specially I have lead the Green Cubes initiative.