The best speaker line up yet!

Josef Kallo is co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of H2FLY - a company that specializes in the development of hydrogen-electric powertrain systems for aircraft headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. As an entrepreneur, he financed the first round of H2FLY aiming early for a transfer of technology from basic knowledge to a first flying prototype.

Under Kallo’s leadership, H2FLY has achieved significant milestones, including the world’s first liquid hydrogen flight of the HY4 aircraft and the successful development of a high-performance fuel cell system for Joby’s hydrogen-electric eVTOL aircraft demonstrating the potential of hydrogen-electric powertrain systems for various commercial aircraft applications.

Josef Kallo has an extensive background in power electronics and energy technologies with international research collaboration with partners in Japan (JAXA), France (CEA, Onera), and Spain (INTA). From 1999 to 2006, he was a Project Engineer at General Motors Global Alternative Propulsion Center focusing on the application of hybrid powertrains. After that, he coordinated numerous development projects at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) focusing on battery, fuel cell and hybrid-electric powertrains.

Since 2015, he has led research in energy management for hybrid powertrains as a Full Professor at the University of Ulm and additionally assumed the position of Primary Investigator at the Helmholtz Institute for Electrochemical Energy Storage. He is a passionate pilot.

Peter has a proven track record of achievement in both academic and industrial research and development of novel electrical power systems. Peter has extensive experience of directing and guiding university and industrial research and successful product development resulting in new patents and new products. Peter has made a significant contribution to R&D of new technologies including high temperature superconductors, wide-band-gap semiconductors and novel network designs. Currently researching technologies associated with Hybrid and Electric aircraft propulsion systems.

Peter is currently working in the School of Engineering with an objective to build on the work done in the field of More Electric Aircraft and create research activities in the field of Hybrid Electric Aircraft.

I have 24 years of experience in aerospace at Pratt & Whitney Canada, Bombardier Aerospace and Bell Helicopter, encompassing different roles in design, integration, test and aftermarket on programs like the A220 (former C-Series), Global 7500, Boeing 787, CRJ, Bell 429 and various engine models.

I have been involved at different stages of the product lifecycle, from product development, entry into service up to mature product support.

In my current role, we install a new hybrid-electric propulsion system in a legacy airplane.

This work will allow us to capture essential information for future product definition of hybrid electric propulsion, including complex integration challenges.

Graduated from Sup’Aero (Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace)
More than 30 years of experience in the space industry (including satellites, manned flights, launchers)
Previous experience includes Airbus DS, ArianeGroup and Starsem

I am currently leading the transition roadmap for the second generation of our Airship propulsion system, using hydrogen fuel.

Ian is one of the leading figures in the development of aerospace high voltage systems and has been involved in a number of research projects through his employment at The University of Manchester. He has worked in the area of aerospace HV systems for over ten years. His experience includes practical testing of systems within HV laboratory environment and the development of techniques to age equipment. Ian led the work to draft the SAE Aerospace Information Report ‘High Voltage Systems In Aerospace Environments’ and continues to sit on the SAE AE10 / ASD D2/WG1 committees. He has provided training courses to a range of companies including Airbus, Boeing, Ultra Electronics, GE Aviation, Amphenol and GKN.

Appointed Chief Technology Officer in 2023.

Over 20 years’ experience in Aerospace, Defence and Space industries.

Previously held senior roles in GKN Aerospace, Aerospace Technology Institute, The National Composites Centre, Cobham and Airbus Defence and Space.

BEng Hons in Mechanical Engineering and former visiting professor at the University of Derby.

Product roadmap definition and management of the propulsion product line (Hall effect propulsion systems)

Helen Leadbetter currently works for the UK Civil Aviation Authority as the Zero Emissions Flight & Hydrogen Challenge Lead. The CAA Hydrogen Challenge was launched last year to work with industry to understand the risks and challenges associated with the introduction of hydrogen as an aviation fuel.

Before joining the UK CAA Helen worked on the ATI's FlyZero project researching zero emissions aviation and understanding the challenges and opportunities this could bring to the aviation sector.

Bilge Kacmaz is a Research Engineer at Pulsar Fusion, a UK-based company developing advanced in-space propulsion systems including Hall-effect thrusters and nuclear fusion-based drives. Her work focuses on the development and testing of electric propulsion technologies for next-generation space missions.

Bilge holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, with a research focus on the optimal design and simulation of electric aircraft. She has a background in both academic research and industry innovation, with expertise in plasma physics, spacecraft propulsion. She is currently leading Pulsar Fusion’s technical preparations for the Sunbird IOD mission, scheduled for launch in 2027, and plays a key role in the company's international expansion efforts.

With experience spanning the UK and international space sectors, Bilge is passionate about building sustainable, high-performance propulsion systems to meet the challenges of future orbital and interplanetary missions.

Bassem Farag is the Co-founder and CTO at Energy Node.
Holding an MSc in Embedded systems, he has spent over 10 years in battery development in both the automotive and aerospace sectors, with his experience including both established companies and startups.
During that time he has also had more than 8 patents issued.
His expertise includes systems development from concept to certification.

Aerospace Engineer who spent 12 years in Airbus in the certification and design of powerplant systems of development and research programs such as the A400M, A320neo or the E-Fan X electric-hybrid demonstrator.
Since 2017 he has been focused on the electrified propulsion with the hybrid electric propulsion system of E-Fan X, the solar powered Skydweller unmanned aircraft and now with the full electric and hydrogen-electric hybrid developments at Dovetail Electric Aviation

Marius Celette is the CEO and co-founder of Alpha Impulsion, a Franco-Italian startup pioneering space propulsion with the autophage engine.

My expertise is in the area of advance air mobility market developments.
My role includes customer support with existing and novel technical solutions, cross functional team collaboration in support of product development and technical presentations to industry and prospects.
I am also adept in the technical writing of component maintenance manuals and other product related documents.

Freshta Farzam is a German entrepreneur who believes that bold mindset, sharp focus and passionate co-creation is the solution to enable innovation and advancement in pax & cargo transportation worldwide, and thus, to tackle global climate crisis collaboratively. 

Ms Farzam has more than 10 years of experience in the green hydrogen and aviation industries. At LYTE Aviation, Ms Farzam as CEO & Founder, is pioneering the first heavyweight 40seater hybrid-hydrogen eVTOL aircraft that expands the horizons of current dimensions, shapes and opportunities of passenger and cargo transport, disrupting the mass transit markets from buses, ferries to helicopters and regional aviation. “Whatever you dream, begin it, for boldness has genius, power and magic in it” (Goethe), that is the philosophy by which Ms Farzam enters into highly competitive industries and yet, expands the existing technologies and markets with her bold mindset.

Ms Farzam founded the company LYTE Aviation in 2023, after being in stealth mode with her team for almost 3 years prior, and has global leaders and investors of the aviation industry backing her up with her visionary venture.

With a strong expertise in international marketing and communication, Florian leverages aviation specific industry knowledge to lead the company's strategic vision. He maintains an intensive dialogue with his large network of aviation and energy experts, as well as political decision-makers, thus ensuring that all advisory board members have a profound insight into the operational business.

Florian notably spent 12 years at Bremen Airport, most recently as authorised signatory. In his position he was responsible for the airport's entire commercial aviation and non-aviation business.

Hans Schwoeller is a visionary with a technical and economic background and more than 35 years of experience in corporate development, management, technical innovation, production, marketing, and sales. He is renowned for his innovative ideas, strategic thinking, and exceptional ability to turn concepts into reality, mastering even complex challenges within a short time.

As founder, CEO, and CTO of ScaleWings, he developed the SW-51 Mustang – a true-to-original, two-seat replica of the legendary 1940s P-51 Mustang in a 70% scale. While it looks identical to the historic aluminum-built aircraft, Hans Schwöller realized it entirely in ultra-light carbon technology. The aerodynamic design, mechanical solutions, and production technologies all originate from him personally. For series production, he established ScaleWings AeroPro in Krosno (Poland), setting up both manufacturing and the team.

Hans Schwoeller developed the concept for the unique XAEROS Hybrid Propulsion System, a pioneering drive technology for the future of aviation.

Beyond aviation, his interests include innovation, technology, e-mobility, renewable energy, science, and sports such as recreational flying, motorcycling, and mountain hiking.

Nikhil Sachdeva is Roland Berger's Global Lead for Aerospace & Aviation Sustainability and a Principal in the London office. Nikhil leads Roland Berger’s work into how the aviation sector can transition to climate neutrality, from sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to hydrogen to electrical propulsion, to addressing non-CO2 effects, as well as the commercial and technological implications for the aerospace, aviation and fuels sectors. He specialises in strategy and implementation projects, having worked with major airlines, aerospace OEMs, investors, suppliers, as well as governmental bodies. Nikhil holds a Masters in Engineering from Imperial College and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

Siyi Hao leads the work in aerospace propulsion technologies at Roland Berger. His work spans both the current engine sector as well as the future propulsion technologies and new energy types, ranging from electrification to hydrogen to SAF. He has conducted work with organisations throughout the aerospace value chain, including OEMs, suppliers, MRO providers, startups and airlines. Siyi holds a Masters degree in Engineering, Economics and Management from the University of Oxford.

Jonathan has experience in bringing new and emerging technologies to market and specialises in highlighting technical advantages of products to a non-technical audience. He has an academic background in mechanical and manufacturing engineering and a strong interest in the green energy market with experience in the renewables industry, consumer electronics industry and the finance industry.

Daniel joined Qdot in 2020, bringing with him a remarkable academic background and expertise in the field of heat transfer. Prior to joining the company, he successfully earned his doctorate from the prestigious Thermofluids Institute at the University of Oxford, where his research centred around heat transfer in gas turbines.
Daniel’s exceptional contributions in this area were recognized by the UK National Heat Transfer Committee, who awarded him the esteemed title of ‘Best Thesis in Heat Transfer.’ Furthermore, his outstanding capabilities and innovative mindset garnered him international recognition through notable accolades such as the Stratasys Design Challenge and the Airbus Challenge.

Before co-founding Ascendance in 2018, Thibault started his career as an Aerospace Engineer at Airbus. He was involved in several research programs about hybridizing aircrafts ranging from UAVs, rotorcraft and regional airplanes.
Thibault then moved to the E-FAN program at Airbus - one of the very first 100% electrical aircraft in the world - where he led the development of the Central Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and oversaw the electric propulsion system architecture as System Architect.
Thibault holds a MEng. in Aeronautical engineering from Ecole Centrale de Lyon (FRA) and a Msc. in Thermics and Energy from Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1.

Timo is Director of strategic Business Development for OPAL-RT in EMEA in the areas of E-Mobility, Aerospace and Power Electronics.

Timo started his career in 1998 with Siemens and moved to OPAL-RT in 2017 to install the German subsidiary office. His technical background is predominantly in power electronics and drives applications.

Timo acquired his Bachelor of Engineering degree in industrial engineering in a part-time study-on-distance program from Hamburger Fernhochschule in 2012.

Charlotte Voisin manages the aviation, space and drone sectors for Toulouse Team Invest, the economic development agency of Toulouse Métropole.

With her MBA and her experience in the industry, she identifies, supports and advises innovative companies, helping them to establish themselves in the Toulouse ecosystem. She promotes the pink city and tries to attract new businesses willing to open offices and create jobs there. Over the last 6 years, more than 50 companies have set up in Toulouse in these 3 sectors.

Gabriel has over 20 years of experience in the airline and MRO sector. His role as a market analyst led him to contribute significantly to Airbus’s sales in Asia, including bringing Airbus aircraft to Japan Airlines and supporting the early phase of Vistara (now part of Air India) in India. At Airbus, Gabriel was also key in setting up and growing their Business and Strategy Consulting team. His expertise covers various areas of airline creation, such as business planning, aircraft evaluation, and guiding the Air Operator Certificate process. Gabriel has broadened his focus to include sustainable aviation, collaborating with manufacturers, airports, and operators to work towards decarbonizing the industry.

Jacques-Alexis Verrecchia leads the development of Beyond Aero's electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, bridging technical innovation with market viability. His career began at Airbus, where he specialised in aeroacoustics and propulsion innovations. He later co-founded NIXYS, a medical tech startup, and served as Head of AI and DevOps at TheGreenData, focusing on predictive models for sustainability. With dual master’s degrees from École Polytechnique and École des Ponts, Jacques-Alexis combines deep technical expertise with a passion for transformative solutions in aviation