Speakers at WAITRO Summit 2026
Meet the experts, researchers, innovators, and leaders who will contribute their knowledge and perspectives to the WAITRO Summit 2026. Explore the full lineup of speakers and discover the people shaping discussions around co-creation, innovation, climate action, and sustainable development.
Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal
Rector of the Istanbul Technical University, WAITRO President
Prof. Dr. Benjin Luo
Secretary General of WAITRO, Chief Expert of Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI)
Kıvanç Zaimler
Board Member and CEO, Sabancı Holding
Michael Brown
CEO & Founding Partner, Crowdhelix
Santiago Echavarria
Director, Centro de Ciencia y Tecnología de Antioquia (CTA)
Martha Liliana Marin
Innovation and international Cooperation Lead, Centro de Ciencia y Tecnología de Antioquia (CTA)
Eng. Rana Ardah
Manager of Water Studies Division, Water, Environment & Climate Change Centre, Royal Scientific Society (RSS)
Eng. Omar AlSaleh
Senior Circular Economy & Sustainability Expert, Water, Environment & Climate Change Centre, Royal Scientific Society (RSS)
Nancy Rampaphorn
Deputy Director of Engagement & Technology Marketing, Technology Transfer Office, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Dr. Rochana Tangkoonboribun
Deputy Governor for Strategy and Innovation, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR)
Dr. Waraporn Sorndech
Senior Research Officer, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR)
ChM. Dr. Norshidah Baharuddin
Senior Director, Strategy Planning & Transformation, Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM Berhad)
Isnazunita Binti Ismail
Senior Director, Energy & Environment Centre, Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM Berhad)
Palesa Kganane
Senior Programme Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR South Africa)
Prof. Mbang Sama
Global Head of Digitalization, Mercedes-Benz; Executive President, Digital Transformation Alliance (DTA)
Prof. Fazilet Vardar
Vice President of the Executive Committee, USIMP; Coordinator for Research Partnerships and Innovation, Izmir University of Economics
Prof. Ahu Altinkut Uncuoğlu
Vice President, Executive Board, USIMP; Professor of Bioengineering, Marmara University
Prof. Deniz Tunçalp
Professor of Management & Organizations, Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ)
Lupe Leal
Science and Technology Analyst, International Cooperation, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)