Dr. Marc Bou Zeidan is a food engineer and innovation strategist with extensive experience supporting agrifood SMEs in Lebanon. As Executive Director of the QOOT Lebanese Agri-Food Innovation Cluster, he leads programs on innovation, competitiveness, green transition, and market access with international partners. Holding a PhD in Food Microbiology & Biotechnology, he teaches at several Lebanese universities and combines academic expertise with hands-on industry experience in innovation strategy, product development, sustainability, and value-chain development.

Antoun G. Andrea is a senior consultant and capacity builder with over 13 years of experience in organizational development, business development, and executive training across the MENA and EMEA regions. He has worked with government institutions, universities, NGOs, and private sector leaders, designing and delivering strategic learning solutions in project management, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and organizational transformation.

Ursula is Director of the Career Services and Entrepreneurship Center at Saint Joseph University of Beirut, and a board member of The Rural Initiative. An EFQM Global Award Assessor, she has evaluated over 100 organizations in 10 countries across the private, public, and education sectors. Previously, she led the Innovation Office at the Presidency of Ecuador. She holds an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration from Paris Dauphine University–USJ.

Dr. Gloria Ghantous Haddad is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Management and Entrepreneurship Department at Saint Joseph University in Beirut. She specializes in entrepreneurship, with a focus on women’s entrepreneurship and gender dynamics in business. Her research addresses workplace inclusion, responsible AI, and digital transformation, exploring how organizations can evolve sustainably. She is also a member of the Quality Assurance Unit and a research chair member at FERE (Femme et Renouveau Économique), contributing to gender-focused economic research and policy

Victor Hamouch is a senior C-suite advisor with over 25 years of experience supporting global banks, development finance institutions, and government entities across the MENAT region. His expertise spans capital markets, strategy execution, ESG finance, and large-scale institutional transformation, bridging global best practices with regional development priorities while mentoring executives, students, and startups in building resilient, future-ready business models

Mohamad Merhi is an AI and digital transformation consultant with 20+ years of experience helping organizations in the UK, GCC, and Europe achieve growth and operational excellence. He is CEO of CreativeTechy and co-founder of BiteRight, a UK-based health-tech startup using AI for personalized nutrition. Holding a PhD in Technology Adoption, he advises enterprises and public-sector organizations on AI, automation, and digital strategy to build innovative, future-ready organizations.

Sergio Moukarzel is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in leadership, business development, and strategy in Cyprus and the Middle East. He specializes in enhancing decision-making, entrepreneurship, and stakeholder engagement, helping organizations adopt results-driven approaches and strategic relationships