AI & Robotics Strategist · Keynote Speaker
Patrickvan Stokhem
I believe technology should strengthen people, not replace them. That conviction drives everything I do.
I've always been fascinated by what happens when tech meets real life
For over two decades, I've been working at the intersection of technology and people. Not from behind a desk — but on the floor, in the field, where things actually happen. I started my career in the energy sector, managing teams and operations at Joulz and Eneco, where I learned that the biggest challenge in innovation is never the technology itself. It's the people.
That insight drives what I'm building today. At the Breman Group, I co-founded BREiNN — our innovation lab — where we're bringing humanoid robots into real-world operations. It's an ongoing journey: we've already developed the Ketelhuis, kickstarted a social housing on water initiative, and fostered the creation of the BREiNN Home and the Makersfabriek. Right now, we're deploying humanoid robots in Dutch industry — a first in the country. But what motivates me most isn't the technology. It's bringing our people along on that journey.
Today, through APAIYA, I help other organizations navigate the same path. My approach is simple: start with the humans, understand the culture, then find where technology genuinely helps. I call it going from AI hype to working prototype — because that's where the real value lives. APAIYA
At the BREiNN innovation showcase — where ideas become reality
Trusted by leading Dutch organizations
Three worlds, one personal mission
Everything I do connects back to one question: how can we use technology to make work better for people? Through my roles and through APAIYA, I bring these three domains together.
Artificial Intelligence
From hype to prototype
I help organizations cut through the noise and find where AI genuinely adds value. Not the shiny demo — the working solution. My approach always starts with understanding your people and processes before reaching for technology. Through APAIYA, I offer AI readiness scans, executive workshops, and hands-on prototyping.
Humanoid Robotics
Physical AI in practice
At BREiNN, we're currently deploying humanoid robots in Dutch industrial settings — a first in the country. Not as a gimmick, but as a genuine tool to support workers. My philosophy is bionics, not just robotics — strengthening human capabilities rather than replacing them. We've already built the Ketelhuis, the Makersfabriek, and launched initiatives like social housing on water. This is an active, evolving project, and I advise other organizations on robot integration, human-robot collaboration, and preparing for the age of physical AI.
Business Strategy
Innovation that sticks
With a background in Change Management and over two decades of leading transformation, I know that technology adoption is really about people. I help leadership teams develop AI strategies that their organizations can actually execute — connecting emerging technology to business outcomes without losing their identity.
Talks that move people to action
I don't do generic keynotes. Every talk I give is shaped by real experience — deploying robots, building AI strategies, transforming traditional companies. I share what I've learned, including the failures, because that's where the real lessons are.
The AI Renaissance in Traditional Industries
How established companies can lead, not follow, the AI revolution
Drawing from my experience transforming one of the Netherlands' largest installation companies, I share how traditional industries can harness AI to create competitive advantages — without losing their identity. Practical frameworks, real case studies, and the mindset shift required to move from AI curiosity to AI capability.
Humanoid Robots Are Here — Now What?
The practical reality of physical AI in the workplace
I share my firsthand experience deploying humanoid robots in industrial environments — the breakthroughs, the failures, and the unexpected lessons. This talk goes beyond the headlines to address the real questions: How do humans and robots collaborate? What jobs change, and how?
From AI Hype to Working Prototype
A pragmatic roadmap for AI implementation that actually delivers
Cut through the noise. I share the methodology I've developed through years of hands-on AI implementation — identifying high-impact use cases, building rapid prototypes, and creating sustainable adoption roadmaps. Practical, actionable, and grounded in reality.
The Human Side of Digital Transformation
Why technology adoption is really about people, not tools
With a background in Change Management, I address the elephant in the room: most digital transformations fail not because of technology, but because of people. I share frameworks for bringing your organization along on the journey.
On stage, on the floor, in the future
Whether it's a keynote for a thousand people or a hands-on workshop with a team of ten — I bring the same energy and depth.
With the Breman humanoid robot at VSK+E 2026
VSK+E Theater E — Opening ceremony with humanoid robot
BREiNN innovation showcase — human-robot interaction
On stage — presenting the future of robotics in industry
ReBot — 'De Robot uit de Mens' vision for Breman
The places where I make things happen
Let's start a conversation
I believe the best outcomes start with genuine dialogue. Whether you're looking for a keynote speaker, a strategic sparring partner, or just want to explore what AI could mean for your organization — I'd love to hear from you.