Navigating a Troubled World: Leadership in an Upside-Down Era

In a world marked by geopolitical turmoil, economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and shifting societal dynamics, leading a deep tech company poses unique challenges. Join us for a panel discussion with leaders from across the deep tech landscape as they share real-world insights and experiences on navigating through instability and change.

Guided by a professional moderator, this panel will explore what it takes to lead in today’s unpredictable environment – and how these innovators are guiding their organizations through complexity, disruption, and opportunity.

Expect an engaging dialogue on the serious business of leadership in an upside-down world – and how uncertain times can spark the breakthroughs of tomorrow.

Meet the Panelists and Moderator

Olivia Nestius, CEO, Graphmatech

Olivia Nestius is on a mission to drive the green transition. She is the CEO of Graphmatech, a deep tech company unlocking the industrial potential of graphene. Graphmatech integrates graphene into various industries to foster innovation, resource efficiency, and large-scale sustainability. Olivia was brought in to lead the company’s evolution from the R&D stage into its next phase: commercialization and rapid growth, with a focus on strategic business development, efficient funding, and organizational scaling.

Andreas Hellander, Co-founder & CEO, Scaleout Systems

Andreas Hellander leads Scaleout Systems, a company pioneering federated learning technologies that enable secure, privacy-preserving AI across decentralized data sources. In parallel, he serves as an Associate Professor in Scientific Computing at Uppsala University, where his research focuses on large-scale distributed systems and data-intensive computing. Under his leadership, Scaleout has grown from academic roots to become part of NATO’s DIANA accelerator, with growing recognition in sectors such as defense, cybersecurity, and automotive.

Ove Öhman, Serial Entrepreneur & Deep Tech Innovator

Ove Öhman has led innovation at the intersection of science and entrepreneurship for nearly 30 years. With a strong track record in the life science and diagnostics industries, he has founded or co-founded several successful companies, including Åmic AB, Fiomi Diagnostics AB, Sigolis AB, Ginolis Oy, and Astrego Diagnostics AB. Today, he is also an active board member and advisor to several deep tech startups. In recognition of his contributions to Swedish engineering and innovation, Ove was awarded the prestigious Polhem Prize in 2003.

Cecilia Garme, Political Journalist & Professional Moderator

Cecilia Garme is a political journalist and experienced moderator with a Ph.D. in Political Science from Uppsala University. She is known for her sharp analysis and skill in guiding thoughtful, engaging conversations on complex topics across public and private sector events.

Registration

Sign up for the event by 23 September

Innovation Night

This panel is a side event within Innovation Night 2025. If you also wish to take part in other sessions during Innovation Night, you will need to purchase a ticket here: https://innovationnight.se/