Wilfried Runde is Head of Research and Cooperation Projects at Deutsche Welle, working at the intersection of media innovation, deep tech, and journalism. A former journalist and information specialist by training, he created a media-technology-focused R&D unit, building a strong track record of securing European, national, and industry R&D grants in excess of €25 million to fund multidisciplinary (dream) teams of researchers, technologists, media experts, and innovation managers.
While coordinating international research projects and innovation transfer of practical, tech-driven solutions for digital media, Wilfried also oversaw the successful launch of two software products for content verification (Truly Media) and media localization (plain X). With this, his expertise in AI and the fight against disinformation developed long before both topics became the defining challenge of today's media and society.
A former member of the EBU's inaugural Digital Committee, tasked with outlining early digital transformation strategies for public service media, Wilfried has been a speaker at major international events, including South by Southwest (SXSW), the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, re:publica, UNESCO Global MIL Week, the Global Media Forum**,** and many more.
Beyond tech prototypes and projects, Wilfried co-founded c/o pop, Cologne's iconic music festival and conference, and works as a DJ — proving that algorithm and rhythm are never far apart.
