Kat Borlongan

Kat Borlongan is a tech advocate and leader known for her work in leveraging technology for societal progress. She has served in various influential roles such as Director of the Open Data Institute Paris and as an open data advisor to the French government. As a co-founder of Five by Five, an open innovation agency acquired by Capgemini, she has been instrumental in promoting open knowledge initiatives. Kat, who is of French-Filipino descent, has played pivotal roles in presidential initiatives for both France and the Philippines.

During her tenure as Director of French Tech under the Macron administration, Kat spearheaded the creation of innovative programs like the French Tech Next40/120, a tech visa program, and a meta-accelerator for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Her efforts in supporting startups during the Covid crisis have been widely recognized. In the aftermath of a devastating typhoon, she led a large-scale tech volunteer program in the Philippines, showcasing her commitment to leveraging technology for social good.

Kat's career has been marked by her focus on impactful tech solutions. As the Chief Impact Officer at Contentsquare, she led the company's transformation into a purpose-driven organization with a strong emphasis on digital accessibility, sustainability, privacy, and trust. She currently serves as a Board Member of the European Innovation Council, overseeing investments in technology critical to the EU's economic security. Additionally, she contributes her expertise to the Forecasting Committee of the French Red Cross, where she focuses on leveraging AI for humanitarian operations.

Recognized as a thought leader, Kat has been named one of the '50 Minds of the Next 50 Years' by UNESCO and selected as an 'Obama Leader' by the Obama Foundation. Her educational background includes a Master's degree in Communication Studies from McGill University, an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Government from Sciences Po Bordeaux, and participation in programs like the Annenberg-Oxford Media Policy Summer Institute at the University of Oxford.