Is Innovation a Panacea? How New Products and Technologies Are Shaping the Future of Tobacco & Nicotine

Von wdo, 23. Juni 2026

Host of the session: 

Marc Reisner, Editor-in-Chief Tobacco Journal International / DTZ 

Panelists: 

  • Prof. Dr. Douglas Ming Deng, Head of NGPs Studies at Yunnan University
  • Reese Chen, Product Manager REJO
  • tbn, ALP POUCH
  • tbn

Under the guiding theme “Is Innovation a Panacea? How New Products and Technologies Are Shaping the Future of Tobacco & Nicotine,” a key panel at the flagship trade fair will address the industry's vital questions for the future. Innovation is widely considered the key to moving forward—but how can it be driven strategically in an era of disruption and strict regulation? The discussion will analyze the crucial catalysts of product development: direct consumer feedback and global regulatory frameworks. This panel offers market participants in-depth insights into tomorrow's success factors and regulatory hurdles.

Datum
-
Sprecher

Marc Reisner

Von wdo, 30. Juli 2024

Editor-in-chief DTZ/Smokers Club/TJI
Publishing director Konradin Selection GmbH

Marc Reisner
Editor-in-chief DTZ, TJI

Prof Dr Douglas Ming Deng

Von wdo, 7. Juli 2026

Head of NGPs Studies at Yunnan University 

Dr. Douglas Ming Deng is a professor and the head of NGPs Industry Studies at Yunnan University. Dr. Deng started to conduct tobacco-related research in 2004, and in recent years, he and his team have engaged in the study of NGPs. As a research professor with global vision, Dr. Deng has presided over numerous research initiatives, focusing on topics such as the regulation of e-vapor products in Asia, the economic and societal pay-off of introducing NGPs, and the transformation of leaf tobacco in the NGPs era. Dr. Deng's recent research pursuits encompass the evolutionary study of the transition from combustible cigarettes to NGPs, as well as the innovation of NGPs through consumer-centric R&D. Dr. Deng actively participates as a key-note speaker at prominent tobacco industry forums, including the GTNF, TSRC and WNC.

Douglas Ming Deng_Prof Dr Yunnan University
Head of NGPs Studies
Beschreibung_en

Head of NGPs Studies at Yunnan University 

Dr. Douglas Ming Deng is a professor and the head of NGPs Industry Studies at Yunnan University. Dr. Deng started to conduct tobacco-related research in 2004, and in recent years, he and his team have engaged in the study of NGPs. As a research professor with global vision, Dr. Deng has presided over numerous research initiatives, focusing on topics such as the regulation of e-vapor products in Asia, the economic and societal pay-off of introducing NGPs, and the transformation of leaf tobacco in the NGPs era. Dr. Deng's recent research pursuits encompass the evolutionary study of the transition from combustible cigarettes to NGPs, as well as the innovation of NGPs through consumer-centric R&D. Dr. Deng actively participates as a key-note speaker at prominent tobacco industry forums, including the GTNF, TSRC and WNC.

Reese Chen

Von wdo, 8. Juli 2026

Product Manager at REJO. 

Reese Chen is a product manager with over 15 years of experience in the nicotine delivery industry. With a strong focus on bringing technologies from concept to mass production, he has spent years leading product integration and technology development for both local and global markets.

His background covers a wide range of categories, including vapors, heat-not-burn devices. Deeply passionate about open innovation and hands-on validation, he is committed to contributing his technical expertise to further growth and evolution of the industry.

Reese Chen_REJO
REJO
Beschreibung_en

Product Manager at REJO. 

Reese Chen is a product manager with over 15 years of experience in the nicotine delivery industry. With a strong focus on bringing technologies from concept to mass production, he has spent years leading product integration and technology development for both local and global markets.

His background covers a wide range of categories, including vapors, heat-not-burn devices. Deeply passionate about open innovation and hands-on validation, he is committed to contributing his technical expertise to further growth and evolution of the industry.

Session
Main Stage | Entrance North