DLD Future Hub: Impact of AI

Alessa Berg is the founder and CEO of Top Tier Impact, a global ecosystem of impact investors, LPs, entrepreneurs, professionals and public figures across more than 50 countries. As a public voice of the impact movement, Berg was approached to host Road to Utopia, the first TV series about impact entrepreneurship.

Alex Kotran is the co-founder and CEO of aiEDU, a non-profit devoted to making sure that all students are ready to live, work, and thrive in a world where AI is everywhere. He launched aiEDU in 2019 after he discovered that the Akron Public Schools, where his mom has taught for 30+ years, did not offer any courses or learning about AI.

Author Dr. Alex von Frankenberg was Managing Director of the early-stage investment fund High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) until October 2025. He holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a PhD about the establishment of de-facto technology standards from the University of Mannheim. He privately invests in Bitcoin, Crypto, AI startups and funds.

Alexander Meyer zum Felde is a Partner & Director at Boston Consulting Group and BCG’s Global Lead for Circular Economy and Waste. A recognized expert in the field, he has played a key role in international initiatives such as the UN Global Plastics Treaty process and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste.

Alexander Pretschner is a Professor for Software and Systems Engineering at TU Munich. He is also the founding director of the Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation and scientific director of Bavaria’s Research and Transfer Institute for Software-intensive systems. In addition, he is a co-founder of oneTutor.ai, which aims to revolutionize education with generative AI.

Alexander Thamm is a pioneer of Data & AI in Europe and founder of [at], one of the continent’s leading consultancies with 500+ experts. A recognized leader in Agentic AI, he helps global corporations, hidden champions, and SMEs turn AI from a tool into the core of their business — while ensuring compliance with frameworks like the EU AI Act.

Alin Albu-Schäffer is the Head of the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). He is also a professor at TU Munich where he holds the Chair of Sensor-Based Robotic Systems and Intelligent Assistance Systems. In addition, Dr. Albu-Schäffer is an IEEE Fellow and the coordinator of euROBIN, the European network of excellence on intelligent robotics.

Alvaro Barrington is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores identity, memory, and cultural celebration through painting, installation, and mixed media. His art bridges historical and contemporary influences, from Marcus Garvey to hip hop, and celebrates the diverse ways communities express themselves.