The speakers for the Breakthrough Festival 2026 have been announced. On September 17, four tech leaders will share their experiences in achieving breakthroughs across different contexts. Not theory, but real-world stories about building, overcoming resistance, and driving change.

Joost Kamermans, CEO & Co-Founder of Seenons, will open with the start-up perspective. His story focuses on what it takes to turn an idea into impact. He will demonstrate how a young company navigates uncertainty, funding challenges, and market dynamics, and how perseverance ultimately leads to growth and traction.

Valentijn Lemkes, Digital Consultant Strategy & Architecture at Alliander, and Elies Lemkes-Straver, interim executive, will present a joint, personal perspective on leadership under pressure. In their session, “What a son can learn from his mother and vice versa,” they will share insights on dealing with resistance, staying on course, and aligning stakeholders. Their contribution emphasizes mental resilience and the ability to effectively bring others along in decision-making.

Jeroen Tas, tech investor, advisor, and former executive, will close the program with his perspective on change within large organizations. In “Changing Fast & Slow,” he highlights that transformation is rarely linear, but unfolds in waves. He will address what this requires from leadership and how to provide direction within complex environments.

The Breakthrough Festival brings these perspectives together and demonstrates that a breakthrough does not happen by chance, but is the result of vision, perseverance, and leadership.

Register now for the Breakthrough Festival on September 17, 2026.