The Future of Healthcare is Decentralized
Explore What’s Next in Cambridge, MA, | Sept 25–26

Take an evolutionary leap into ConV2X Driving Platforms and Decentralized Tech in Healthcare and Life Sciences, where decentralized innovation, AI, data ownership, and platform technologies converge to reshape the future of care. The 2-Day conference is your gateway to leading edge strategy, enterprise innovation, and patient first transformation. 

This high impact forum brings together the pioneers reshaping healthcare—those who challenge convention and architect what’s next. Whether you're driving innovation, influencing policy, or leading enterprise transformation, this is where tomorrow’s breakthroughs begin. Meet the visionaries leading the charge:

Speaker Biographies

Ravi Sarkar, Enterprise CTO, Microsoft
Ravi Sarkar leads enterprise technology strategy for Microsoft’s Financial Services unit, shaping innovation across AI and cloud platforms. With 20+ years in fintech, he has architected transaction systems for tier-one banks and received accolades including Microsoft’s Technology Solution Achievers Award and IBM’s Champions Award.

Larry Clinton, President & CEO, Internet Security Alliance (ISA)
Larry Clinton heads the ISA and is a national leader in cyber-risk governance. He has co-authored cybersecurity handbooks used globally and advised entities from the U.S. Congress to the Federal Reserve. Recognized twice as one of the 100 most influential individuals in corporate governance, he also teaches at Wharton.

Nitin Gaur, Founder, LedgerLink; Global Industry SME
Nitin Gaur is a pioneer in enterprise blockchain and digital assets. He founded IBM Blockchain Labs and led initiatives such as IBM World Wire and Digital Asset Labs. As former CTO of IBM Mobile Payments and Managing Director at State Street, he bridges traditional finance with emerging decentralized finance models.

Eric Piscini, CEO, Hashgraph
Eric Piscini leads Hashgraph with over 25 years in digital transformation. Formerly in leadership roles at IBM Watson Health, Deloitte, and Diablo Technologies, Eric has extensive experience in launching and scaling AI-driven technologies and blockchain systems for enterprise applications.

David Stefanich, CEO, Waivedx.ai
David Stefanich is the CEO of Waivedx.ai and a seasoned executive in technology and life sciences. He co-founded Rymedi, a blockchain healthtech platform, and previously held executive roles at Navistar and Accuride. David serves on the Industry Advisory Board at Clemson University and formerly chaired SCBIO. He holds dual master’s degrees in International Business and Computer Applications from Mercer University. His career blends product innovation, data science, and digital transformation.

Dr. Shahram Ebadollahi, Founder & Principal, Nav.AI
Dr. Shahram Ebadollahi is a data science pioneer in healthcare. As the technical founder of IBM Watson Health and former Chief AI Officer at Novartis, he has built foundational AI and blockchain applications in life sciences. He holds both an MBA and PhD from Columbia University.

Dr. Ajaz S. Hussain, Regulatory Science Advisor-Former Deputy Dir, FDA
Dr. Ajaz Hussain brings decades of regulatory and scientific leadership from the FDA, Sandoz, and Wockhardt. He is a recognized authority on biosimilars, generics, and pharmaceutical innovation, with a track record in academic research, policy development, and global pharmaceutical strategy.

Jerry Cuomo, Former IBM Fellow; Founder, Wild Ducks, LLC
Jerry Cuomo is a retired IBM Fellow and renowned software innovator with more than 100 U.S. patents. Known for co-inventing the “Someone is typing…” indicator, he now leads Wild Ducks LLC, consulting on AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. He is the author of Think Blockchain and The Art of Automation and lectures at NC State University. Jerry is an advocate for ethical, open-source innovation.

Francisco Curbera, PhD, Lead, AI Platform Innovation, Swift
Dr. Francisco Curbera leads AI infrastructure development for Swift, focusing on fraud prevention in cross-border payments. Formerly at IBM and Merative, he drove innovation in healthcare blockchain and AI platforms. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Columbia University.

Dr. Justin Goldston, Professor, Georgetown University
Dr. Justin Goldston is a scholar and consultant in digital transformation, supply chain, and blockchain. He has taught at several universities, published in peer-reviewed journals, and is a five-time TEDx speaker. His expertise includes AI, sustainability, and ethical tech design.

Dr. Gianluca De Novi, CEO & CTO, Circular Protocol
Dr. Gianluca De Novi is the founder of Circular Protocol, a blockchain infrastructure designed for medtech, GameFi, and DeFi. With postdoctoral training from Harvard Medical School, he is an expert in high-performance computing, XR, and blockchain. He also advises scaling tech companies.

Dr. Ramesh Raskar, Associate Director, MIT Media Lab
Dr. Ramesh Raskar leads the Camera Culture group at MIT Media Lab, focusing on AI and imaging for health and sustainability. A recipient of the Lemelson Award and 90+ patents, he has contributed to projects at Google[X], Facebook, and has delivered keynote talks worldwide, including TED and MIT Tech Review.

Taha Sajid, Founder, Xecurity Pulse
Taha Sajid is a cybersecurity innovator specializing in telecom and blockchain security. Founder of Xecurity Pulse, he leads initiatives in 5G security, AI-powered threat detection, and training. He authored the bestselling Ultimate Blockchain Security Handbook and holds accolades such as the EB1A Einstein Visa and Microsoft MVP.

Jim Nasr, CEO, Acoer
Jim Nasr is CEO of Acoer, a blockchain-enabled technology company delivering open, user-centric software solutions. Previously, he served as CTO of Safe Health Systems in partnership with Mayo Clinic, and as Chief Software Architect at the U.S. CDC, where he led digital modernization initiatives including OpenCDC. He is an advisor on multiple global blockchain efforts, including PharmaLedger’s External Expert Advisory Board (EU IMI), and serves as Chair of IEEE Interoperable Data Security in Decentralized Clinical Trials. Jim has co-authored books, developed academic courses, and is a frequent speaker on blockchain, data interoperability, and digital health.

Jim Mason, Chief Solution Architect, Sky Web
Jim Mason leads blockchain transformation initiatives as Chief Architect at Sky Web and Blockchain Practice Leader at Paramount Software. A founding expert of the EU Blockchain Observatory & Forum, he brings decades of experience in solution architecture, product strategy, and blockchain governance. Jim actively contributes to Hyperledger, MOBI blockchain standards, and leads the Hyperledger Public Sector Group and Boston Hyperledger Meetup. He previously held technical and leadership roles at IBM, Fidelity, Citizens Bank, and academia

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Sathya Krishnasamy, MS, President, ChainAim
Sathya Krishnasamy is a technology executive specializing in emerging technologies including blockchain, distributed AI, and applied quantum systems. Formerly Senior Director of Technology at Elevance Health, he has led platform engineering, enterprise architecture, and agile delivery. Sathya focuses on multi-party business process transformation, building fit-for-purpose peer-to-peer networks in healthcare, FinTech, and global supply chains.

Jai Singh Arun, Chief Product Officer & SVP, IBM
Jai Singh Arun is a senior executive at IBM, driving global strategy, product management, and go-to-market for Quantum Safe Cryptography solutions. Previously, he led IBM’s $1.5B cybersecurity business across software and services. With experience at Unisys, Diablo Technologies, and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Jai brings deep knowledge of secure digital transformation.

John Riley III, Chief of Emerging Technology, IMPACTIFI
John Riley III is Chief of Emerging Technology at IMPACTIFI, where he spearheads blockchain, AI, and quantum initiatives. A Marine Corps veteran, he brings 24+ years of consulting experience in digital transformation. John is a recognized voice in workforce development and works with enterprises and governments to implement responsible emerging tech strategies.

Dr. Roman Beck, Professor, Bentley University
Dr. Roman Beck is a professor of Information Systems at Bentley University, specializing in blockchain economics, decentralized finance, and digital transformation. He has advised central banks, co-founded startups in the U.S. and Europe, and developed blockchain governance frameworks for ISO and the EU. Roman’s teaching spans digital business, DeFi, and ethics in blockchain.

Anjum Khurshid, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Anjum Khurshid is Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and Chief Data Scientist for the Sentinel Operations Center. He is Founding Director of the Center for AI and Biomedical Informatics and a national leader in health information exchange. A recipient of multiple innovation awards, Dr. Khurshid serves on editorial boards and is a Fellow of the American Medical Informatics Association.

Michael Dershem, CEO, Apierion
Michael Dershem, known as “Dersh,” is a veteran healthcare entrepreneur and investor. He co-founded RX Returns and led Pharmasset, raising $25M and closing a $30M R&D deal with DuPont. Pharmasset went public and was acquired by Gilead Sciences for $11B, leading to the cure of Hepatitis C. Michael continues to drive health innovation through venture development and investment.

Brian Ahier, Chief Data Officer, AI Mind System Foundation
Brian Ahier is a nationally recognized leader in health data exchange, privacy, and analytics. He has contributed to federal initiatives at ONC/HHS, served on boards such as DirectTrust and Sequoia Project, and led HIE development in Oregon. His work bridges policy and technology in health IT.

Wessam Sonbol, Founder & CEO, Delve Health
Wessam Sonbol is the founder and CEO of Delve Health, a leader in decentralized clinical trials. With deep experience in managing complex clinical studies (Phases I–IV, IDE, and 510(k)), he has collaborated with organizations like Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson. A passionate advocate for patient-centered research, Wessam pioneers the use of wearables, eConsent, and real-time data to adapt trials to patient needs. Under his leadership, Delve Health is transforming how clinical research is conducted and experienced.

Dr. Olga Kubassova, President, IAG, Image Analysis Group
Dr. Olga Kubassova is a mathematician and imaging scientist, and President of IAG. She specializes in AI and advanced imaging for clinical trials and drug development. Under her leadership, IAG has become a global player supporting pharma and biotech innovation. She is a founding member of the '2% Club'.

Rama Rao, CEO, Blocqube
Rama Rao is a veteran pharma executive with 27 years of experience at Eli Lilly and Novartis, where he held global finance and operations leadership roles. With deep expertise in FP&A, supply chain, M&A, and development finance, Rama now focuses on technology-led transformation in pharma operations.

Frank Ricotta, CEO, BurstIQ
Frank Ricotta is CEO and Co-founder of BurstIQ, a global blockchain platform for health data ownership, security, and identity. BurstIQ is the first blockchain company to achieve HIPAA and GDPR compliance at enterprise scale and has been recognized by the UN Global Compact and International Trade Association. A serial innovator, Frank holds patents in cybersecurity and machine intelligence and has held senior roles in defense, AI, and healthcare. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran with a B.S. in Computer Science and an MBA.

Dr. Jelani Clarke, Executive Lead, DeSciWorld
Dr. Jelani Clarke is a neuroimmunologist and executive in decentralized science (DeSci). He leads strategy at DeSciWorld and AminoChain, and is the founder of DeSciMTL. His work promotes open science ecosystems where researchers, patients, and funders share benefits. With a background in stem cell therapeutics, Jelani now drives innovation at the intersection of blockchain and equitable biomedical discovery.

Casper Barnes, Founder & CEO, AminoChain
Casper Barnes is the founder and CEO of AminoChain, a blockchain healthtech startup redefining biosample access. AminoChain supports over 22 biobanks, tracks 350M+ biospecimens, and serves pharma, NIH, and academia. Its biosample marketplace simplifies specimen licensing across the U.S. A dual major in economics and neuroscience from UCL, Barnes holds graduate degrees from Columbia and Harvard, and is a leading voice in biobank tech innovation.

Chris Langley, CEO, CareFi
Chris Langley is CEO of CareFi, building smart contract vaults and AI-powered oracles to tokenize U.S. healthcare macro risk. His background includes structured finance, DeFi infrastructure, and regulatory innovation. At Collateral Velocity, he designed the Tokenized Entitlement Framework for on-chain control of real-world assets. Chris aims to reduce frictions in healthcare finance through blockchain and AI.

Amber Mortensen Hartley, Chief Strategy Officer, BurstIQ
Amber Hartley leads strategic growth at BurstIQ, where she oversees the LifeGraph® AI data platform. Previously, she ran the national innovation center at Catholic Health Initiatives and held leadership roles across biotech, healthcare, and tech. She holds degrees in animal physiology and biotechnology and is known for driving health innovation through ethical data use.

Julie Saslow Schroeder, JD, Global Expert in Data & Machine Learning Compliance
Julie Schroeder is a leading legal expert in data strategy, AI/ML governance, and cybersecurity. She has held Chief Legal roles in global tech firms and was named a Top 25 Global Privacy Expert in 2024. Her work focuses on innovative, compliant use of AI and emerging technologies.

Mohan Venkataraman, Principal Consultant, Block10.ai
Mohan Venkataraman is a blockchain solutions expert and CTO at Chainyard. With 25+ years in IT across companies like Deloitte, TI, and VMware, he specializes in Hyperledger and private Ethereum networks. He is a frequent speaker on blockchain strategy and enterprise use cases.

Tony Quiñones, CEO, Bright Path
Tony Quiñones leads Bright Path Labs and is an experienced impact investor. With a background in finance and deep tech commercialization, he has guided multiple startups through successful exits. He previously advised Seed Equity Ventures and has built global businesses across multiple sectors.

Pradyumna Chari, PhD, Postdoctoral Associate, MIT Media Lab
Dr. Pradyumna Chari conducts research in decentralized AI for computer vision and computational imaging at MIT Media Lab. He holds a PhD from UCLA and a B.Tech from IIT Madras, where he received the President’s Gold Medal. His work applies learning-based techniques to imaging and vision systems.

Dr. Macharia Waruingi, President, Actuate Foundation & Academy
Dr. Macharia Waruingi is a physician and global health systems strategist focused on decentralized tools for health equity. Legally blind, he leverages assistive technologies to drive inclusive innovation. Through the Actuate Foundation and Academy, he advises governments and organizations on using blockchain, DeFi, and DeSci to improve health access and financing, particularly in underserved regions.

Stay tuned for more announcements soon…!

Bold visions need a launch pad — and that launch pad is Cambridge.
This September 25–26, ConV2X establishes its newest flagship in the heart of innovation, bringing together thought leaders at the intersection of healthcare, life sciences, and decentralized technology. Powered by the peer-reviewed journal Blockchain in Healthcare Today (BHTY), this summit marks the start of a new era—where groundbreaking ideas in platform tech, Web3, AI, and data sovereignty move from concept to action.

Don’t miss the beginning of what’s next.

Limited capacity

Register now to secure your place at the premier healthcare tech convergence of the year at https://conv2xsymposium.com/shop/?add-to-cart=6644

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Produced by the Partners in Digital Health Peer Reviewed Journal