Salima Ismayilzada holds an MSc in Political Science from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden and a BA in Public Affairs from ADA University, Azerbaijan.

Salima describes herself as a self-development-oriented person with strong communication, public relations and policy background. Before joining Smart Innovation Norway, she worked at the University of Gothenburg, ELSA Azerbaijan, and UNDP Azerbaijan.

At AI+2026 Salima will host the event AI for Critical Infrastructure: Building Trust, Safety, and Real-World Adoption which is a free and hybrid event gathering people from around Europe.