KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
KEYNOTE THEMES
Keynote 1: Optical Lithography
Keynote 2: Maritime Industry
Keynote 3: Agentic AI
Keynote 4: Multi-disciplinary and Complex Problems
Keynote 5: Getting the Problem Right
Keynote 1
Date & Time: 29/06 from 09:00 – 10:00
Speaker: Jos Benschop,
Executive Vice President of Technology, ASML NL
Title: Optical lithography: a system within a system
Abstract: For more than 50 years, the electronics industry has been marching to the beat of Moore’s Law, producing faster, cheaper, and more energy-efficient computing and data storage. Artificial intelligence is expected to boost the semiconductor industry to a one trillion dollar scale within the next few years. The semiconductor industry is a complex ecosystem spanning the globe. For example, a chip in a smartphone might be designed in the USA, built in Taiwan, using equipment made in Europe. ASML is the world leader in photolithography, one of the key enablers behind Moore’s Law.
– In the keynote, after a short introduction to the world of semiconductors, it will be shown how systems engineering is applied to design and build our products (a complex system), and how it is used to optimize the ASML scanner in our customers’ fabs (a system within a complex system).
Bio: Jos Benschop was born in Hengelo, The Netherlands. He obtained his MSc (cum laude) and PhD from physics faculty in Twente University. From 1984 until 1997 he worked at Philips. Mostly at Philips Research Eindhoven and Sunnyvale USA. He joined ASML in 1997. ASML designs, builds, and sells lithography equipment used by the semiconductor industry to pattern IC’s. ASML is world-wide market and technology leader in a multi-Billion EURO market. As Senior Vice President Technology he is responsible for Research and Systems Engineering. He is a fellow of SPIE and of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering.
Keynote 2
Date & Time: 29/06 from 13:00 – 14:00
Speaker: Hildegunn McLernon,
Senior Vice President Technology Office, Kongsberg Maritime
Title: Vessel of the future – an integrated system of system approach
Abstract: The maritime industry is facing increasing system complexity driven by rapid technological development, growing requirements, limited standardization, and diverse operational demands across market segments. As vessels evolve into highly connected, software‑intensive systems, value creation increasingly depends on how effectively multiple products, platforms, and partners are integrated into coherent system‑of‑systems solutions. This presentation demonstrates how Kongsberg Maritime applies systems engineering to manage this complexity and enable reliable, safe, and sustainable vessel infrastructures of the future.
Bio: Hildegunn McLernon holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Glasgow and an MBA from Edinburgh Napier University. She has more than 25 years of international experience across Kongsberg Maritime and TechnipFMC, including over 15 years in senior leadership roles. Her expertise spans technology strategy, systems engineering, technical safety and reliability, digital, and engineering leadership, with a strong focus on managing complexity and delivering integrated solutions across the value chain. She has led major programs, projects, and cross‑organizational collaborations to deliver sustainable and impactful results.
Keynote 3
Date & Time: 30/06 from 09:00 – 10:00
Speaker: Karen V. Czachorowski,
Digital Technology Lead, Aker BP
Title: Agentic AI: Orchestrating the Industrial System of Systems
Abstract: This keynote explores the potential of Agentic AI as an orchestration layer for complex industrial “systems of systems.” Drawing on Aker BP’s AI-native strategy, we outline the proposed framework and building blocks—such as common context, secure tool access, and governance—necessary to move from simple interoperability to agentic cooperation. Through conceptual and early-stage use cases and development examples, this keynote illustrates how this emerging layer can help independent systems reason and act together safely in safety-critical environments.
Bio: Karen V. Czachorowski is a Digital Technology Lead at Aker BP, driving the intersection of industrial operations and advanced digital solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the energy, consumer goods (FMCG), and technology sectors, Karen spearheads digital transformation initiatives focused on Agentic AI and industrial digital twins. Originally from Brazil and based in Norway for the past decade, she holds a PhD in Systems Engineering & Nautical Operations from the University of South-Eastern Norway. Her work is characterized by a systemic approach to solving industrial inefficiencies, focusing on the practical implementation of AI to transform complex workflows. Beyond her corporate role, Karen is a recognized international speaker and thought leader in applying Industrial Agents to solve data quality and execution bottlenecks in the energy sector.
Keynote 4
Date & Time: 30/06 from 13:00 – 14:00
Speaker: Jørgen Hals,
Lead Scientist, Corpower Ocean
Title: Solving Multi-disciplinary and Complex Problems
Abstract: At the conference Todalshaug will share views on how the company has addressed challenges in a solving multi-disciplinary and complex problem, and now, as the company is moving into industrialisation, link this to a system of systems perspective.
Bio: Jørgen Hals Todalshaug is an experienced scientist with a passion for sustainability and renewable energy. His work has been focused on floating systems for conversion of wind and wave energy. Jørgen has a master’s degree in physics, and a PhD degree in wave energy conversion from NTNU in Norway. He is now serving as lead scientist at CorPower Ocean AB, one of today’s leading companies in the development and industrialisation of wave energy technology.
CorPower Ocean: Headquartered in Sweden, and with offices also in Portugal, Norway and Scotland, CorPower Ocean currently counts about 100 employees from 22 different countries. The company’s mission is to contribute to the energy transition by enabling the harvest of energy from ocean waves readily available along coasts around the world. CorPower Ocean has followed a staged development programme recommended by the International energy agency, which along with a research-based multi-disciplinary approach has resulted in a technology that is both robust and cost efficient.
Keynote 5
Date & Time: 01/07 from 09:00 – 10:00
Speaker: Christopher Jouannet,
Principal Engineer, Aircraft Conceptual Design, SAAB
Title: Getting the Problem Right: Foundations and Open Challenges in System-of-Systems Engineering
Abstract: System-of-Systems Engineering efforts often struggle due to incomplete or premature problem formulation in early development phases. As aerospace and defense systems become increasingly collaborative and dynamic, early framing decisions strongly shape architectural feasibility and long-term adaptability. Drawing on research and industrial practice, this keynote highlights key gaps in current SoSE approaches and identifies priority areas where further research is needed
Bio: Christopher Jouannet is Docent at Linköping University, Sweden, and work with product development strategy within the CTO office at Saab Aeronautics. He holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and has more than 20 years of combined industrial and academic research experience. His background includes roles as Head of CAD Methods, aircraft conceptual designer, and method developer. His work focuses on System-of-Systems Engineering, architecture-driven development, and complex aerospace and defense systems. He has contributed to several European and industrial research initiatives addressing digital engineering, interoperability, and capability evolution.
