Digitalize in Sthlm returns this year with an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers exploring the frontiers of digital transformation — from AI and XR to healthcare connectivity and national competitiveness. This year’s keynotes bring together international thought leaders shaping the future where technology meets humanity, industry, and policy.
Dr. Gao Yujia – Advanced Connectivity in Healthcare
Consultant Surgeon and Assistant Group Chief Technology Officer, National University Health System | Advisory Board Member, HIMSS APAC – Singapore
In his talk Advanced Connectivity in Healthcare – Leveraging Wireless Networks and AI, Dr. Gao Yujia will explore how 5G and AI are redefining the future of healthcare, enabling ultra-reliable, low-latency connections between hospitals, clinics, wearables, and home devices. His talk highlights how intelligent networks can create seamless, data-driven care ecosystems — and the infrastructure, security, and regulatory challenges that come with them.
A surgeon and digital health innovator, Dr. Gao leads transformative work at the National University Health System (NUHS), pioneering mixed reality applications and 5G hospital systems. As a HIMSS APAC Advisory Board Member, he helps shape the future of digital health across the region.
Marcus Weiland – Meaningful AI in Industry
Vice VD / Deputy MD, Savantic AB
In his keynote Meaningful AI in Industry: Creating Value in a Physical World, Marcus Weiland challenges the notion that AI’s impact is purely digital. He argues that the true value of AI lies in the physical world — where energy flows, materials move, and products are made.
Drawing on Savantic’s work with leading industrial companies, Weiland will share how AI, sensors, and robotics are transforming manufacturing, logistics, and energy — driving measurable efficiency and sustainability.
A recognized AI strategist and educator, Weiland also serves on the European DIGITAL SME Alliance’s AI Focus Group, contributing to EU-level AI policy. Through his initiatives at Savantic and the Savantic Institute, he continues to build Sweden’s capacity for applied, ethical, and human-centered AI.
Dr. Mar Gonzalez-Franco – Towards Human–AI Symbiosis with XR
Research Scientist & Manager, Google XR – Seattle, USA
How will humans and AI co-evolve in the era of immersive technology? Dr. Mar Gonzalez-Franco, Research Manager at Google AR & VR, envisions a future of human–AI symbiosis — where extended reality (XR) becomes the interface between people and intelligent systems. Her talk will explore how new XR–AI interaction metaphors can enable collaboration, creativity, and shared agency between humans and machines.
Dr. Gonzalez-Franco leads the Blended Intelligence Research and Devices (BIRD) team at Google, advancing multi-modal and multi-device futures powered by AI. Formerly at Microsoft Research, her innovations — including Teams avatars and Together mode — have reached millions worldwide. With over 100 publications and 40 patents, she stands among the world’s foremost voices on immersive computing and cognitive interaction.
Joakim Appelquist – Sweden’s Technological Edge
Academy Secretary and Vice President, Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA)
Representing Sweden’s strategic perspective, Joakim Appelquist will unveil insights from IVA’s landmark study on national technological competitiveness. In his keynote Sweden’s Technological Edge: Mapping Competitiveness and Strategic Investment Priorities, he will present data-driven findings on Sweden’s strengths across 48 key technologies — from AI and energy systems to quantum and biotech — developed in collaboration with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS).
Appelquist will discuss how targeted investments and collaboration can enhance Sweden’s resilience and leadership in innovation. With deep experience in research policy and strategic analysis, he continues to strengthen the interface between science, policy, and society.
Inspiration Across Disciplines
From intelligent healthcare to industrial AI, immersive interaction, and national strategy, these four keynote sessions capture the spirit of Digitalize in Sthlm — showcasing how digital transformation is not just technological, but profoundly human and strategic.
We’re all looking forward to explore the ideas and innovations shaping our shared digital future!
