Keynote Speakers
Dr. Ketan Kotecha
Director & Professor, Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Pune, India
Date – 20th November 2024, 10:00 AM
Dr. Ketan V. Kotecha is a renowned scholar and pioneer in Artificial Intelligence, with over 25 years of experience in the field. He earned his BE, MTech, and PhD from the prestigious IIT Bombay, India, and currently serves as the Director of the Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Head of the Symbiosis Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence at Symbiosis International University, Pune, India. Additionally, he holds an Honorary Professorship at the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Aston University, UK.
Dr. Kotecha’s research spans various AI technologies, including Domain Adaptation, Multimodal AI, Explainable AI, Bias Mitigation in AI, Generative AI, Adversarial AI, Graph Neural Networks, Inverse Reinforcement Learning, Responsible AI, and Multitask AI. His innovative contributions have impacted sectors such as Healthcare, Industry 5.0, Drones, Traffic Control, Construction Management, Transportation, and Supply Chain. With a citation index of 8300, an H-index of 44, and an i-10 index of 180, Dr. Kotecha’s scholarly work underscores his influence and leadership in the AI community.
An esteemed educator with a passion for cultivating higher-order thinking and critical skills, Dr. Kotecha has successfully mentored over 20 PhD students and secured substantial research funding across his areas of expertise. His standing as a thought leader is reflected in his editorial board roles with IEEE Access, PeerJ Computer Science Journal, Cogent Journal by Taylor & Francis, and Frontiers Journals. Dr. Kotecha is a sought-after speaker, having presented at numerous prestigious conferences and forums worldwide, sharing his insights on AI advancements and their transformative potential across industries.
Mr. Intaj Khan
Chairman, Countryland Australia Limited
Date – 20th November 2024, 1:30 PM
Intaj Khan is the Chairman of Countryland Australia Limited and a long-serving Wyndham City councillor known for his contributions to urban planning and sustainable development. Formerly the CEO of the Western Institute of Technology Pty Ltd, he established WIT as a leading educational institution, which earned recognition as one of BRW’s Top 100 fastest-growing companies in 2011 and 2012. Intaj’s vision has driven him to build a substantial property portfolio, with investments that support Melbourne’s growth and infrastructure. Through his diverse ventures, he continues to make a lasting impact across the educational, real estate, and community sectors.
Currently, Intaj is involved in an innovative research project focused on urban transportation, specifically the integration of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) airports in urban environments. This study explores how VTOL airports could alleviate urban congestion by harnessing three-dimensional airspace for commuting, creating new possibilities for rapid, sustainable transit. By developing a comprehensive framework that addresses airspace management, noise control, and seamless integration with existing infrastructure, this research aims to inform future urban mobility strategies. The insights gained will provide valuable direction for urban planners and policymakers as they work to reshape cities for a more efficient, sustainable future.
Mr. Ronnie Oliver
Director, Victorian Transport Digital Engineering Program at Department of Transport and Planning
Date – 21st November 2024, 10:00 AM
Ronnie Oliver leads Victorian Transport Digital Engineering and the transformation program which will empower people across the whole of Victorian Transport with digital engineering innovation and quality, connected information. With a passion for business transformation and strategic organisational improvement, Ronnie has successfully led significant change management programs across telecommunications, financial services and Government.
Dr. Carolina Cruz-Niera
Agere Chair Professor, Dept. of Computer Science, University of Central Florida, USA
Date – 21st November 2024, 1:30 PM
Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira is a distinguished computer scientist and a leading figure in virtual reality technology, currently serving as the Agere Chair in Computer Science at the University of Central Florida. Widely recognized for her role in co-developing the CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) system, Dr. Cruz-Neira has been instrumental in pioneering VR innovations that have influenced a broad range of applications in both research and industry settings. Her expertise has helped to bridge academic and practical applications of immersive technology, driving its adoption across various disciplines.
Throughout her career, Dr. Cruz-Neira has held numerous influential positions, advancing VR technology in fields from engineering and medicine to the arts. As a researcher and educator, she is committed to pushing the boundaries of virtual reality, creating impactful collaborations, and nurturing the next generation of VR innovators. Her work continues to shape the future of immersive technology, making her one of the most respected leaders in the VR community today.