Alliance of Democracies

Anna Sienicka

Senior vice President at TechSoup

Anna is the Senior Vice President at TechSoup, a nonprofit organisation that supports civil society organisations around the world in effectively leveraging data, technology, and digital skills. Through its global network, TechSoup has enabled over 1.4 million CSOs across 234 countries and territories to access more than €20 billion in technology and financial resources, strengthening their ability to drive social change and meet community needs.

Anna holds master’s degrees in law and economy and Society from Warsaw University and Lancaster University, respectively.

Dr. Nad’a Kovalčíková

Senior Analyst in charge of the Transnational Security portfolio at the EUISS and a Project Director of “Countering Foreign Interference”

Dr. Nad’a is a Senior Analyst in charge of the Transnational Security portfolio at the EUISS and a Project Director of the multi-million, EU-funded initiative “Countering Foreign Interference”. She is a member of the ESPAS foresight Steering Group; an expert collaborator for Minsait’s Ideas for Democracy; and a 2019 awardee and currently a member of the Steering Committee of Women In International Security.

Nad’a previously worked at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, NATO, the European Parliament, the French and Canadian embassies, and several NGO and think tank projects across Europe and the Atlantic.

Dr. Patryk Pawlak

Part-time Professor at the European University Institute and the Project Director of the Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet

Dr Patryk is Part-time Professor at the European University Institute and the Project Director of the Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies in Florence. Patryk’s research focuses on strengthening responsibility and accountability across the digital, cyber and information spaces.

In January 2024, he was appointed by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres to serve on his Advisory Board for Disarmament Matters. Patryk has previously headed the Brussels office of the EU Institute for Security Studies and served as Project Director of the EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative.

Jakub Szymik

Founder of CEE Digital Democracy Watch

Jakub is a lawyer specializing in digital and EU policy, with over a decade of experience in policy development and communications for non-profits, trade associations, and consumer groups. As the founder of CEE Digital Democracy Watch, he leads the organisation’s efforts on election integrity and technology regulation.

Jakub is a 2024 Fellow at the Institute of Technology and Society in Rio de Janeiro and a participant in the “Recharging Advocacy for Rights” program at the Hertie School of Governance. His work focuses on crafting policies that balance technological innovation with democratic values and human rights.

Keyvan Thomsen Bamdej

Head of PR & Communications for TechBBQ

Keyvan has a background in journalism and has worked for the national daily newspaper Berlingske. However, since 2015, Keyvan co-founded a medtech company, OSAA Innovation, designed a mentorship program called Venture Cup Experts, fundraised capital for different initiatives and companies, both small as well as larger grants such as Hempel Foundation, Horizon2020, and InnoBooster. Keyvan also started his own media company, Bamdej Communication ApS.

Keyvan is currently the Head of PR & Communications for TechBBQ, Scandinavia's largest tech and startup summit.

Kristian Madsen

Co-founder of NGO Next Generation Democracy

Kristian Thorsted Madsen is a seasoned tech strategist with 16 years of experience in IT strategy, emerging technologies, and organizational transformation. He is the co-founder of a CivicTech startup (currently in stealth mode) and the NGO Next Generation Democracy.

Beyond advising some of the largest companies in the Nordics, he has spent the past seven years advocating for the responsible use of technology in democratic processes and mentoring multiple startups in the space.

Michael Birkebæk Jensen

Co-founder of DemAI

With 16 years of experience from consulting and being a partner responsible for machine learning, software development and technology for sustainability, Michael brings deep insights into AI and how it can be activated in an organization all the way from initial education to strategy formulation, operating model development, solution design, implementation and value realization. This from across industries.

Furthermore, Michael has +5 years of experience from starting and running an NGO working at the intersection between AI and democracy. Currently, Michael is working as a co-founder of a Democracy Technology startup working to use AI to develop and defend democracy.

Stéphane Guerraz

Facilitator, mentor and university lecturer

Stéphane is a passionate facilitator, mentor and university lecturer operating at the intersection of AI, business, and culture. With a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and an MBA from UC Berkeley, Stéphane brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic acumen to his roles. His diverse professional journey spans across Silicon Valley, Canada, France, and the Nordics, where he has honed his skills in bridging technological advancements with business objectives.

With a commitment to lifelong learning and a passion for empowering others, Stéphane continues to guide professionals in their pursuit of excellence at the forefront of AI and sustainable business innovation.

Dr. Sam Gregory

(Masterclass Speaker)

Executive Director of WITNESS

Sam is a human rights advocate and technologist fighting deepfakes and deceptive AI and deploying the power of video and technology to defend human rights and protect truth and evidence. As Executive Director of WITNESS, recipient of the 2024 Peabody Global Impact Award, he leads a global team empowering millions to use video and technology for human rights.

He launched the groundbreaking "Prepare, Don't Panic" initiative, tackling deepfakes and generative AI through policy and the first-ever Deepfakes Rapid Response Force. Sam has testified before the US Congress and Senate on AI and media transparency, delivered a TED Talk on combating malicious AI, and has over 25 years of global experience.

Stine Moeslund Sivertsen

Editor-in-chief of Fandenivoldsk

Stine is the founder and editor-in-chief of Fandenivoldsk—an underground magazine created for and by radicals, artists, and change-makers. With a master’s in Organisational Innovation and Entrepreneurship, she merges sharp editorial storytelling with experimentation and bold frameworks for change. Stine has previously led community and program development at NIRAS Green Tech Hub—a vehicle, driver and accelerator of green innovation—and at Danish Institute for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (DISIE).

She currently works as Conceptual Producer at Børsen Live, contributing to their sustainability initiative Børsen Bæredygtig Summit.

Tobias Liebetrau

Researcher at the Centre for Military Studies, Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen

Tobias is a researcher at the Centre for Military Studies, Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen. His work covers areas such as cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, maritime security, emerging digital technology and big tech companies in international politics.

Tobias has published in International Political Sociology, International Studies Quarterly, International Affairs, International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, European Journal of International Security, European Security, Marine Policy and Contemporary Security Policy.

Ann-Christine Roope

(Masterclass Speaker)

Founder of Ethan Partners

Ann-Christine is Founder of Ethan Partners, a global executive search company focused on the digital space. Ethan Partners has supported over 250 high growth companies and placed more than 3000 high profile candidates. Clients include Uber, Zalando, Airbnb, and Goldman Sachs.

Ann-Christine is also Co-Founder of InTech Founders, an European growth accelerator for diverse tech startups that are looking to scale internationally and attract investors, with the aim to promote diversity and inclusion in tech. She holds a Master in Marketing and Business Communication from Copenhagen Business School.

What is Democracy Tech?

Tech innovations that can strengthen or/and provide solutions to one of the above six mentioned conceptions of democracy, namely, electoral, consensus, accountability, participatory, deliberative and egalitarian. We also consider media literacy tools addressing the problem of disinformation, and unethical artificial intelligence.

What is a scalable business?

A scalable business is one that focuses on the implementation of processes that lead to an efficient operation. The workflow and structure of the business allow for scalability, where measurement of the entire business can be assessed and managed at each level.

What is the application timeline?

Our call for applications opens on September 13, 2024 and closes on November 30, 2024. Following that is the selection process which will also entail interview sessions with selected fellows.

What is the fellowship timeline?

Stage 1, which is composed of bi-weekly collective masterclasses and mentor sessions will run from early January until the end of May, 2025. And Stage 2 will start in May, where fellows will attend Copenhagen Democracy Summit, slated for May 13 - 14, 2025. And follow up activities will be conduct including regional outreach events in our target countries

When is your next application cycle?

Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media to be notified when our next application cycle opens.

The Tech for Democracy Impact Accelerator

The Coaches & Masterclass Speakers