speakers

At IoT Sparks, we bring together a group of experts and professionals from various industries who specialize in the IoT field. Our aim is to provide valuable insights, explore the latest trends, and analyze the impact of IoT technology in the future.
Daan Pape
CEO & Co-Founder
DPTechnics
Daan Pape
Daan Pape is the co-founder and technical lead at DPTechnics, a Belgian company specializing in IoT hardware development and building blocks such as Walter and the BlueCherry platform. He is an expert in low-power wireless technologies, embedded IoT software and PCB design.
Darío Olivares
Corporate Manager
Lanzadera
Darío Olivares
Manuela Schlereth
Technical Account Manager
LORIOT
Manuela Schlereth
Technical Account Manager at LORIOT. In this role, she specializes in onboarding customers from the infrastructure industry and demonstrates how to utilize LoRaWAN technology in this field. Her contributions have led to the success of multiple infrastructure projects.
Daniela Vanceviča
Marketing Specialist
LORIOT
Daniela Vanceviča
For Daniela, marketing is the perfect intersection of creativity and global impact. As a Social Media & Performance Marketer at LORIOT, she focuses on scaling the reach of IoT solutions. Guided by the philosophy that we can achieve the impossible by shifting our beliefs, Daniela brings an insatiable curiosity and a diverse skill set to the stage. Having studied in Denmark and mastered five languages, she views communication as the ultimate tool for innovation and is dedicated to fostering a more connected, sustainable world.
Clara Pezuela
Strategic Alliances and Positioning Director
Information Technology Institute (ITI)
Clara Pezuela
Clara Pezuela has a degree in Computer Science from the Universidad Politécnica of Madrid and a Master in Innovation Management. She has 25 years’ experience in research for digital technologies domain mostly through European research and innovation projects both in Atos and FIWARE Foundation. Currently, she is Strategic Alliances and Positioning Director at ITI, Instituto Tecnológico de Informática, a spanish technology centre focused on supporting organizations in turning data into operational impact. She has high level skills in innovation and technology transfer from research to business and society. Technically, she has an advanced level of knowledge in data architectures, cloud/edge/IoT computing, data platforms and data spaces. She has been engaged in the Data Spaces Support Center and involved in some domain Data Spaces as for Smart Cities and Communities, Manufacturing and Tourism for two years. She has been promoting the use and adoption of Open Source and Open Standards in related events as speaker and panelist. In the context of IoT, she has been working in digital twins and data platforms for cities, standardizing data from heterogeneous sources for supporting the decision-making of city holders, designing the evolution of cities towards the data spaces and citiverse. Clara is also member of the Technical Council and MIMs Steering Committee at Open and Agile Smart Cities (OASC).
Oguz Kirmizi
CEO
Rotiot
Oguz Kirmizi
Oguz Kirmizi, CEO of Rotiot GmbH, is an electrical engineer with over 15 years of experience in innovative IIoT concepts. Specializing in End of Line testing systems and turnkey solutions, he excels in data analysis, hardware, and software development for industrial monitoring. Recently completing an MBA in technical management, Kirmizi offers clients technically and financially compelling solutions. Renowned in the gas and oil industry, his customized solutions enhance efficiency and profitability, solidifying his role as a key figure in industrial automation and IIoT.
Francisco Maroto
Managing Director
OIES Consulting
Francisco Maroto
With over three decades of experience driving digital transformation, IoT innovation, and strategic business growth across industry leaders such as Emerson, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, HP, Vodafone and Airbus, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership, and market vision to the table. My background in IoT consulting and executive management has enabled me to guide organizations through disruptive technology shifts while unlocking new revenue opportunities and operational efficiencies. As the Managing Director of OIES Consulting, I have successfully led IoT-driven initiatives, mentored startups, and shaped go-to-market strategies for emerging technologies across EMEA. My ability to identify high-growth opportunities, forge strategic alliances, and accelerate digital adoption has consistently delivered impactful results.
Enrique Moya
Automation Sales Engineer Manager
Weidmüller
Enrique Moya
Profesional del ámbito industrial con más de una década de experiencia en el mundo comercial. Acompañando múltiples sectores hacia su evolución tecnológica con automatización e IIoT. Especializado en digitalización industrial, convergencia IT/OT y conectividad segura. Industria 4.0, analytics y plataformas abiertas para transformar datos en valor real. Apasionado por la innovación aplicada, centra su labor en acercar la tecnología a los procesos productivos para mejorar eficiencia, competitividad y sostenibilidad.
Rakel Sigurjónsdóttir
Software and Solutions Specialist
Rafal
Rakel Sigurjónsdóttir
Rakel Sigurjónsdóttir is a Software and Solution Specialist at Rafal, working at the intersection of IoT, smart infrastructure, and digital transformation. She holds a BSc in Software Engineering from Reykjavík University and has specialized in connected monitoring solutions since 2020. Her experience includes IoT deployments for critical infrastructure and utility sectors, with projects involving pressure monitoring, remote monitoring systems, sensor integration, and LoRaWAN connectivity. Rakel has played a key role in the development of Rafal’s LoRaWAN network and in delivering scalable, data-driven solutions for infrastructure monitoring. She is passionate about using connected technologies to improve reliability, efficiency, and visibility in real-world operations.
Pietro Manzoni
Computer Engineering Professor
UPV
Pietro Manzoni
Pietro Manzoni is a computer engineering professor at the "Universitat Politècnica de València," Spain. He received a master's degree in Computer Science from the "Università degli Studi" of Milan, Italy, in 1989 and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the "Politecnico di Milano," Italy, in 1995. From November 1992 to February 1993, he was an intern at Bellcore Labs, Red Bank, New Jersey, USA. From February 1994 to November 1994, he was a visiting researcher at the ICSI (International Computer Science Institute) Berkeley, California, USA. His research has always been focused on using Mobile Wireless Networks to create dynamic systems. Currently, he is developing solutions for the Internet of Things using LPWAN networks and Pub/Sub systems. These solutions have various applications, including environmental intelligence by integrating TinyML-based solutions, sustainable and green IoT, and Smart Tourism. Additionally, he is interested in exploring ways to provide integrated connectivity in the edge-cloud continuum. He is the coordinator of the Computer Networks Research Group (GRC) (http://grc.webs.upv.es), a senior member of the IEEE, and a member of the ACM SIGCAS - Computers and Society (https://www.sigcas.org/).
Markus Winterholer
Senior Specialist – AI & Cloud for Manufacturing
Microsoft Schweiz
Markus Winterholer
Markus Winterholer works at the intersection of industrial automation, cloud platforms, and artificial intelligence. Based in Zurich, he partners with global manufacturing and industrial companies to design and scale AI‑enabled, cloud‑native, and secure industrial systems. With deep experience in OT/IT integration, industrial data platforms, and executive‑level transformation programs, Markus focuses on moving organizations from pilots to production at scale. He regularly engages with C‑level executives, boards, and innovation leaders on the future of industrial technology, autonomous operations, and AI governance.
David Martin
Founder
Alec
David Martin
David Martin is the founder of Cognitive Engineering and creator of the ALEC Platform, a compression and intelligence stack for constrained IoT networks. With over 30 years of experience in IT leadership and digital transformation, he now focuses on making IoT sensor deployments more efficient at the protocol level. ALEC Codec, the platform's core engine, achieves up to 84% lossless payload reduction on LoRaWAN and NB-IoT devices, validated in production lab environment with a major IoT sensor manufacturer. David's talk explores why payload efficiency is the most overlooked lever for extending battery life in connected devices. Based in Switzerland.
Yannik Kopp
Deputy CEO & Chief Strategy Officer
LORIOT
Yannik Kopp
Yannik Kopp is the Chief Strategy Officer at LORIOT, where he leads the company's strategic initiatives and drives growth in the IoT sector. His role focuses on fostering innovation and guiding LORIOT's direction in the evolving IoT landscape. In addition to his role at LORIOT, Yannik is a Guest Lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW, where he educates students on IoT. He also previously served as a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, designing and implementing scalable cloud solutions for diverse clients, showcasing his deep expertise in technology and digital transformation.
Steve Carr
Founder
Talking IoT
Steve Carr
Steve Carr is an Associate Partner, Analyst, and founder of Market Traction and Talking IoT, with expertise across the global technology and IoT ecosystem. He has held senior roles at TT Electronics, Premier Farnell, Future Electronics, and Acal Technology, specialising in translating complex technology, market, and geopolitical dynamics into actionable commercial and growth strategies.
Ibhraheem Kasujee
Senior Analyst
Analysys Mason
Ibhraheem Kasujee
David Baldoví
Strategic Manager
BRANDSUMMIT
David Baldoví
David Baldoví is a brand strategist, founder of Brandsummit, and an entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience building food and beverage brands. He leads strategic branding, packaging and communications projects and teaches marketing and brand design in professional programs. David combines his background in marketing and engineering thinking with practical experience running agencies and start-ups, and he emphasizes human-centered leadership and present-focused work habits. David speaks and writes about personal growth, anxiety, productivity, and the balance between professional ambition and wellbeing.
Antonio Ruiz-Alba
Senior Software Engineer Research Development
Information Technology Institute (ITI)
Antonio Ruiz-Alba
Antonio Ruiz-Alba has a PhD in Communications Engineering from Universitat Politècnica de Valencià, where he also serves as an associate professor. He is currently a researcher at Instituto Tecnológico de Informática (ITI), where his work focuses on cyber-physical systems, embedded artificial intelligence, and the optimization, simulation, and validation of intelligent distributed architectures. His research interests include the integration of AI accelerators and edge computing platforms in resource-constrained environments. His expertise spans embedded system development, communication networks, and cybersecurity, with particular emphasis on intrusion detection systems for cyber-physical and industrial environments, AI-based anomaly detection, and secure communications. He has also worked on the integration and evaluation of cryptographic technologies and quantum-safe security mechanisms in communication systems, including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), QRNG, and secure key management architectures for critical infrastructures and defense-related applications.
Charles Joel
IoT and Analytics GTM
WIKA Group
Charles Joel
Charles has over 35 years experience in operational engineering and IoT GTM Strategy. Initially trained in Radar and Aircraft communications he then moved into the startup IoT and Analytics world in 2000. Over the last two decades Charles has developed and executed IoT business strategy which includes the development of IoT product and services into multiple vertical market places. Past success stories include connected cars, smart factories and intelligent pubs! Charles joined WIKA in 2024 in a Business Advisory role to help develop WIKA's Go-To-Market strategy.
Xose Pérez
Product Owner
RAKwireless
Xose Pérez
Xose Pérez has been working in the IoT landscape for the last 12 years as a full-stack (HW/FW) developer and consultant for various companies. He is currently a Product Owner at RAKwireless. His goal is to define and develop hardware and software solutions to make IoT even easier for companies and citizens. He is also a core member of TTN in the Barcelona area and is actively involved in deploying open IoT infrastructure over LoRaWAN.
Paula Estrada Mendoza
Technical Sales Account Manager
LORIOT
Paula Estrada Mendoza
Paula discovered her two passions—IoT and LoRaWAN technology—during her Master’s in Mechatronics, where her thesis focused on designing a LoRaWAN sensor node and building its supporting network. These were her foundational steps into the Internet of Things. Since then, she has built her career in an international environment, gaining experience across different countries and projects. As a Researcher in IoT technologies in Spain, Paula worked on sensor node development and industrial applications of LoRaWAN. She later moved into the field of robotics and AI in Germany, where she developed prototypes, new functionalities, and IoT-based interactions to connect robots with the cloud. Today, as a Technical Account Manager at Loriot (Valencia, Spain), Paula dedicates her work fully to LoRaWAN technology, collaborating with international clients to deploy IoT solutions in areas such as smart cities, smart metering, and large-scale connectivity projects. At the intersection of her two passions—IoT and LoRaWAN—Paula thrives on supporting organizations to innovate and scale their solutions globally.
Patricia Pons
Head of the Human-Computer Interaction research group
Information Technology Institute (ITI)
Patricia Pons
Patricia Pons holds a PhD in Computer Science from the UPV, and is currently the head of the Human Computer Interaction research group at Instituto Tecnológico de Informática (ITI) in Valencia, Spain. She received in 2019 the Young Computer Science Researchers Award from Fundación BBVA and the Scientific Informatics Society of Spain for her PhD thesis, and was selected to participate in the Heidelberg Laureate Forum 2019, which brings together promising researchers with Turing Awards in Computer Science every year. She has given talks at events such as TEDx, Ignite or Google Women Techmakers, and currently leads several research projects focused on the use of mixed reality for the improvement of mental health, as well as to improve user experience in industrial environments.
Emilio Carrión
Staff Engineer
Mercadona Tech
Emilio Carrión
Emilio works with the engineering teams behind the online operations of the biggest retailer in Spain, where the distance between a system that works in a demo and one that holds up day after day is something you feel in real time. He's also a doctoral candidate at Universitat Politècnica de València, researching digital twins and how software gets built at scale.
Antonio J. Jara
CTO
Libelium
Antonio J. Jara
Antonio serves as the chair of Data Quality and IoT in IEEE and is a Board of Directors member of the FIWARE Foundation and Eclipse Foundation. Antonio focuses on the evolution of the IoT into the emerging markets of data valorisation as Data Spaces and AI/Data Economy, delivering advanced solutions for Data Governance. He is the technical coordinator of the EU-Local Digital Twin Toolbox, the largest EU initiative in AI for urban environments. He is part of the Citiverse SENSE and the Citcom.AI sandbox, covering a full stack that spans from Data Management, Data Spaces, and Digital Twins to virtual worlds. Antonio has participated in over 100 international events as a speaker, author of 100 international publications with high impact factor (15,000 citations and an h-index >50).
Ons Zerai
Software engineer
congatec GmbH
Ons Zerai
Ons holds an engineering degree in Telecommunications and a Master's in systems of communications, with around four years of professional experience in the field. She currently works as a Software Engineer at congatec GmbH, where she focuses on Real-Time operating systems and Linux kernel development. Driven by a deep passion for IoT and knowledge sharing, she co-founded Z&C IoT Solutions GbR, a consultancy and training company dedicated to empowering professionals and organizations in the IoT world.
LEA ŠKRUBEJ
Head of Communications
Industry 5.0 Institute
LEA ŠKRUBEJ
Most companies don’t reject new technology because it doesn’t work. They reject it because they don’t trust it. Lea Škrubej focuses exactly on that gap. As part of the Institute for Industry 5.0 and founder of Metabees - agency for strategic growth, she partners with companies developing AI, IoT, blockchain, and humanoid robotics, helping them move from innovation to real-world adoption. Her focus is simple: turning complex technologies into something people understand, trust, and are ready to use, enabling adoption at scale. She works closely with leadership teams to reduce resistance, align people with innovation, and ensure technology is introduced in ways that truly serve humans. Because real transformation doesn’t happen when technology is ready. It happens when people are.

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Valencia
October 7th, 2026
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