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# DataFest Tbilisi 2025
## Posts
- [Gega Darakhvelidze](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-gega-darakhvelidze/): Gega Darakhvelidze Linkedin Applied AI Engineer at Mistral AI Gega Darakhvelidze is an Applied AI Engineer at Mistral AI in Paris, working at the intersection of engineering and research to build scalable systems that democratize access to artificial intelligence. A graduate of the Free University of Tbilisi with an MS in Computer Science from Northeastern University, he contributed to creating the first Georgian open-source LLM with the Tbilisi AI Lab. Beyond his engineering work, Gega is an active science communicator and a strong advocate for peer-to-peer knowledge networks as a foundation for democratizing education. If prompts are becoming the new […]
- [Anastasia Kvinikadze](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-anastasia-kvinikadze/): Anastasia Kvinikadze Linkedin Director of Engineering at Impel Anastasia Kvinikadze is the Director of Engineering at Impel, where she leads the development of advanced AI platforms powering the global automotive industry. Previously a Lead Software Engineer and Software Engineer at Impel, she helped build the company’s core machine learning and engineering infrastructure from the ground up. Before joining Impel, Anastasia worked as a Software Development Engineer in Test at Space Neobank, and contributed to Khan Academy as a narrator and translator — helping bring high-quality educational content to Georgian learners. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science […]
- [Gua Tabidze](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-gua-tabidze/): Gua Tabidze Linkedin Lecturer at Commschool Gua Tabidze helps organizations enhance their operations and build digital products by thoughtfully integrating AI. Working closely with cross-functional teams, Gua identifies high-value AI use cases and crafts strategies aligned with each company’s specific goals. Gua fosters environments where teams learn to implement AI in practice — planning effective solutions, building shared vision, and improving data-driven decision-making. With experience across both local and global companies including TBC, Adjarabet, Levingstone, EPAM, Claida, Proxify, and Theneo, Gua has held leadership roles in shaping AI-driven, customer-focused solutions and digital experiences. In a world filled with AI hype, […]
- [Rasmus Jones](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-rasmus-jones/): Rasmus Jones Linkedin Machine Learning Engineer at Financial News Systems Rasmus Jones is a Machine Learning Engineer at Financial News Systems in Copenhagen, where he builds low-latency language models tailored for high-stakes financial applications. He holds a PhD in signal processing and applied machine learning, and specializes in structured outputs and constrained decoding — designing LLM systems that are not just smart, but reliably machine-parsable in production. Working at the intersection of engineering precision and model behavior, Rasmus brings hands-on experience with JSON Schema, domain-specific grammars, and schema-driven generation workflows that power safe, consistent automation at scale. What happens when […]
- [George Sabadze](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-george-sabadze/): George Sabadze Linkedin Data Head at Veli.Store George Sabadze was born on June 15, 1994 — the very day The Lion King premiered — and has been exploring data kingdoms ever since. A graduate of the Free University of Tbilisi with a BBA in Finance, George first honed his analytical mindset at the I. Vekua N42 Physics and Mathematics School. With over 12 years of experience in data, he began his career at TBC Bank as a Data Analyst and Senior Data Engineer before moving into leadership roles focused on scaling data platforms. For the past four years, as Head […]
- [Tamar Oniani](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-tamar-oniani/): Tamar Oniani Linkedin Program Director at GYLA Tamar Oniani is a human rights lawyer based in Georgia, specializing in litigation before the European Court of Human Rights and in non-judicial advocacy at both national and international levels. She serves as Program Director at the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), teaches at GIPA and Caucasus University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in International Human Rights Law at the University of Oxford. Her work focuses on the evolving intersection between technology and human rights — where privacy, freedom of expression, and state surveillance increasingly collide. When every movement and message can […]
- [Ana Garza Ochoa](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-ana-garza-ochoa/): Ana Garza Ochoa Linkedin Digital Media Lead at RNW Media With over a decade of experience in the digital media field, Ana Garza, brings a multidisciplinary approach to technology grounded in Communication Sciences and a master’s in digital Humanities (University of Amsterdam). Ana designs and leads audience-centred digital strategies that blend creative execution with strategic vision. Her recent work includes development of a digital maturity tool used by 40+ partners, co-creation of digital innovation projects to support impact within sexual and reproductive health rights, and research on how young people from global majority approach AI-Generated content, with the aim of […]
- [Moseti Nyamwange](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-moseti-nyamwange/): Moseti Nyamwange Linkedin Media Expert at RNW Media Moseti Nyamwange is a Media Innovation Expert at RNW Media. As a skilled facilitator and RNTC trainer, Moseti contributes to workshops and discussions for journalists and media makers globally on topics such as media viability, disinformation, and ethical AI, among others. In 2024, he moderated the Digital Media Impact Summit in the Netherlands, engaging 88 experts from public interest media, civil society, and media organizations across 34 countries. He also recently co-led a workshop on promoting ethical AI in newsrooms at the IPI Media Innovation Festival in Vienna. Moseti co-hosts the Media […]
- [Scott Reiser](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-scott-reiser/): Scott Reiser Linkedin Digital Transformation Advisor at KPMG Caucasus and Central Asia Scott Reiser is a digital transformation advisor with international experience in technology strategy and transformation. He helps his clients harness new technologies and turn their technology investments into measurable business results. As a technology leader for the Georgian market at KPMG Caucasus and Central Asia, Scott serves local and international clients in the financial services, retail, energy, healthcare, technology and public sectors. With two Masters degree from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, one in Physics and one in Science, Technology and Policy, Scott combines technical rigor […]
- [Mariam Siradze](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-mariam-siradze/): Mariam Siradze Linkedin Data Engineer at TNET Mariam Siradze is a Data Engineer at TNET, where she leads the design and development of data warehouse and analytics systems powering the company’s digital ecosystem. Her work focuses on building large-scale, cloud-based data infrastructure that enables teams to access and use information accurately, confidently, and securely. Combining deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of business needs, Mariam creates systems that turn complex data flows into clear, actionable insight. As AI reshapes how we search, learn, and discover, what happens when keywords no longer guide the way? Join Mariam at DataFest Tbilisi […]
- [Julia Haas](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-julia-haas/): Julia Haas Linkedin Adviser to the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Julia Haas is an international law expert with a decade of experience at the intersection of human rights, technology, diplomacy, and security. As Adviser to the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, she leads the Office’s digital portfolio and work on healthy online information spaces. Julia steers policy research and development, and advises states on human rights-based approaches to internet and AI governance. Her areas of expertise include the impact of (generative) AI on freedom of expression, gender and online pluralism, the digital and legal safety […]
- [Katya Mamyan](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-katya-mamyan/): Katya Mamyan Linkedin Data Journalist at Infocom Katya Mamyan is a data journalist at Infocom, where she leads data-driven investigations and explores how technology and AI can enhance storytelling in small newsrooms. She also teaches Data Journalism at Hetq Media Factory, mentoring students to work with data collection, analysis, and visualization tools in their storytelling. Katya recently completed The Lede Program at Columbia University, where she studied the most innovative, AI-driven methods in data journalism. At Infocom, her work focuses on integrating AI tools for data analysis, web scraping, and automation — helping journalists without a technical background use advanced […]
- [Marie Lou Papazian](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-marie-lou-papazian/): Marie Lou Papazian Linkedin Founding CEO of TUMO Center for Creative Technologies Marie Lou Papazian is the Founding CEO of TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, a pioneering network of free after-school programs where teenagers gain hands-on experience at the intersection of technology and design. Under her leadership, TUMO has scaled from its origins in Armenia to a worldwide movement, now recognized as one of the most innovative education models of the 21st century. With a background in engineering and a Master’s in Computing in Education from Columbia University, Marie Lou has spent her career at the crossroads of technology, education, […]
- [A Letter to Convince Your Boss](https://www.datafest.ge/a-letter-to-convince-your-boss/): A Letter to Convince Your Boss So you’ve been hearing all about DataFest Tbilisi everywhere, or maybe you’ve even joined our audience before. Naturally, as our ninth edition is drawing near, you might be thinking: “How do I get time off work again? And if I do, how do I cover the ticket?” Relax and don’t stress – we’ve got you. Many organizations actually encourage employees to attend events like this because it’s a chance to network and gain knowledge you can bring back immediately. To make things even easier, we’ve crafted a ready-to-send boss-approval template. Simply fill in the […]
- [Sandro Gvindadze](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-sandro-gvindadze/): Sandro Gvindadze Linkedin Journalist at BBC Monitoring Sandro Gvindadze is a digital journalist focused on Kremlin propaganda and post-Soviet politics. Currently at BBC Monitoring, he investigates disinformation and political narratives shaping the region. A 2024 Chevening Scholar, Sandro is pursuing an MSc in Computational and Data Journalism at Cardiff University, where he explores how technology and data can strengthen investigative storytelling. With over six years of experience across Radio Liberty, Taz, and other international outlets, he brings together traditional reporting, data visualization, and AI-assisted journalism to expose hidden patterns behind power and propaganda. How can AI expand the boundaries of […]
- [Ben Auffarth](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-ben-auffarth/): Ben Auffarth Linkedin Chief Data Officer at Chelsea AI Ventures Ben Auffarth has over 15 years of experience in artificial intelligence, designing and deploying mission-critical systems that turn data into measurable impact. His work spans fraud detection platforms with £60M savings, real-time decision engines processing 100k+ transactions daily, and machine-learning-driven marketing optimization delivering 15% ROI gains. An accomplished author with three bestselling books and around $200,000 in sales, Ben also has a strong research background — with 500+ citations in computational neuroscience and machine learning. Over his career, he has built data systems, infrastructure, and teams from the ground up, […]
- [Fatos Ismali](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-fatos-ismali/): Fatos Ismali Linkedin Chief AI Architect at Microsoft Fatos Ismali is a Chief AI Architect at Microsoft, specialising in taking Generative AI applications into production for enterprise customers across professional services, media, telecommunications, and beyond. His expertise spans the Azure Data & AI ecosystem, where he designs and delivers large-scale AI and machine learning architectures that drive measurable business impact. From propensity modelling and large-scale forecasting for energy companies to scalable RAG systems for customer experience and multi-agent AI deployments across text, vision, and speech — Fatos bridges the gap between strategy and engineering. He leads complex AI transformation programs […]
- [Nino Gorgadze](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-nino-gorgadze/): Nino Gorgadze Linkedin Director at IPMA Georgia Nino Gorgadze is a PMP® and PMI-ACP® certified project management and digital transformation expert with over two decades of experience leading complex initiatives across business and public sectors. She helps organizations modernize their operations through SaaS/ERP systems and AI-driven workflow automation, bridging strategy with execution to deliver real impact. Over the past eight years, Nino has led numerous large-scale digitalization projects — integrating platforms like Jira, Microsoft 365, Monday.com, ClickUp, and other AI-powered tools to boost visibility, collaboration, and performance. She has also trained thousands of managers and executives on how to harness […]
- [Saba Gventsadze](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-saba-gventsadze/): Saba Gventsadze Linkedin Software Engineer at Theneo Saba Gventsadze is a Software Engineer at Theneo (YC W22) — the AI platform transforming how teams create and manage API documentation. At Theneo, he builds and optimizes backend systems powering products like Cursor for your API — a local, privacy-first OpenAPI editor with AI-assisted specification generation and validation. His work focuses on designing scalable, high-performance infrastructure that brings AI closer to developers in safe, practical, and measurable ways. Before joining Theneo, Saba worked at Casatrade, where he helped engineer a real-time parking management system and boosted backend performance through advanced database optimization […]
- [Lado Jiqia](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-lado-jiqia/): Lado Jiqia Linkedin Engineering Manager at Tipalti Lado Jiqia is an Engineering Manager at Tipalti, where he leads the Infrastructure Backend Team under the Chief Architect. With over eight years of experience in .NET and backend development, he drives large-scale infrastructure projects, observability systems, and enterprise-wide technical initiatives that keep global operations running smoothly. Too many AI models, too little control? Discover how to centralize LLMs, manage costs, and scale experimentation safely with Lado at DataFest Tbilisi, Nov 27–29. Share:
- [Shota Giorgobiani](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-shota-giorgobiani/): Shota Giorgobiani Linkedin Co-Founder and CEO at Optio Shota Giorgobiani is the Co-Founder and CEO of Optio — one of Georgia’s first AI-driven startups, building a Customer Data Platform that helps enterprises power marketing automation through data. With over 15 years of experience in software development, Shota’s journey spans engineering, leadership, and product strategy. Before founding Optio in 2017, he worked with organizations including Georgian Railway, Standard Bank (Tera Bank), the Ministry of Finance, and UGT, designing and delivering enterprise-scale software solutions that drive measurable results. Today, he leads Optio’s growth — transforming it from a local innovator into an […]
- [Ketevan Potova](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-ketevan-potova/): Ketevan Potova Linkedin AI engineer at EPAM Georgia Ketevan Potova is an AI Engineer at EPAM Georgia, dedicated to making artificial intelligence practical, reliable, and impactful in everyday work. She builds generative AI and machine learning systems that bridge technical potential with real business needs — transforming ideas into scalable, production-ready solutions. With experience spanning both development and consulting, Keti helps organizations move beyond experimentation to real-world adoption, blending technical precision with a clear results-oriented mindset. At EPAM, she contributes to cross-industry efforts to embed AI at scale and make innovation tangible. Why do so many AI pilots stall — […]
- [Lika Ambrosishvili](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-lika-ambrosishvili/): Lika Ambrosishvili Linkedin Researcher in Human–Computer Interaction Lika Ambrosishvili is a researcher specializing in Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), focusing on how users engage with intelligent systems and how cognitive mechanisms such as attention and frustration can be modeled computationally. She holds a Master’s degree in Modeling for Neuronal and Cognitive Systems from Université Côte d’Azur and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from San Diego State University. At ISIR (Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, Sorbonne Université, Paris), Lika conducted research on adversity-aware intelligent agents, modeling user frustration and engagement through behavioral data and machine learning — work that formed […]
- [Alexsai Srourali](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-alexsai-srourali/): Alexsai Srourali Linkedin CEO at SocialLab Alexsai Srourali is a Principal Data and AI Scientist with a rare blend of technical depth and strategic vision. With over a decade of experience in analytics, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence, he helps organizations turn data into direction and AI into measurable impact. An MIT-educated expert and effective public speaker, Alexsai bridges computer science, business, and entrepreneurship — guiding industries toward smarter, faster, and more human-centered innovation. As CEO of SocialLab Estonia, he leads teams building solutions that boost productivity, competitiveness, and long-term digital growth. How can we design AI systems that don’t […]
- [Gigi Giorgadze](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-gigi-giorgadze/): Gigi Giorgadze Linkedin Co-Founder and CEO of the Georgian AI Association (GAIA) Gigi Giorgadze is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Georgian AI Association (GAIA), leading national initiatives that advance AI education, business adoption, and ecosystem development in Georgia. He holds an MSc in Data and Management from London Business School, where he specialized in data science, machine learning, and AI product strategy. Before founding GAIA, Gigi worked in the technology, education, and consulting sectors. What does it take to build a thriving AI ecosystem from the ground up? Discover with Gigi at DataFest Tbilisi on November 27–29. Share:
- [Ivana Bartoletti](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-ivana-bartoletti/): Ivana Bartoletti Linkedin Vice President & Global Chief Privacy and AI Governance Officer at Wipro Ivana Bartoletti is an internationally recognized expert on privacy, AI governance, and responsible technology. She has led major innovation and digital transformation initiatives across both the public and private sectors, shaping how organizations adopt AI ethically and sustainably. An expert for the Council of Europe, Ivana co-authored a landmark study on the impact of AI on gender equality. She is the author of An Artificial Revolution: On Power, Politics, and AI (Indigo Press) and A Digital Union: Based on European Values (FEPS), and co-editor of […]
- [Archil Kobaladze](https://www.datafest.ge/speaker-archil-kobaladze/): Archil Kobaladze Linkedin Data Analytic Group Lead at Bank of Georgia Archil
