A true pioneer in internet, tech, and media, Ruben Brave is an investor, serial entrepreneur, and thought leader with a deep passion for innovation, digital sovereignty, and inclusive entrepreneurship. With a background spanning technology, media, and policy research, he is shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the Netherlands and beyond. 

As Founder of the Dutch New Narrative Lab (DNNL) and President of Internet Society Netherlands, Ruben is at the forefront of diversity, ethics, and responsible digital transformation. His research, commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, explores the economic value of diversity in startups, scale-ups, and corporate ventures. This groundbreaking initiative features a compelling and timely foreword by Prince Constantijn Van Oranje-Nassau.

Holding advisory and board positions at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), the Kamer van Koophandel, the Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, and the Social and Economic Council (SER Diversity in Business), Ruben is a trusted voice in tech policy, entrepreneurship, and innovation strategy. His influence spans business, academia, and government, positioning him as a leading figure at the intersection of technology, ethics, and economic growth.

As recipient of the Amplify DEI Inclusive Champion Leadership Award, Ruben is internationally recognized for his dedication to making entrepreneurship more accessible and equitable.

Alina represents the Provincial Government of Brabant and brings a personal perspective as an international who has made Brabant her home. Having navigated the intricacies of Dutch culture and the professional landscape, she is now dedicated to connecting the international and Dutch communities through policy, dialogue, and a healthy dose of humour about cultural differences.

With experience spanning eight countries, Alina works at the intersection of talent, innovation, and economic growth through internationalization. Her focus is on projects that support the highly skilled expats driving Brainport’s cutting-edge innovations, as well as the labor migrants who sustain entire economic sectors across the province. She believes their expertise, networks, and lived experiences help bridge worlds, ensuring Brabant remains both globally competitive and locally inclusive.

At the Common Ground for Innovation Awards, Alina will bring this same perspective to the jury table, eager to celebrate the ideas that will shape the future of innovation in Brabant and beyond. 

Jemy is passionate about innovation and social impact, dedicating his career to identifying and supporting transformative opportunities. At Demcon, Jemy leads efforts to help entrepreneurs create, grow, and successfully operate new companies. Demcon’s philosophy is to take calculated risks in order to foster innovation. Last year, they expanded their portfolio by acquiring several companies, ranging from start-ups to established businesses. With the launch of the DEMCON Innovation Fund in 2022, Jemy has played a key role in funding tech innovations that drive positive social change.

In addition to his work at Demcon, Jemy is the initiator and managing partner of the UDT Tech Fund, a collaboration between VDL and Demcon. The UDT Tech Fund focuses on supporting innovative start-ups and scale-ups, offering not only funding but also engineering and manufacturing expertise to help them grow and succeed.

As a jury member, Jemy will bring his extensive experience in investment, innovation, and strategic thinking to the table, helping to identify the most groundbreaking ideas and companies that will shape the future of innovation.  

Dr. Benischke is an expert in global strategy, focusing on strategic decision-making at the highest levels of organizations. His research examines the roles of CEOs, top management teams, and boards of directors in shaping firm strategy, political access, and navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. His work has been published in leading academic journals and has appeared in influential managerial outlets like the Harvard Business Review.

In addition to his impressive academic contributions, Dr. Benischke has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Alan M. Rugman Most Promising Scholar Award from the Academy of International Business. He is a high-performing member of the Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM) and currently serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Management Studies, among other esteemed editorial roles.

As an educator, Mirko is dedicated to developing future leaders, teaching courses on strategy, corporate governance, and global strategy. His commitment to excellence has earned him the Professor of the Year Award twice for his undergraduate course on International Business.

As a jury member, Dr. Benischke will bring his expertise in strategic leadership and global business to the table, ready to evaluate the most innovative and impactful ideas that will define the future of business and innovation. 

Nicola is a Diversity and Transformation Leader with over 15 years of experience across Asia, the US, and Europe. She has worked across multiple industries, including healthcare, pharma, automotive, creative marketing, renewable energy, and now the semiconductor industry. She is a champion for diversity, creating inclusive cultures and developing talent strategies that have a lasting impact. Originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Nicola has lived in the US, Italy, Singapore, and currently the Netherlands, bringing a global perspective to her work.

In her role on the jury, Nicola will offer her unique insights on diversity, organizational development, and strategic influence to identify and celebrate initiatives that push boundaries while driving meaningful change in the industry!