Yngvar Ugland

YNGVAR UGLAND
Technology Leader, AI Innovation Expert & “Colonel of Moonshots”
Leading DNB Bank’s Moonshot Unit into Uncharted Technological Territory
Yngvar Ugland is a renowned technology leader, author, and visionary who leads DNB NewTechLab, the Moonshot Unit of DNB Bank—Norway’s largest financial institution. As the self-proclaimed “Colonel of Moonshots,” Yngvar and his team fearlessly explore uncharted territories of emerging technology from their bases in Bjørvika, San Francisco, and Palo Alto, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in banking, fintech, and artificial intelligence.
With a career spanning Big Tech, startups, scaleups, banking, and academia, Yngvar has played a pivotal role in building products, technologies, cultures, and companies that shape the future. His work sits at the intersection of radical innovation, corporate transformation, AI strategy, and humanity-centered technology—making him one of the most compelling voices on how financial institutions can thrive in an AI-driven world.
His Expertise:
✅ Moonshot Innovation Leader – Heads DNB Bank’s NewTechLab, exploring radical emerging technologies✅ AI & Technology Strategist – Advising banks and corporations on artificial intelligence implementation✅ Corporate Innovation Expert – Building innovation cultures within traditional institutions✅ Author & Thought Leader – Co-author of Babelfisk and Innovasjonsboka; author of Ethics at Work (Amazon Bestseller)✅ Industry Professor – Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) in Bergen✅ Academic Lecturer – Previously taught at Singularity University and Rehumanize Institute✅ Master’s Degree in Mathematics – NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)✅ Media Presence – Frequent appearances on TV, podcasts, newspapers, op-eds, debates, and stages nationally and internationally✅ 2023 Nordic AI Influencer Award Nominee – Recognized as a leading voice in AI innovation
Career Highlights:
Current Roles:
• Leader, DNB NewTechLab (Moonshot Unit of DNB Bank)
• Industry Professor II – Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), Bergen
Previous Experience:
• Singularity University (Lecturer on Moonshot Innovation)
• Rehumanize Institute (Lecturer)
• Big Tech, startups, scaleups, banking, and academia
Books:
• Babelfisk (Co-authored with Koppang, Ugland, Dagestad)
• Innovasjonsboka (Co-author)
• Ethics at Work (Amazon Bestseller)
Why Yngvar Stands Out:
Yngvar Ugland is not your typical banking executive or technology consultant. He’s a radical innovation leader who brings moonshot thinking into the traditionally conservative world of financial services. As the head of DNB Bank’s Moonshot Unit, Yngvar doesn’t just talk about the future—he builds it, experimenting with cutting-edge AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and emerging technologies that will define the next era of banking.
With a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from NTNU and a career that spans Big Tech giants, scrappy startups, global banking, and academic institutions, Yngvar understands both the technical foundations and the human implications of technological transformation. His work explores the critical question: How do we build technology that serves humanity, not replaces it?
A familiar face in Norwegian and international media, Yngvar frequently appears on TV, podcasts, newspapers, op-eds, debates, and stages, sharing his insights on AI, corporate innovation, and the future of work. In 2023, he was nominated for the Nordic AI Influencer Award of the Year, cementing his reputation as one of Scandinavia’s leading voices on artificial intelligence and innovation.
As an Industry Professor at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and former lecturer at Singularity University, Yngvar shapes the next generation of leaders while continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in banking and technology.
His philosophy? Moonshot innovation isn’t about taking small steps forward—it’s about leaping into uncharted territory and building the future others can’t yet imagine.
Perfect For:
• Banking and financial services conferences on AI transformation and digital innovation
• Corporate innovation summits requiring moonshot thinking and radical transformation insights
• AI and technology events exploring humanity-centered artificial intelligence
• Leadership conferences on building innovation cultures within traditional institutions
• Fintech events examining the future of banking and financial technology
• Startup and scaleup forums requiring entrepreneurial mindset and innovation strategies
• Academic and executive education programs seeking technology thought leadership
• Media and broadcast appearances as an AI and innovation expert
Speaking Topics:
• Moonshot Innovation: Taking radical bets in corporate environments
• AI Strategy for Financial Institutions: How banks can win in an AI-driven world
• Corporate Innovation: Building cultures of experimentation and risk-taking
• Ethics and Technology: Humanity-centered AI and responsible innovation
• Leadership in Uncertainty: Navigating uncharted technological territory
• The Future of Banking: Emerging technologies reshaping financial services
Languages Spoken:
English | Norwegian
Engagement Fee:
€15,000 +
To book Yngvar Ugland for Your Next Event:

Email: contact@presbourgspeakers.com📞 US: +1-929-589-1440📞 Europe: +33.7.84.18.80.44💬 WhatsAppBusiness: +33.7.84.18.80.44