Ruben Horbach is a recognised figure in the field of digital innovation, known for his infectious energy and enthusiasm for new technologies. With over decade of experience as an innovation catalyst, Ruben has led the charge in establishing innovation labs and steering multidisciplinary teams across Europe's leading digital agencies. His career is marked by a series of unique roles that have seen him turn emerging technological possibilities into tangible, high-impact innovations.

Ruben's dedication to making digital innovation accessible has led him to set up and lead various innovation labs, where his work has focused on identifying opportunities, experimenting with new technologies, and creating products praised for their applicability and value. His ability to foster an innovation culture has positively influenced not only the teams and companies he has worked with but the broader industry, inspiring a mindset geared towards continuous improvement and strategic foresight.

As the Director of Innovation & Digital Strategy at ETECTURE, Ruben spearheaded the creation and implementation of new innovation strategies. He led significant projects, including the development of a 3D hyper-realistic avatar chatbot and blockchain integration for a major automotive logistics firm, driving forward the digital transformation agenda. His strategic insights have guided C-level management and shareholders, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation across the business.

At Somo, as the Head of Innovation, Ruben was responsible for developing and leading the innovation lab, overseeing teams in London, New York, and Bristol. His role involved conducting extensive research, identifying opportunities, and experimenting with new technologies. Notable projects included crafting a virtual reality showroom for Audi and developing an AI-driven translation app for government documents, showcasing his ability to deliver innovative and user-centric solutions.

In his tenure with Isobar, Ruben led the creation of NowLab, a global innovation accelerator, where he conceptualized the lab's framework and cultivated a robust innovation ecosystem. His work contributed to validating the innovation lab's proposition and fostering collaboration with partners and other innovation hubs, enhancing the agency's innovative capabilities.

As a freelance Innovation Strategist and Public Speaker, Ruben currently collaborates with organisations like the Dutch National Police and the Duch Government on AI, the Metaverse, and digital transformation projects. His keynote presentations at international conferences and panel discussions are well-regarded for their depth and insight, and contributing to the global dialogue on emerging technologies.

He continues to share his passion and knowledge enthusiastically, aiming to inspire and activate others toward embracing innovative and solution-oriented approaches.

Now based in Amsterdam, Ruben is not only a respected innovation strategist but also a family man, a runner, a gamer, a traveler, and an avid foodie. He's always looking to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations passionate about embracing the digital future.