The ICC 2025 Organizing Committee is excited to announce the following keynote speaker schedule.
Monday, 09 June, 210A; B; E; F, Level 2
10:00 AM: Opening Remarks
10:30 AM: Dr. Thierry Klein, Nokia Bell Labs, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research
11:10 AM: Dr. Elena Fersman, VP, Head of Global AI Accelerator and Head of Site, Ericsson Silicon Valley
11:50 AM: Dr. Nada Golmie, IEEE Fellow, National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA
Tuesday, 10 June, 210A; B; E; F, Level 2
10:30 AM: Dr. John Smee, Qualcomm, Senior Vice President of Engineering
11:10 AM: Dr. Sameh M. Yamany, Viavi Solutions
Wednesday, 11 June, 210A; B; E; F, Level 2
10:30 AM: Keynote Industry Panel -Topic: "Sovereignty and Innovation"
Dr. Ibrahim Gedeon, GuardianSafetyNet,
11:30 AM: Dr. Peiying Zhu, Senior Vice President of Wireless Research, Huawei
12:10 PM: Best Paper Awards
- Dr. Peiying Zhu, Senior Vice President of Wireless Research, Huawei
- Dr. Thierry Klein, Nokia Bell Labs, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research
- Dr. Sameh M. Yamany, Viavi Solutions
- Dr. John Smee, Qualcomm, Senior Vice President of Engineering
- Dr. Elena Fersman, VP, Head of Global AI Accelerator and Head of Site, Ericsson Silicon Valley
- Prof. Weihua Zhuang, IEEE Fellow, Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Waterloo
- Dr. Nada Golmie, IEEE Fellow, National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA
MEET INDUSTRY LEADERS - Dr. Ibrahim Gedeon, GuardianSafetyNet, Executive Director
- Charlie Kawwas, Semiconductor Solutions Group, President
- Nazim Benhadid, TELUS, Chief Technology Officer
- Scott Jones, Shared Services, Canada, President
Dr. Peiying Zhu, Senior Vice President of Wireless Research
Huawei
Title: Integrated Sensing, AI and Communication: Unlocking the Potential of 6G for Live Physical AI
Abstract: As AI continues to transform mobile consumer applications, the role of wireless networks in enabling connected intelligence is becoming increasingly critical. The next generation of wireless technology, 6G, will introduce ultra-fast connectivity, extremely low latency, and networked sensing, along with distributed learning and inferencing capabilities, allowing machines to perceive, process, and act in real time like never before.
The convergence of Integrated Sensing, AI, and Communication is poised to revolutionize intelligent systems, unlocking the full potential of 6G for Live Physical AI. This talk explores how 6G connectivity, combined with AI-driven sensing and real-time decision-making, transforms wireless networks from passive data conduits into active enablers of physical AI, shaping a networked ecosystem of embodied intelligence.
We will present a framework for 6G radio technology that fulfills this vision, with a focus on deploying the centimeter-wave spectrum and showcasing prototype results that demonstrate its transformative potential.
Bio: Dr. Peiying Zhu, Senior Vice President of Wireless Research, is a Huawei Fellow, IEEE Fellow and Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering. She is currently leading 6G wireless research and standardization in Huawei. The focus of her research is advanced radio access technologies. She is actively involved in 3GPP and IEEE 802 standards development. She has been regularly giving talks and panel discussions on 5G/6G vision and enabling technologies. She led the team to contribute significantly to 5G technologies and standardization. Many technologies developed by the team have been adopted into 5G standards and implemented in 5G products. Prior to joining Huawei in 2009, Peiying was a Nortel Fellow and Director of Advanced Wireless Access Technology in the Nortel Wireless Technology Lab. She led the team and pioneered research and prototyping on MIMO-OFDM and Multi-hop relay, which were adopted into LTE standards and 4G products.
Dr. Thierry Klein, Nokia Bell Labs
President of Bell Labs Solutions Research
Bio: Thierry E. Klein is the President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia Bell Labs. His global multi-disciplinary team conducts fundamental and applied research focused on new Nokia value chains, business opportunities and ecosystems. Bell Labs Solutions Research pursues research and innovation into advanced technologies, architectures, systems and applications beyond Nokia’s current product and solutions portfolio, including research into advanced sensing technologies, AI-based knowledge systems and fundamental algorithms, autonomous software and data systems, and integrated solutions and experiences.
Prior to his appointment as President of Bell Labs Solutions Research, Thierry was the Head of the Integrated Solutions and Experiences Research Lab at Nokia Bell Labs, leading a global research team dedicated to applied research, innovation and advanced technologies with the mission to design, develop and prototype massively disruptive solutions, systems and experiences for the next human-industrial revolution. The research domains span new wearable devices, cloud robotics and drones, image and data analytics, industrial process optimization and automation enabled by 5G networking and edge computing technologies.
Previously, he was the Head of Innovation Management for Vertical Industries with a focus on the transportation, automotive and connected industries sectors. He also served as the Founding Vice-Chair of the Board of the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), a cross-industry association bringing together the telecommunications and automotive industries that he helped found and launch in September 2016. He was also the Program Leader for the Network Energy Research Program at Bell Labs, Alcatel-Lucent with the mission to conduct research towards the design, development and use of sustainable future communications and data networks. He served as the Chairman of the Technical Committee of GreenTouch, a global consortium dedicated to improve energy efficiency in networks by a factor 1000x compared to 2010 levels.
He joined Bell Labs Research in Murray Hill, New Jersey in 2001 and his initial research was focused on next-generation wireless and wireline networks, network architectures, algorithms and protocols, network management, optimization and control. From 2006 to 2010 he served as the Founder and CTO of an internal start-up focused on wireless communications for emergency response and disaster recovery situations within Alcatel-Lucent Ventures.
Thierry earned an MS in Mechanical Engineering and an MS in Electrical Engineering from the Université de Nantes and the Ecole Centrale de Nantes in Nantes, France. He received a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. He is an author on over 35 peer-reviewed conference and journal publications and an inventor on 36 patent applications. He is the recipient of a Bell Labs’ President Award and two Bell Labs Teamwork Awards. In 2010, he was voted “Technologist of the Year” at the Total Telecom World Vendor Awards and received the 2016 Industrial Innovation Award from the IEEE Communications Society.
Thierry has dual US and Luxembourg citizenship and speaks four languages. He lives in Fanwood, New Jersey with his wife and son.
Dr. Sameh M. Yamany, Viavi Solutions
Corporate Chief Technology Officer
TITLE: GEN AI AND TELCO AUTOMATION: PIONEERING THE EVOLUTION OF ALL-PHOTONIC WIRELESS NETWORKS WITH SENSING, COMMUNICATION, AND QUANTUM SECURITY
Abstract: This keynote explores how AI and telco automation are driving the evolution of all-photonic wireless networks, enabling unprecedented speed, efficiency, and intelligence in telecommunications. By integrating combined sensing and communication capabilities, these networks become smarter and more adaptive, while quantum cryptography ensures unparalleled security in an era of rising cyber threats. Dr. Yamany will highlight the critical role of AI in orchestrating network operations, optimizing performance, and safeguarding data, showcasing real-world applications and future possibilities.
Bio: Dr. Sameh Yamany serves as the Corporate Chief Technology Officer at VIAVI Solutions, entrusted with steering the company’s technological vision and strategic directions. His professional journey encompasses a distinguished role as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Trendium, a cutting-edge company specializing in customer experience assurance, which merged with VIAVI in 2013. Before this, Dr. Yamany excelled in a senior executive capacity at Tektronix Communications, overseeing the development of the Iris suite for comprehensive wireless and wireline monitoring solutions. In the academic arena, he has held the position of Assistant Professor at Old Dominion University, Virginia. Dr. Yamany obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Louisville, USA. He is an esteemed author of various patents, scholarly articles, and book chapters, with his expertise spanning fields like artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and biomedical engineering.
Dr. John Smee, Qualcomm
Senior Vice President of Engineering
TITLE: Shaping the Future of Mobile Connectivity with 6G
Abstract: 6G is being designed to bring technical innovations enabling new user experiences that range from immersive communications to mobile Augmented Reality and smarter AI-enabled applications. With a focus on ubiquitous connectivity, 6G innovation will be driven by key technology vectors such as AI-native wireless end-end design and the continued digital-physical convergence. The transition to 6G offers a unique opportunity across network architecture and radio access for improved efficiency, scalability, and agility in delivering services. A primary design goal of 6G is to enhance spectrum efficiency in existing FDD and TDD bands while ensuring new deployments in the upper mid-bands will deliver coverage and capacity for both uplink and downlink. Please join this keynote to learn more about our vision and the key enabling technologies for 6G.
Bio: John Smee is Senior Vice President of Engineering and Global Head of Wireless Research at Qualcomm, where he oversees all 5G/6G and Wi-Fi R&D projects including systems design, standards contributions, and advanced radio, hardware, and software research testbeds and technology trials with industry partners. He joined Qualcomm in 2000, holds over 200 U.S. Patents, and has focused on the innovation and commercial launches of wireless communications across 5G NR, 4G LTE, 3G CDMA, and IEEE 802.11. He also leads Qualcomm’s companywide academic collaboration program across AI, augmented/virtual reality, automotive, IOT, security, semiconductor, and wireless. John was chosen to participate in the National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering program and served on the National Academy of Medicine Committee on Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation. He received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Princeton University and holds an M.A. from Princeton and an M.Sc. and B.Sc. from Queen's University.
Dr. Elena Fersman
VP, Head of Global AI Accelerator and Head of Site, Ericsson Silicon Valley
Title: The Symbiotic Convergence of AI and Telecom: Architectural Trends and Global Perspectives
Abstract: This talk will examine the ongoing convergence of artificial intelligence and telecommunications from a global technology perspective. We will discuss how generative AI, agentic systems, and distributed intelligence are influencing the design and operation of telecom networks—from real-time automation in the RAN to cognitive service orchestration across cloud-native platforms. We will delve into the current industry trends, including cost-effective inference models, agent orchestration frameworks, and telecom-specific adaptations of large language models, and highlight the role of telco infrastructure in enabling scalable AI applications, presenting Ericsson’s approach to integrating AI across its portfolio, with emphasis on automation loops, intelligent planning, and domain-informed generative AI.
Elena Fersman is a seasoned leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence, serving as Vice President and Head of Global AI Accelerator at Ericsson. In addition to her role at Ericsson, Elena is also a docent and adjunct professor specializing in Cyber-Physical Systems and Automation at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from Uppsala University, and did her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Paris-Saclay. Elena’s career at Ericsson spans various roles, from product management to research leadership, where she has made significant contributions to the company’s technological advancements. Elena is a fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences. She has co-authored over 50 patent families. Additionally, Elena co-authored a popular science book Confessions of an AI Brain, which offers an overview of AI technologies and applications.
Ibrahim Gedeon, GuardianSafetyNet
Executive Director
Bio: Ibrahim Gedeon has built a career in telecommunications by combining insight and skill as an applied scientist with a collaborative approach to leadership. Ibrahim Gedeon is the executive director of GuardianSafetyNet, a national provider for first responder networks, a world’s first leveraging 5G and commercial networks as a not-for-profit organization. Continuing the 35 years of experience through his career; previously as TELUS’ Chief Technology Officer and Nortel’s Head of Wireless Engineering, he is passionate about innovation, technology development and strategy. Under Ibrahim’s leadership, the TELUS broadband network has been independently awarded as one of the best in the world.
Ibrahim is a passionate collaborator with industry partners to advance social capital and purpose. He served on the boards of the Digital Identification and Authentication Council of Canada, the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance, the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions and the Institute for Communication Technology Management. In addition to his industry leadership roles, Ibrahim is a Fellow of both the IEEE and the Canadian Academy of Engineering, recognition for significant contributions to the field of engineering. He has been awarded many accolades for his leadership and industry contributions, and is deeply passionate about promoting diversity & inclusion and early career growth, having developed TELUS’ Graduate Technology Leadership Program. He is also a frequent executive sponsor of Women in STEM events locally, nationally, and on a global level.
Ibrahim holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the American University of Beirut, a Master’s in Electronics Engineering from Carleton University and an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Universities of British Columbia and Carleton University. He is passionate about supporting engaged, high-performing teams to innovate and move technology forward.
Charlie Kawwas, Semiconductor Solutions Group
President
Charlie Kawwas is President of the Semiconductor Solutions Group at Broadcom, responsible for the company’s 15 Semiconductor Divisions and the Brocade Storage Networking Division. In addition, Dr. Kawwas leads Global Operations and Intellectual Property for all Broadcom. Prior to this role, Dr. Kawwas served as Chief Operating Officer from December 2020 during which he drove the Global Operations, Sales and Corporate Marketing. He was also the Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at Broadcom from May 2014. During his tenure at Broadcom, Dr. Kawwas oversaw the strategic growth of the hardware businesses from $4B to $30B+, driving strategic technology investments and operational excellence.
Dr. Kawwas joined the company through the LSI acquisition where he was head of Worldwide Sales. Previous positions at LSI include Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the networking division and Vice President of Marketing for the networking and storage products group. Before joining LSI, Dr. Kawwas held several senior management and engineering positions at Nortel.
Dr. Kawwas received a B.Eng. with Great Distinction in Computer Engineering as the highest graduating engineering student, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. Dr. Kawwas was awarded Alumnus of the Year for 2020 by Concordia University.
Nazim Benhadid, TELUS
Chief Technology Officer
Nazim Benhadid leads network strategy at Canada-based communications technology company, TELUS. His team is responsible for the evolution of TELUS’ award-winning wireless and wireline networks, ensuring customers have access to fast and reliable connectivity at home, at work and on the move.
Nazim brings more than 25 years of experience spanning wireless technologies, advanced networking, IT and cloud infrastructure, enabling him to drive TELUS' technical vision forward in an era of rapid digital transformation. Under his leadership, the company has pioneered numerous breakthrough technologies, including Canada’s first commercial open radio access network (Open RAN) deployment in 2024.
From supporting new immigrants adjusting to the Canadian workforce to participating in fundraising events for TELUS Days of Giving, Nazim is deeply involved in his local community. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Montréal (Polytechnique Montréal) and a Master of Business Administration from HEC Montréal.
Scott Jones, Shared Services, Canada
President
Scott Jones was appointed President of Shared Services Canada (SSC) effective September 11, 2023. Previous to this appointment, he was Executive Vice-President of SSC and, concurrently, Associate Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada.
Prior to April 2022, Scott was the Federal Lead on Proof of Vaccine Credentials and Associate Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). He collaborated with federal partners, provinces and territories to successfully deliver the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination program that is used for travel in Canada and internationally. Scott also led IRCC’s efforts related to digital transformation, modernization, IM/IT and data, as well as the Citizenship and Passport programs.
From October 2018 to August 2021, he was the founding Head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, Communications Security Establishment (CSE).
Since beginning his career in 1999, Scott has held various positions at CSE. They included Assistant Deputy Minister of IT Security; acting Assistant Deputy Minister of Corporate Services; Chief Financial Officer; and Director General of Cyber Defence, providing leadership in the areas of signals intelligence and IT security. Before that, he worked at the Privy Council Office as a National Security Policy Advisor in the Security and Intelligence Secretariat.
Scott has been with the public service for over 25 years. He is a graduate of the University of Ottawa, where he earned a Master of Business Administration. Scott also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electronic Systems Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Regina.
Prof. Weihua Zhuang
IEEE Fellow
Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
University of Waterloo
Title: Intelligent Network Management for 6G
Abstract: The 6G networks are expected to support a wide range of diverse use cases and applications, along with a substantial increase in user data traffic. Artificial intelligence (AI) will be deeply integrated into both the architecture and operation of the networks. Specifically, 6G networks will evolve from an information-centric architecture that focuses on connecting people and devices to intelligence-driven architectures that enable seamless data sharing, processing, and mining across devices, edge nodes, and the cloud. This presentation will explore key aspects of intelligent network management and service provisioning. We will introduce a holistic network virtualization architecture to support AI functionalities and customized services. Next, we will discuss cluster-based parallel split learning for edge AI, which addresses computing resource constraints on end devices while enhancing user data security. Furthermore, we will explore meta-learning to address non-stationary system dynamics in network management, using cooperative perception among nearby connected and autonomous vehicles as an application example. We will conclude by highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with network management automation through the integration of advanced AI technologies.
Bio: Weihua Zhuang is a University Professor and a University Research Chair in Wireless Communication Networks at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Her research focuses on network architecture, algorithms and protocols, and service provisioning in future communication systems. She was a Canada Research Chair (2010-2024), the President (2023-2024) of IEEE Vehicular Technology Society, Technical Program Chair/Co-Chair of 2017/2016 IEEE VTC Fall, Editor-in-Chief (2007-2013) of IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, and Technical Program Symposia Chair of 2011 IEEE Globecom. Dr. Zhuang is a Fellow of the IEEE, Royal Society of Canada, Canadian Academy of Engineering, and Engineering Institute of Canada
Dr. Nada Golmie
IEEE Fellow
National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA
Title: Achieving More with Less: Measurements and Datasets for Resilient 6G
Abstract: Achieving more with less is a defining challenge for 6G, as the push for smarter, adaptive, and autonomous networks must contend with growing constraints in energy and data resources. At the heart of this vision is the integration of communication, sensing, and AI/ML. However, the development and validation of AI/ML-driven 6G capabilities depend not simply on having data, but on access to well-curated, high-quality datasets with reliable benchmarks and ground truth—critical for repeatability, side-by-side comparisons, and rigorous evaluation of algorithms. This presentation will examine the essential role of comprehensive measurement campaigns and reliable datasets in enabling key 6G functions such as integrated sensing and communication, intelligent resource management, and network self-optimization. We will discuss the unique measurement challenges posed by 6G, including operation at different frequency bands, multi-modal sensing requirements, and increased energy constraints. We will highlight the need for a trustworthy, standardized, and globally accessible data ecosystem that can support reproducible research and benchmarking in AI/ML-driven communications. The talk will showcase examples of ongoing collaborative efforts aimed at data sharing and “golden dataset” creation and explore how these initiatives can empower robust AI/ML models capable of maintaining reliable performance under real-world complexity, variability, and resource limitations.
Dr. Nada Golmie
IEEE Fellow
National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA
Bio: NADA GOLMIE (a Fellow of IEEE) received her Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Maryland at College Park in 2002. Since 1993, she has been a research engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). From 2014 until 2022, she served as the chief for Wireless Networks Division at NIST. She is currently a NIST Fellow in the Communications Technology Laboratory. Her research in wireless communications systems and protocols, propagation measurement and modeling, next generation wireless, and millimeter-wave communication systems led to over 200 technical papers presented at professional conferences, journals, and contributed to international standard organizations and industry led consortia. She is the author of “Coexistence in Wireless Networks: Challenges and System-level Solutions in the Unlicensed Bands," published by Cambridge University Press (2006). She leads several projects related to the modeling and evaluation of future generation wireless systems and protocols and serves as the chair of the NextG Channel Model Alliance.
