TEDxUniversiteitVanAmsterdam

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Aarya Sharma

  Student

  I’m Aarya, a second-year Economics student at the University of Amsterdam, originally from India. Outside of academics, I love dancing, writing and playing volleyball. Over time, I’ve grown deeply interested in the arts — especially poetry, music, and cinema. My love for music — especially ghazals and qawwalis — almost competes with my love for dance and film. Apart from creating art I often find myself observing art and finding meaning in fleeting moments and experiences.

• Deepak Bhatnagar

  AI & Cyber Security + Strategic Consultancy + Customer Experience

  Deepak is a technology entrepreneur and innovation strategist who transforms how organizations harness digital change. Drawing on 25 years of global experience leading digital transformation across EMEA and APAC with MNC like IBM, Chevron, Nortel, Avaya and Palo Alto Networks, Deepak now helps enterprises navigate their most critical technology challenges, especially in Cybersecurity. He specialises in turning complexity into clarity with a focus on sustainable, human-cantered innovation. As an entrepreneur, Deepak bridges technology and business strategy, bringing deep expertise in Cloud, Cybersecurity, Enterprise IT, and AI to empower leaders and teams through pivotal moments of change.

• Eduard De Wilde

  Entrepreneur

  Eduard de Wilde is an entrepreneur, biohacker, and founder of three companies dedicated to human optimisation, science, and longevity. With over 20 years of experience, he develops practical, science-based methods to enhance energy, focus, resilience, and long-term health. As one of the first certified Bulletproof Coaches, Eduard combines hands-on experimentation with evidence-based strategies to help people achieve sustainable high performance. He founded LiveHelfi, Europe’s leading platform for premium biohacking supplements; NoordCode, a functional nutrition brand for focus and performance; and the School of Biohacking, an educational platform empowering individuals to take control of their biology. He also co-organises The Biohackers Meet Up NL, a community for sharing tools, ideas, and insights on human potential. Eduard’s work focuses on creating pure, effective products, innovative companies, and education that inspires people to optimise health and longevity.

• James Bullard

  Dynamic Storyteller

  James Bullard is a dynamic storyteller, performer, and creator inspiring through his writing, public speaking, and the transformative podcast Radical Joy. Leveraging right-brain thinking into creative problem solving, he empowers individuals and organizations in guiding their potential to fruition. With a magnetic stage presence, James blends humor, vulnerability, and actionable insights to spark change. A published author, his work resonates with readers seeking clarity, while Radical Joy amplifies voices that ignite curiosity and hope. A champion of bold living, James uses his platforms to cultivate joy and guide others toward their most authentic selves.

• Prashasth Baliga

  Senior Cybersecurity Manager

  Prashasth Baliga is an international voice in cybersecurity, known for leading large-scale security transformations and consulting for global enterprises. With deep expertise in cyber risk, automation, and AI security, he has led security teams at some of the world’s foremost cybersecurity companies, helping secure critical sectors including banking, fintech, government, and education. Beyond his corporate role, Prashasth is a passionate public speaker and mentor, having delivered keynotes and guest lectures at leading universities and conferences across Asia, Europe, and Australia. A strong advocate for cyber awareness and AI safety, he is committed to inspiring the next generation and promoting greater diversity in the cybersecurity field.

• René Smits

  Professor of Emeritus Law

  René Smits is Professor Emeritus of the Law of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). He studied law and sociology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and worked at De Nederlandsche Bank from 1977 to 2001, serving as General Counsel. From 2001 to 2024, he held various legal roles at the Dutch Competition Authority (ACM). Author of The European Central Bank – Institutional Aspects (PhD, 1997) and numerous legal studies, he also served on the ECB’s Administrative Board of Review (2014–2024) and as assessor at the Belgian Competition Authority (2013–2020). Currently, he consults on EMU law, EU banking regulation, sustainable finance, and financial sanctions, and is a member of MOCOMILA and a P.R.I.M.E. Finance expert. He also created The Banking Union and Union Courts, an online overview of EU banking supervision case law hosted by the European Banking Institute

• Sangbreeta Moitra

  Award-winning strategist, author

  TEDx award-winning strategist, author, and speaker Sangbreeta Moitra uses neuroscience-based insights to help leaders and organizations transform behavior, master communication, and build trust-driven, impactful relationships. With a background in neurobiology and neuropsychiatric studies, her clients include Nike, Booking.com, Shell, NN Group, ING, and Tommy Hilfiger. A European public speaking champion born in India and based in Amsterdam, Sangbreeta is passionate about empowering people to create authentic presence and lasting impact. She has been featured in The Huffington Post and The Financial Express, and has spoken in the UK, Netherlands, India, Japan, South Korea, China, Austria, and Norway, sharing the stage with leaders such as Erna Solberg and Annemarie Jorritsma.