Closing the Gap in Europe - From Ambition to Ownership

Europe has the talent, the technology, and no shortage of ambition. What it hasn't yet proven is that it can turn that ambition into ownership - of its champions, and of the infrastructure powering the AI race it's determined to win. This side event brings founders, investors, and policymakers together to confront what that actually takes: building and scaling the next generation of European tech champions at home, and owning more of the AI stack rather than renting someone else's. Two panels, one question - is Europe ready to go from promise to proof? Agenda Opening Keynote Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Panel Discussion – Scaling Beyond the Block: How Europe Wins Global Market Share Europe builds world-class technology, but fragmented markets still push its best founders to scale elsewhere. This panel asks what it would take — in capital, commercial speed, and execution — to keep them scaling globally from home, and what it takes to make Europe the best place to build the next generation of tech champions. Speakers: Niklas Zennström, CEO & Founding Partner at Atomico Madeline Lawrence, Co-Founder & CGO at Aikido Security Oskari Saarenmaa, Co-Founder & CEO at Aiven TBA Moderated by: Noora Saksa, CEO at Slush Fireside Chat – Owning the AI Stack: Can Europe Do It? Billions are flowing into European AI infrastructure — data centers, chips, networks. This panel tests that ambition: can Europe own the full stack end-to-end, or should it compete more selectively? Speakers: Ruben Bryon, CEO at Verda Oliver Beck, SVP Sovereign Cloud at SAP Stephanie Dismore, SVP MD, EMEA at AMD TBA Moderated by: Oskari Saarenmaa, Co-Founder & CEO at Aiven Schedule 2 PM – Doors open 2:15 PM – Welcome words 2:17 PM – Opening keynote by Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation 2:24 PM–3:07 PM – Panel Discussion "Scaling Beyond the Block: How Europe Wins Global Market Share" 3:10 PM–3:55 PM – Fireside Chat "Owning the AI Stack: Can Europe Do It?" 3:55 PM – Closing Remarks 4:00 PM – Event ends Small bites, coffee, tea and beverages are served during the event. We anticipate a full room. To ensure you have a seat and we can create a smooth experience for everyone, please plan to arrive a little early.