Guest Speakers

IMSA is honored to have four valuable guests who shall be keynote speakers and will share their significant expertise via the conference.

Dr. Seif El-Dawlatly

Biography

Dr. Seif El-Dawlatly is currently an Associate Professor at the Computer Science and Engineering Department, The American University in Cairo and the Computer and Systems Engineering Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. He received his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Michigan State University in 2011. He received his M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Electrical Engineering (Computer and Systems Engineering Department) from Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, in 2006 and 2003, respectively. His research focuses on utilizing machine learning and signal processing techniques to develop invasive and non-invasive Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) applications. He has been the principal investigator of multiple research projects aiming at developing a visual prosthetic system to provide visual sensation to the blind by electrically stimulating deep brain areas responsible for visual encoding. He has also been the principal investigator of multiple projects that aim at developing applications to enable people with disabilities to interact with computer devices using their brain electroencephalography (EEG). He has more than 80 refereed publications in the BCI research area.

Title: Machine Learning and Neurotechnology: From Brain-Computer Interfaces to Brain-Computer Integration

Time: TBD

Date: TBD

Abstract

A neural interface is a device that interfaces with the brain to restore a lost function
caused by an injury or disorder. Current advances in such field provide new hope for
people with disabilities whose brain function is still intact in addition to those suffering
from neurodegenerative diseases. Machine learning represents a core component in the
development of neural interfaces which can be used to decipher the underlying brain
dynamics. This talk will highlight how we utilize machine learning in the development of
neural interfaces for various applications including brain-computer interfaces and visual
prostheses. We will also demonstrate how we use machine learning to develop encoding
models that represent how different brain areas process sensory and visual information at
the single neuron level. Using machine learning in analyzing neural data could provide
new insights on how the brain processes sensory information beyond what could be
achieved using traditional analysis methods.

Dr. Ahmed N. Tantawy

Dr. Ahmed N. Tantawy is a lifelong learner, educator, engineer, inventor,
scientist, and former senior business executive. He enjoys conceiving, planning,
structuring, and managing innovation ecosystems, social business initiatives, and
effective organizations that are centered around people and purpose.
Since 2013, Dr. Tantawy has been serving as an expert advisor to multinational
corporations, the World Bank, the UN and various government agencies. He is
currently a senior advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Communications and IT and
the Founding Director of the Applied Innovation Center, where national
challenges are addressed through the application and adaptation of emerging
technologies. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of national-scale
initiatives in the Middle East, a member of the Board of Directors of Telecom
Egypt’s Data Services company, and a Trustee of two Not-for-Profit Organizations working in the fields of
Education and Sustainable Social Development of underprivileged communities. He was a member of the
Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Egyptian National Telecommunications Regulatory
Authority, a member of the Executive Committee for the Development of the Suez Canal Region, a senior
advisor to various cabinet ministers, the Executive Director of an international Nanotechnology initiative,
and a principal investment advisor of a Venture Capital fund operating in the US and the Middle East.
Dr. Tantawy held several technical and executive positions at IBM Corporation. From 2008 to 2013, he
was Chief Technical Officer and Senior Executive Advisor in the Growth Markets Region, where he
oversaw the company’s mega-projects in Central and Eastern Europe, Central and South America, Africa,
Asia, and Australasia. Between 1996 and 2008, he was the CTO of IBM’s Telecom and Media Industry
Solutions Unit, directing Product Development Labs in the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Japan, Brazil, and
Egypt. As CTO of the Internet Division, he conceived, raised significant funding, and spearheaded three
interdisciplinary exploratory research programs across six IBM Research centers. He pioneered the
introduction of secure digital content distribution as a viable business and introduced effective security
mechanisms to support various business and public safety applications. He also built and led IBM’s largest
Software Services Delivery Hub, which developed advanced products and solutions for global clients. From
1988 to 1996, he was a Research Scientist and Manager at IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center in
New York, pushing the frontiers of high bandwidth communications and high performance computers.
Dr. Tantawy has always been actively involved in academia. Between 1980 and 1988 he was a University
Professor in the USA, France, and Saudi Arabia. He also held special oversight assignments with the US
National Academy of Sciences and the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities and served on the Boards
of Trustees and Advisory Councils of a number of universities and research institutes around the world.
Dr. Tantawy’s scientific contributions include 34 inventions, 4 books, 2 book chapters, and over 100
refereed papers. He was the Editor-in-Chief of a book series on High Performance Computers and
Communications and an Editor of 4 scientific journals. He participated in the organization of over 50 IEEE,
ACM, and IFIP conferences, serving as the General Chair of 14 among them.
His practical experience and interest areas include: Architecture and Design of Large Systems, High
Performance Networks, Information Privacy, Data Security, Embedded Systems, Factory Floor
Automation, Smart and Secure Cities and Buildings, Artificial Intelligence Applications, Nanotechnology
Applications, Digital Transformation Strategies, and Tech-fueled Socio-Economic Growth Initiatives.
Dr. Tantawy holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering with highest honors from Grenoble, France and earned
his B.Eng. and M.Sc. degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering with distinction and highest honors
from Alexandria University, Egypt. He attended advanced executive education programs in Business
Administration, Corporate Governance, and Technology Management at Harvard, MIT, and IBM.

Title: Innovation for Better Governance

Time: TBD

Date: TBD

The role and structure of governments have continuously evolved over the centuries because the
nature and reach of their functions continue to increase in complexity and diversity. Indeed,
governments have always used technology to enhance their operations. Some technological
products, services, and operational models have been developed specifically for government use.
The term GovTech has been coined to refer to such technologies.
In recent years, governments have intensified their efforts to explore, adapt, and adopt new
technologies, especially in the information sector. In order to survive within the international
community, they must have excellent infrastructures for data communication, cross-border
movement of people and goods, financial and commercial transactions, official exchange of
documents, etc. Moreover, the security of their people, institutions, and infrastructure will be at
risk if proper technical tools and procedures are not adequately implemented.
The level of readiness of governments to employ new technologies is becoming a measurable
indicator of their nations’ competitiveness. Unfortunately, the divide is growing between the few
leading governments and the ones that lack crucial elements, which include a sufficiently large
and properly skilled workforce, data management policies and mechanisms, and powerful
computing and communications infrastructures.
This presentation addressesthese issues and highlightsthe critical importance of scientific research
and applied innovation that is inherently specific to each nation. Real examples from various
countries, including Egypt, are given.