Colloquium 2025

Louis “Lue” Elizondo is a former U.S. Army counterintelligence officer and senior Department of Defense official best known for his leadership of the Pentagon’s Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP). His work brought national attention to the U.S. government’s study of unidentified aerial phenomena—now reframed as part of a broader inquiry into non-human intelligence (NHI).

Over two decades in military and civilian intelligence roles, Lue served in combat theaters, led counterespionage operations, and held senior posts in the Department of Defense, including in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. In 2017, he resigned in protest over excessive secrecy and a lack of transparency around these issues.

Today, Lue is at the forefront of public discourse on NHI, working with policymakers, the media, and global audiences to shift the conversation toward deeper questions of what—or who—may lie beyond our current understanding. He’s a #1 New York Times and London Times bestselling author and serves on the board of the UAP Disclosure Fund.

Lue lives in Wyoming with his wife, two daughters, and six German Shepherds.

Manuj Aggarwal is the founder and Chief Innovation Officer of TetraNoodle Technologies, an elite AI engineering company. With a remarkable track record of driving transformative change, Manuj, through TetraNoodle, has touched at least 10 million lives and generated over $500M in value through his expertise in technology and AI. He has shared his insights at the United Nations alongside distinguished figures like the Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize winners, while President Obama and Bill Gates have recognized his work. With four AI patents to his name, Manuj is the perfect mentor to guide you through the transformative potential of AI and its benefits for businesses. Join us and discover the limitless possibilities of AI under the guidance of this visionary industry influencer.

Dr. Aaron Poynton is a best-selling author, AI strategist, and seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of navigating complex and uncertain environments. As the co-founder and Chairman of the American Society for AI (ASFAI), he is shaping the future of artificial intelligence and its societal impact.

Aaron is the executive editor of the forthcoming anthology AI for Humanity and a contributing author to Navigating Uncertainty: Lessons from Explorers, Entrepreneurs, and the Future. His thought leadership explores the intersection of people, innovation, and strategy.

As the founder and CEO of Omnipoynt Solutions and now partner at 100 Joules, he advises on 4IR technologies, aerospace & defense, and national security. He is also co-founder and CCO of A3 Global, focused on the future of mobility for hybrids and EVs using advanced machine learning battery prognosis to recondition batteries in the circular economy. Previously, Aaron held leadership roles at science and technology companies, driving over $1 billion in contracts and revenue across 50 countries. He is also a Board Member of the UN Association and a Fulbright Specialist in business and public administration.

In addition to his business and policy work, Aaron is the President of the Harford County Board of Education, overseeing the education of nearly 40,000 students. This leadership position further demonstrates his commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators.

A former U.S. Army Captain, Aaron has demonstrated adaptive intelligence and strategic leadership throughout his career. He holds a Doctorate in Public Administration, an MBA from Duke, a Master of Laws from LSE, and has completed post-graduate studies at Harvard Business School. He is the President of the Harvard Business School AMP Foundation.

Aaron’s work is driven by a deep commitment to innovation, resilience, and embracing calculated risks. His bestselling book, Think Like Black Sheep, challenges conventional thinking and inspires leaders to turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Matthew Guggemos is a communication scientist, AI researcher, and professional drummer whose interdisciplinary work bridges technology, neuroscience, and the arts. As Chief Technology Officer at iTherapy and Co-Publisher of Autism Digest, he has led pioneering projects—such as InnerVoice and the Autism Inventory platform—that leverage AI to enhance communication for neurodivergent individuals. These initiatives have garnered support from Microsoft AI for Accessibility, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health.
Matthew serves on the boards of the American Society for AI and the Mensa Foundation. He was featured in the 2024 Mensa Speaker Series and is the guest editor for the Summer 2025 issue of the Mensa Research Journal. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Mensa Foundation’s Intellectual Benefits to Society Award in 2013.
A lifelong musician, Matthew is the founder of Drum Language (www.drumlanguage.com), a project that explores the intersection of rhythm, cognition, and communication. His performances and educational content illustrate how musical improvisation can inform and enhance language development and learning processes.
Matthew’s work exemplifies a commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, aiming to create inclusive tools that empower individuals and enrich society.