Ruben Horbach
Ruben Horbach is the guide for companies and organizations looking to understand the future of technology and actively build it. As an innovation strategist and visionary speaker, he helps organizations translate the possibilities of emerging technologies into tangible impact. With a keen eye for disruption and an in-depth understanding of trends such as Spatial Computing, the Metaverse, Web3, Generative AI, and new interfaces, he inspires his audience to think ahead and take concrete steps.
Ruben combines over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology and strategy with a future-focused perspective. As Head of Innovation at Somo, he led the Innovation Labs in London and New York, working with clients such as Audi, Goldman Sachs, EasyJet, and Burberry. As Strategic Innovation Director at Etecture, he contributed to major digital transformation projects in the German mobility sector for Daimler, BMW, and Volkswagen, and created new innovation propositions at Dentsu as an Innovation Consultant and at Gravity as Innovation & Strategy Director.
Ruben excels at demystifying the technologies of tomorrow. He keeps a clear overview of relevant trends and developments, connects them to the society and organizations of the future, and presents this in an inspiring, energetic, and clear way during his presentations.
Had a very interesting and valuable presentation from Ruben about AI in relation to our real estate work. Very relevant and with useful tips on where to start with AI. We are already looking forward to his next presentation!
— Wim Bakker rm/rt, Chairman NVM-North-Holland-North, November 2024
In his keynotes, Ruben takes his audience on a journey through current developments and groundbreaking technologies, from AR/VR/MR and synthetic media to Generative AI and decentralization. He makes large concepts tangible and connects today’s technology with the visions of tomorrow. His style is accessible, energetic, practical, and always action-oriented: turning insights into strategy, and vision into results.
Workshop The Art of AI: Back From the Future
From Inspiration to Application
During this interactive workshop, Ruben Horbach combines his future-oriented vision with practical applications of (generative) AI to prepare your organization for the world of tomorrow. In this session, you will take a leap forward into a future where disruptive technologies such as AI, spatial computing, synthetic media, and Web3 play a crucial role. From this future perspective, you will return to the present, equipped with concrete skills and insights to get started immediately.
What can you expect?
Inspiring Exploration of the Future
Ruben takes you into a future scenario where technologies enable new forms of collaboration, creativity, and innovation. He showcases inspiring examples of successful AI applications and discusses the opportunities and challenges for your organization.From Vision to Action
From that future, we return to the present: what does this mean for your organization? Ruben provides a clear overview of the possibilities of generative AI and discusses how to use technologies to bring your creative ideas to life and improve business processes.Back to Today: Hands-on with AI
You will work hands-on with the technology. Ruben teaches you the art of prompting—communicating effectively with Large Language Models for accurate, creative, and strategic output. Together, you will explore various AI tools and applications that can be directly applied to your work. Additionally, you will gain insight into how AI can contribute to innovative thinking within your organization.Creative Exploration
In groups, you will use various AI tools to conceive, design, and present a non-existent product or concept. This hands-on component ensures direct experience and tangible results.
Outcome
After this workshop, you will leave with:
A clear vision of the opportunities and challenges of AI and other emerging technologies.
You will gain insight into how technologies such as AI, spatial computing, and synthetic media can transform your sector and organization, and what this means for your role and strategy.Concrete skills to work effectively with AI tools.
You will learn practical techniques, such as the art of prompting, to optimally use generative AI tools for text, image, and concept generation. This ensures that AI becomes immediately applicable to your daily work.More confidence and enthusiasm to experiment with technology.
The workshop lowers the barrier to embracing new technologies. You will leave the session with confidence, inspiration, and motivation to continue experimenting and innovating.The content of the workshop is customized to meet the specific needs, challenges, and goals of your organization.
Back From the Future is more than a workshop: it is an energetic and results-driven experience that helps your organization move forward by making technology tangible and turning vision into action.
“From future vision to future action” – this is Ruben’s mantra. He helps organizations not only understand complex technologies but also use them smartly and strategically. Ruben sees technology as more than a business tool: it is a means to create new forms of collaboration, creativity, and humanity. He challenges companies to look beyond short-term solutions and build a future that is valuable, inclusive, and innovative.
Ruben speaks worldwide on national and international stages and is praised for his sharp analyses, substantive depth, and energetic presentation. His interactive sessions and hands-on workshops—such as his successful “Back From the Future” approach—make him the go-to partner for organizations ready not just to embrace the future but to lead it.
His presentations are highly rated. Ruben speaks on national and international stages. He has spoken at KLM, Audi, Philips, The Police, ING EMERCE, PostNL, NVM, The Dutch Government, Katapult, The Police, GP Bullhound, SIDN, Global Climate Action Summit, and GO>TechWorld.
Do you want to prepare your organization for the future? Get in touch and discover how Ruben can inspire and activate your team.
Ruben Horbach at Zendesk, June 2024
Ruben Horbach at GoTech World: Augmenting Reality: Is AR Becoming The Next Big Tech Platform?
Ruben’s excellent presentation skills are undeniable. With his incredibly positive charisma and eloquence, he quickly captivates any audience. It was a pleasure to see how he manages to convey very complex issues in a simple and understandable way, using vivid examples, carefully selected visuals, and his extraordinary intuition for his audience.
— Matthias Schmidt, Chief Digital Officer // HEO GmbH
Ruben as a speaker at our IT Innovation Day was inspiring; his energy and belief in progress and positive opportunities were infectious. Highly recommended if you want to break through established frameworks and explore the future.
— Volkert Deen, Editor in Chief // IDG Netherlands
It was an amazing day, especially thanks to your contribution! Our expectations were high, and they were exceeded 😊
We received many positive and enthusiastic responses (and believe me, this group would also let us know if they weren’t impressed!). A fun, accessible, and highly effective way to get acquainted with the possibilities of AI. It was a pleasure to work together, and from the very first contact, we had a great vibe!
– Robert Landsman, Bouwcenter Business Club – AI Workshop, May 2024
Ruben has broad expertise and always thinks in terms of potential—always forward-thinking, always innovative, and always with a creative twist. He is constantly looking for new possibilities