Ruben Nieuwenhuis
Ruben is an entrepreneur and investor. He is the co-founder of CupolaXS, Techgrounds, TechMeUp, and DutchEdTech. Previously, he served as the director of StartupAmsterdam and played a key role in connecting leading Dutch startup initiatives and tech clusters. He is also co-author of the book StartupCity. The book is designed to help policymakers, civil servants, and public-private initiatives think and operate like a startup.
Artificial Intelligence
Ruben regularly speaks about the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI). He has a talent for making this topic accessible to a broad audience. His presentations combine practical applications with social and societal challenges, creating space for open discussion.
He makes these complex subjects understandable for a wide audience by balancing real-world examples with the broader societal implications of AI.
Recently, his keynote “AI and the Intelligence Economy” received the Audience Award at Data Expo, the leading data event of the year. Out of 120 presentations, Ruben was honored with the #1 award.
Ruben is the initiator of Agenda Nieuw Amsterdam, a vision and strategic agenda for Amsterdam and its surrounding region as it transitions from a knowledge economy to an intelligence economy. Under the title “Path to an Intelligent, Kind City,” Agenda Nieuw Amsterdam explores how Amsterdam can regain strategic relevance in an era where artificial intelligence, technology, talent, and social innovation are becoming increasingly decisive. The agenda was developed with input from more than 100 residents of Amsterdam through action tables, interviews, workshops, and a working conference. The initiative is supported by a growing coalition of entrepreneurs, technologists, scientists, and social innovators.
Step outside your bubble
As a side project, Ruben works on the theme of polarization under the title “Uit Je Bubbel, Een nieuw mentaal model voor Nederland” In this project, he explores what our personal bubbles actually are, how they contribute to polarization, and, most importantly, how we can learn to step outside them. The goal is to improve our ability to think critically and find solutions—together with people who hold different views—to the complex challenges facing society.
In his keynote “Uit je bubbel” Ruben takes participants through the pitfalls of human thinking and reasoning. Through inspiring examples and stories, the presentation holds up a mirror to the audience while providing a practical toolbox for better decision-making in both personal and professional life.