Speakers

Awais Ahmed is the founder and CEO of Pixxel, a space data company building a constellation of the world’s highest-resolution hyperspectral earth imaging satellites and the analytical tools to mine insights from the data. Awais conceptualized and founded Pixxel in 2019 while still pursuing undergraduate studies at a university in India to build a global space technology startup that could help bring the benefits of space down to earth and build a health monitor for the planet.

Mr. Rampersad has extensive experience in the satellite industry with a unique mix of expertise in both space systems and software engineering. He has a long track record of successfully leading complex engineering projects for both big and small satellites. Prior to his work with EarthDaily Analytics Mr. Rampersad was a technical lead at MDA where he led and developed innovative solutions for world class ground segments including the RapidEye and Worldview constellations. Mr. Rampersad holds a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies and is an IEEE GRSS industry distinguished lecturer in the area of ground segments and mission trades.

Daniel has spent his career at the nexus of energy markets, investments, innovation and climate strategy. He currently serves as the Executive Director of ClimateTech Investments & Innovation at J.P. Morgan in NYC, driving strategic investments with cutting-edge companies across the ClimateTech ecosystem across Carbon, Built Environment, GridTech, Data Analytics, Adaptation & Resilience, Geospatial, Geothermal, AI-enabled solutions, among others. Daniel's background also spans across physical and financial energy commodity markets, with experience in natural gas & power at Morgan Stanley, crude oil & NGLs at Glencore, and multi-asset alternative investments at AllianceBernstein.

Jarkko Antila is the CEO of Kuva Space, a pioneering Finnish Earth observation company. A deep-tech entrepreneur with a strong track record in product innovation, fundraising, and leadership, he has led technology teams at VTT and Inficon. Jarkko co-founded Spectral Engines, a spectral sensor company, serving as CEO for six years before its successful exit. Before joining Kuva Space, he founded Leaping Boulder, a deep-tech consultancy firm. With a Master’s in Space Technology, he has contributed to satellite missions like OMI and Aalto-1. Jarkko’s expertise and passion for space technology drive innovation and growth at Kuva Space.

Jussi Koski is the Chief Product Officer in UP42, building a platform and marketplace for Earth observation data together with a strong ecosystem of partners. He has over 20 years of experience on maps, location services and navigation applications, lastly as VP of Location Services in HERE Technologies. Before joining UP42 he served as CPO of Logmore, focused on supply-chain visibility and safe transportation of sensitive goods.

Mark Mozena, Ph.D. is the Vice President of Global Government Affairs for Planet. In this role, Mark leads Planet’s government relations and policy teams focused on supporting the U.S. Government and international partner nations. Before joining Planet, Mark worked for United Launch Alliance where he handled the civil space portfolio. Prior to ULA, Mark worked for Congressman Michael Honda (D-Silicon Valley, CA) where he managed the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee for the Subcommittee’s Ranking Member. Before working on Capitol Hill, Mark received his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of California where his research focused on galaxy evolution.

Nadine is an award-winning globally recognized thought leader in geospatial technologies and their intersection with some of today's most pressing global challenges, including climate resilience, sustainability, and the future of intelligent infrastructure. She’s known for championing interoperability, collaboration, and bridging technology and policy as CEO of the Open Geospatial Consortium, as board member of the UN Geospatial Experts Group, as appointed advisor to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, and recently as inaugural Executive Director of the Taylor Geospatial Institute. Dr. Alameh received multiple leadership awards: OGC Service Award (2024), Women in Technology Leadership (2023), Geospatial World Diversity Champion (2022), and Geomatics Canada Leadership (2019). Nadine holds a Ph.D. and 2 M.S. degrees from MIT.

Dr. Sarah B. Kapnick is the Global Head of Climate Advisory at J.P. Morgan, advising clients on climate, energy, biodiversity, and sustainability. She oversees the firm’s climate thought leadership strategy, leveraging scientific expertise to guide content and advise at the intersection of finance, climate science, commerce, and national security. Previously, she served as Chief Scientist at NOAA, appointed by the President, where she guided the agency’s science and technology priorities. In this role, she led strategies on climate intervention, greenhouse gas monitoring, marine biodiversity, climate macroeconomics, and climate security, shaping critical scientific initiatives for emerging global challenges.

Wayne M. MacKenzie Jr. is the Observations and Research Support Division Chief at NOAA's Weather Program Office, where he leads strategic investments in weather observation and research-to-operations initiatives. With over 15 years of expertise in remote sensing, meteorology, and agile software development, Wayne specializes in bridging the gap between complex scientific research and practical engineering implementations. His leadership roles have included managing NOAA’s Joint Technology Transfer Initiative, directing large-scale operational satellite programs such as GOES-R, and driving innovation in satellite data product development and commercialization strategies.

Mr. Adam Maher serves as Founder & CEO of Ursa Space Systems Inc (Ursa), whose services enable users to research, monitor, search, and discover changes in physical objects around the globe, from the perspective of space. Ursa Space’s platform orchestrates the collection, analytics, and fusion of data from a virtual constellation of radar, optical, and RF satellites to automate and abstract the complicated process of gaining access to, processing, and fusing satellite data with terrestrial data sources. At Ursa Space Systems Inc., he uses his knowledge of the satellite industry to fuel his vision of a living world map, where the connection between satellites and users is no longer complicated or difficult, and users are empowered to make better decisions with better data.

Alex Kaplan leads strategy for parametric solutions and bespoke coverages at Amwins, a specialty insurance brokerage. Previously, he spent 12 years at Swiss Re, most recently as Head of North America for Public Sector Solutions, helping governments manage financial risks related to natural disasters and climate change. He co-developed a patented parametric windstorm insurance mechanism and pioneered innovative insurance solutions. Kaplan began his career in government, serving on staff of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and later as an advisor to US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.

Andre Veneziani is a dynamic global leader driving innovation in the insurance sector. As Global Lead Insurance at EarthDaily, he spearheads the worldwide implementation of cutting-edge insurance solutions powered by satellite data. His deep understanding of the industry is built upon a robust career, including his role as Senior Business Developer at VanderSat, where he focused on advancing crop insurance products. Prior to that, Andre honed his strategic acumen as a Senior Strategy Manager at Accenture, specializing in digital insurance strategies. Andre's extensive experience also encompasses significant leadership roles at Mercer, Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, Itaú Unibanco, McKinsey & Company, and Embraer.