prof. Deborah Nas

Deborah Nas bridges the gap between cutting-edge innovation and real-world impact. Through captivating, customized presentations, she decodes the technologies reshaping industries today and reveals the game-changing opportunities that will define tomorrow in your sector.

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Fireside Chats / Q and A sessions,Keynote Speaker,Keynote spreker,Panel,Webinar,Workshop / Masterclass

About Deborah Nas

Deborah is a prominent thought leader in innovation, recognized for her deep insights into the effects of technology on industry and society. She is a professor of Strategic Design for Technology-based Innovation at the Delft University of Technology, Innovation Manager at the Centre for Quantum & Society, Supervisory Board Member at Hardt Hyperloop, member of the investment committee at InnovationQuarter’s deep tech investment fund, board member at social venture Cre8, and serves as a C-level sparring partner for executive teams seeking to future-proof their business.

Deborah has over 25 years of hands-on innovation experience at large companies and startups across diverse sectors, from fast-moving consumer goods to high-tech B2B. This comprehensive background enables her to understand the jargon and challenges of different industries and uniquely positions her to tailor her presentations for any sector and audience.

Deborah is particularly recognized for her inspiring presentation style, her profound insights into the impact of new technologies on our future, and for making complex technology accessible and easy to understand for every audience. She carefully tailors her presentation to each event, creating a unique storyline that resonates with your audience. She not only helps her audience see trends and developments in a broader perspective but also inspires them to take meaningful action.

Deborah is the acclaimed author of ‘Design Things That Make Sense’, a practical handbook for startups, scale-ups, and corporate agile innovation teams looking to apply new technologies in innovative products and services. She is currently working on a new book exploring what it means for humanity and society when AI takes on the roles of friend, lover, coach, guru, deity, and much more.

Specialist Subjects

With over 25 years of hands-on experience in innovation and digital transformation across various industries, Deborah is uniquely equipped to deliver presentations that are fully tailored to your event, profession, and/or sector. Common audiences include finance professionals and HR specialists. Frequently addressed sectors include construction & real estate, healthcare, education, and mobility. However, specific customization is always possible—recent examples include the impact of generative AI on procurement, warehouses & supply chain, and the wind energy sector. Get in touch to explore the possibilities.

AI and other digital technologies are rapidly transforming the way we work, what we do, and the skills we need to succeed. The gap between digital leaders and laggards is widening. To remain competitive, everyone in the organization must be involved in the digital transformation. Yet that’s easier said than done—most employees are not eager to adopt new tools and technologies that disrupt their workflows. In “The Future of Work,” Deborah Nas sheds light on the behavioral patterns that slow down digital transformation and shares practical tips on how to overcome them. She also explores how AI will reshape the workplace in the coming years through inspiring examples from tech startups. This keynote offers both a future outlook and actionable strategies to accelerate transformation.

Deborah Nas guides audiences through the fascinating world of AI, especially generative AI. In clear, accessible language, she explains how AI technologies are reshaping industries and society. From process automation to ethical concerns surrounding algorithms, Deborah explores both the opportunities and pitfalls of this revolutionary technology. Tailored to the theme of your event, her examples offer not only valuable insights but also concrete inspiration to start working with AI.

As one of the few technology speakers who can explain quantum technology in an accessible way, Deborah brings clarity to a complex subject. She founded the Centre for Quantum & Society as part of the national quantum program QuantumDeltaNL, and specializes in the ethical, legal, and societal impact of quantum technology. She highlights the immense potential of quantum, but also its threats—such as the future ability of quantum computers to break encryption keys, and why organizations must act now. This keynote is essential for anyone involved in digital infrastructure.

In this keynote, Deborah Nas unpacks the paradox of established organizations that struggle with innovation despite having ample resources. She explains how organizational structures, decision-making processes, risk tolerance, and company culture can either stifle or stimulate innovation. Drawing on real-world transformations, she outlines three innovation strategies to break through internal resistance and create a culture of experimentation. Ideal for leaders who want to future-proof their organizations without sacrificing present-day stability.

The tech industry suffers from a notable gender imbalance, but it wasn’t always this way. Deborah Nas reveals how historical shifts and societal perceptions turned IT from a women-friendly field into a male-dominated one. Using humorous yet insightful examples of failed products developed by non-diverse teams, she makes a compelling case for inclusive innovation. An inspiring call to action, offering a fresh perspective on the importance of diversity in tech.