Atlantic Convergence 2024 features an exceptional lineup of visionaries and experts leading the charge in pan-Atlantic digital infrastructure. The event brings together professionals from data centres, submarine cable operators, LEO satellite providers, cloud services, OTTs, and Internet Exchange operators.
Some of the topics addressed:
- The digital drivers of the pan-Atlantic economy
The Atlantic is globalisation's next frontier, and the South Atlantic is its horizon. Digital connectivity is the leading driver of Atlantic convergence. Atlantic data seaways, already the busiest in the world, are building out fast – not just North-North, but increasingly North-South and South-South.
These digital transformations are helping more providers, producers, workers, and consumers enter the Atlantic economy than ever before. They can accelerate growth and hold promise for the two billion people in the Atlantic Hemisphere without regular internet access or reliable energy.
Yet, they are also generating concerns about cybersecurity and digital disruptions. What's driving the Digital Atlantic? What are its challenges? Where are its opportunities?
- CEF-Digital: EU funding for digital connectivity infrastructures
The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) and the European Commission (Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology - CNECT) will present the latest accomplishments of the EU funding programme CEF-Digital.
CEF Digital has invested €277 million in backbone projects and will soon announce a further investment of at least €90 million this year.
This programme supports deploying strategic backbone networks as part of the EU's Digital Global Gateways strategy, strengthening the quality and resilience of connectivity between EU countries and third countries. The first three calls for proposals were launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023 for projects on backbone connectivity. HaDEA accompanies 30 funded projects covering various geographical areas and scope, from marine surveys in Greenland and the Canary Islands to deploying long-distance cables in the Mediterranean and Atlantic areas.
- Diving deep: Looking at the security of Atlantic undersea cables
The Atlantic Ocean is one of the most relevant areas regarding the geopolitics of subsea cables. This positioning also results in a set of threats and risks that must be debated to identify and find strategic solutions to mitigate them. Thinking about the safety of submarine cables is thus a condition for the success of states and organisations because, without security, there are no business and development conditions for the digital ecosystem –specifically for submarine cables.
Luis Bernardino, a Portuguese Army Colonel and Professor at the Department of International Relations at Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, will review and answer some of the key questions on submarine cable safety, such as:
- What threats and risks do the subsea cables face in the Atlantic Region, and how can we mitigate them?
- Which initiatives and projects, including subsea cables, contribute to increasing situational awareness in the Atlantic Region?
- What are the primary contributions of companies, states, and organisations to enhance subsea cable security?
- The '3S approach': a Spherical Security Strategy for enhanced connectivity resilience
The panel will explore the necessity of a comprehensive 360-degree strategy, addressing challenges, vulnerabilities, and solutions from regulation to implementation plus the creation of a collaborative security ecosystem, emphasising a multistakeholder approach.
- Accelerating global digital trade with AI and the importance of data gravity.
In today's interconnected world, the flow of data has become the fuel of global trade and the cornerstone of the growth of our digital economy. Yet, the increasing dispersion of data due to regulations and geographical distances creates friction that hinders the efficiency and effectiveness of international commerce. With supporting data from our partners and industry experts, this presentation will provide you with a showcase of industry-specific priorities and workflows focused on how artificial intelligence (AI) and HPC, coupled with the strategic geographical deployment of data centres and next-gen subsea networks, unlock and accelerates business transformation and digital trade.
- Evolving data centre & subsea landscape of the mid-Atlantic region
The emergence of a new convergence point on the North American coast for pan-Atlantic traffic flow and the strategic importance of public-private partnership.
This panel will focus on the emergence of the mid-Atlantic region as a diverse subsea landing location on the East Coast of the United States and the RVA region as complementary to Ashburn (the world's largest data centre market) for pan-Atlantic traffic USA/Europe and beyond. Learn more about the background of the Internet infrastructure advancements in this region, highlighting the region on the global connectivity map and the significance of a diverse subsea landing location on the eastern seaborne from the existing routes in the NY/NJ and Florida regions.
- AI Opportunities in the mid-Atlantic region and the importance of public-private partnerships
The rapidly evolving landscape of AI and its impact on the digital infrastructure ecosystem, including data centres, subsea cables, and terrestrial fibre connectivity.
The Mid-Atlantic Region has rapidly grown and established its place on the global connectivity map. As generative AI and ML continue to evolve lightning, they bring enormous challenges and opportunities to the digital infrastructure industry. Likewise, the impact on the connectivity industry—subsea and terrestrial fibre is being felt to support AI applications. In this discussion, our expert group of panellists will discuss the impact of AI in generating increased demand for digital infrastructure, including the vital role played by public-private partnerships and how the subsea cables and data centre- and carrier-neutral Internet Exchange propelled those advancements.
- The technical facility domain: Digital and commercial impacts
What is the impact on technical facilities as technology continues to evolve in the digitalisation space with richer content, AI, IoT, and Automation? The distributed data centre, blurred lines between telecom and data PoPs, repurposing existing properties, and bringing the computer closer to the end user—is the facility domain ready for the next wave?
- SMART Cables: Case studies of multipurpose infrastructure for the service of science and society
During this session, José Barros (JTF SMART Cables) will moderate a panel of representatives from distinguished organisations such as Far North Fiber, NORDUnet, and TUSASS, aiming to show how their Artic projects are supporting the development of global networks to improve connectivity in the Northern Atlantic and how they can accommodate the possibility of making their submarine cables serving Science and the Society beyond telecommunications.
- Case study: Sustainable & AI-scale data centre development in Portugal
This is an overview of the site selection process for large-scale, AI-ready data centres, highlighting how Portugal already has the key necessary attributes.
Overview of the data centre ecosystem and the opportunities to enhance Portugal's offering to the market.
Keynote speakers:
- Ivo Ivanov – CEO, DE-CIX (Germany)
As the CEO of DE-CIX, Ivo Ivanov leads the world’s foremost provider of interconnection services, driving innovation in global connectivity.
- Philippe Dumont – CEO, Ellalink (France)
Philippe Dumont oversees Ellalink, the critical optical submarine cable linking Europe, Africa, and South America.
- Dr. Daniel S. Hamilton – President, Transatlantic Leadership Network (USA)
Dr. Hamilton provides strategic insights into transatlantic relations and digital infrastructure.
- Ana Figueiredo – CEO, Altice Portugal (Portugal)
Ana Figueiredo leads Altice Portugal, a major player in telecommunications across multiple regions.
- Mohamad Ibrahim – CEO, Interfiber Networks (Republic of Congo)
Mohamad Ibrahim drives connectivity solutions for Africa’s internet infrastructure.
- Cristina Dolan – Professor, Columbia University; Board Director, NASDAQ; SEALSQ and GRIID (USA)
Cristina Dolan offers expertise in technology and cybersecurity from a prominent academic and corporate perspective.
- Tesh Durvasula – CEO, AtlasEdge (United Kingdom)
Tesh Durvasula heads AtlasEdge, a leading European edge platform provider.
- Judith Yah Sunday – CEO, CAMTEL (Cameroon)
Judith Yah Sunday leads Cameroon Telecommunications, a key player in broadband and ICT solutions.
- Rafael De Fermin – Sr. VP IP and Optical Networks, Nokia (Europe)
Rafael De Fermin brings insights into IP and optical network innovations at Nokia.
- Buddy Rizer – Executive Director, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development (USA)
Buddy Rizer focuses on economic development and technology integration in Loudoun County.
- Isabel Cardoso – CEO, aicep Global Parques (Portugal)
Isabel Cardoso oversees global parks and business development in Portugal.
- Giuseppe Valentino – VP Backbone & Infrastructure Solutions, Sparkle (Italy)
Giuseppe Valentino drives backbone and infrastructure solutions at Sparkle.
- Dr. Sanjay Basu – Senior Director, AI/ML, Oracle Cloud Engineering (USA)
Dr. Basu offers expertise in AI and machine learning from Oracle Cloud.
- Vincent Gatineau – SVP Subsea Infra. Dev., EllaLink (France)
Vincent Gatineau is instrumental in the development of subsea infrastructure at EllaLink.
- Jorge Andrade Santos – Head of International Wholesale, Altice (Portugal)
Jorge Andrade Santos manages international wholesale operations for Altice.
- Luis Bernardino – Portuguese Army Colonel & Professor, Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa (Portugal)
Luis Bernardino provides strategic and academic insights on digital and security matters.
- Rolf Mendelsohn – Co-Founder, Paratus (Angola)
Rolf Mendelsohn leads Paratus, focusing on connectivity solutions in Africa.
- Andrés Ruiz – Deputy Director General of Cybersecurity of Telecommunications, Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service (Spain)
Andrés Ruiz contributes to cybersecurity policy and regulation.
- Robert Dunn – CEO, StartCampus (Portugal)
Robert Dunn is at the helm of StartCampus, a key player in the digital infrastructure space.
- Jon Abbott – EMEA Technology Director, Strategic Segments, Vertiv (United Kingdom)
Jon Abbott provides technology insights and solutions for data centers across EMEA.
- Augusto Fragoso – Director-General of Information and Innovation, ANACOM (Portugal)
Augusto Fragoso leads information and innovation efforts at the Portuguese telecommunications regulatory authority.
- Kevin Smith – Market Development Lead – AI & HPC, AtlasEdge (United Kingdom)
Kevin Smith focuses on market development in AI and high-performance computing.
- Tito Costa – Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Elea Data Centers (Brazil)
Tito Costa drives revenue strategies at Elea Data Centers.
- Alex Ramoneda – Deputy COO, Barcelona Cable Landing Station (Spain)
Alex Ramoneda manages operations at a major cable landing station in Barcelona.
- Karina Marcus – Project Adviser, European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) (Belgium)
Karina Marcus advises on digital projects within the European Health and Digital Executive Agency.
- Angelo Gama – CEO, Angola Cables (Angola)
Angelo Gama leads Angola Cables, a significant player in African connectivity.
- Chris Atherton – Senior Research Engagement Manager, GÉANT (Netherlands)
Chris Atherton engages with research initiatives in European and global networks.
- Afonso Salema – Founder and Partner, Light Fossil (Portugal)
Afonso Salema offers expertise in digital infrastructure and energy solutions.
- Nacho Velilla – CEO, Templus (Spain)
Nacho Velilla oversees Templus, focusing on digital infrastructure projects.
- Manuel Garcia-Herranz – Chief Scientist, UNICEF (USA)
Manuel Garcia-Herranz leads scientific research related to digital infrastructure at UNICEF.
- Miguel Álava – General Manager for Software Companies (ISVs) EMEA, AWS (Spain)
Miguel Álava manages AWS’s relationships with independent software vendors in EMEA.
- Julien Bollati – Programme Officer – Financial Instrument Specialist, European Commission (Belgium)
Julien Bollati specializes in financial instruments within the European Commission.
- Serge Radovcic – Senior Consultant, Dstream Group (Netherlands)
Serge Radovcic provides consultancy in digital infrastructure and strategy.
- Manuel Cabugueira – Board Member, ANACOM (Portugal)
Manuel Cabugueira contributes to regulatory oversight in Portugal’s communications sector.
- Elena García Díez – Chief Security Advisor EMEA, Microsoft (Spain)
Elena García Díez leads security initiatives at Microsoft across EMEA.
- Steen Louis Hanse – Department Manager & System Manager Submarine Cable Networks, Tusass (Denmark)
Steen Louis Hanse manages submarine cable networks at Tusass.
- Ángel Marín González – Business Development Manager, Telxius (Spain)
Ángel Marín González drives business development at Telxius.
- Robert Assink – Managing Director, Digital Realty (Spain)
Robert Assink leads operations at Digital Realty, focusing on data center solutions.
- Justin Melnikkoff – Strategic Advisor & Board Member, MOX NETWORKS (USA)
Justin Melnikkoff provides strategic advice and governance at MOX NETWORKS.
- Rui Franco – General Manager, RENTELECOM (Portugal)
Rui Franco manages operations at RENTELECOM.
- Esther Paniagua – Award-Winning Tech & Cybersecurity Journalist and Author (Spain)
Esther Paniagua brings insights from her extensive experience in tech journalism.
- João Filipe Alves – Head of Security, ANACOM (Portugal)
João Filipe Alves leads security efforts at Portugal’s telecommunications regulator.
- Marco Terenziani – Senior Director Optical Networks, Nokia (Italy)
Marco Terenziani oversees optical network solutions at Nokia.
- John Martin – CEO & President, RVA757 Connects (USA)
John Martin leads RVA757 Connects, focusing on regional connectivity initiatives.
- Jason Carolan – Chief Innovation Officer, Flexential (USA)
Jason Carolan drives innovation at Flexential.
- Carlos Casado – VP Sales – North Region, Telxius (Spain)
Carlos Casado manages sales strategies for Telxius in the northern region.
- José Barros – Executive Council, JTF SMART Cables (Portugal)
José Barros contributes to strategic initiatives in smart cable technology.
- Ik Icard – Director and Co-Founder, Far North Digital (USA)
Ik Icard leads Far North Digital, focusing on innovative digital solutions.
- Nuno Vieira – Managing Partner, Edgoo (Portugal)
Nuno Vieira manages operations and partnerships at Edgoo.
- Jørgen Qvist – COO, NORDUnet (Denmark)
Jørgen Qvist manages operations at NORDUnet, enhancing Nordic and global network connectivity.
- Paul Rendek – Senior Consultant, NEXOP BV (Netherlands)
Paul Rendek provides consultancy in network solutions and infrastructure.
- Vinay Nagpal – CEO, InterGlobix (USA)
Vinay Nagpal leads InterGlobix, focusing on global digital infrastructure solutions.
For more information and to request additional speakers, visit our Speakers Page.
