Innovators Summit
Where R&D and Innovation Leaders Come Together
May 17 – 19, 2027 | Cleveland, OH
Registration will open soon!
IRI’s Innovators Summit brings together R&D, innovation, technology and business leaders from across industries to exchange ideas, tackle shared challenges and explore what is shaping the future of innovation.
Designed around the issues that matter most to the IRI community, the Summit combines practical insights, peer-to-peer learning and collaborative discussion in a trusted, noncommercial environment. Attendees leave with new perspectives, stronger connections and ideas they can bring back to their organizations.
Innovation leaders are navigating rapid changes in technology, workforce, sustainability, global competitiveness and the way R&D organizations operate. The Innovators Summit creates a space to explore those challenges alongside peers who are facing them too.
Connect with Your Peers: Build relationships with R&D and innovation leaders from across industries through dedicated networking, collaborative sessions and informal conversations.
Collaborate: Find your next partner, big idea, or solution to a challenge during collaborative, interactive sessions.
Explore What’s Next: Hear from innovation leaders and subject matter experts about emerging technologies, new approaches and the forces changing how organizations innovate.
Learn Across Industries: IRI’s cross-industry community creates opportunities to see how organizations outside your sector are approaching familiar challenges and uncover ideas that may not emerge within your own industry.
Turn Insights into Action: Go beyond high-level trends through case studies, workshops, deep dives and interactive discussions focused on ideas and practices you can apply within your organization.
Tech Treks: Join a Tech Trek to get a window into other innovators’ work and see new technologies in action.
The Innovators Summit is built to encourage participation, conversation and practical learning rather than passive conference attendance.
Programming may include:
- Keynotes and executive perspectives
- Interactive case studies
- Deep-dive sessions
- Workshops and collaborative discussions
- Peer-to-peer benchmarking
- Emerging technology and innovation topics
- Networking receptions
- Tech Treks and site visits
- Recognition of leaders and organizations through the IRI Innovation Excellence Awards
Each Summit reflects the priorities and challenges facing the IRI community, creating a program that evolves alongside the innovation landscape.
The Innovators Summit brings together professionals responsible for shaping and executing innovation across their organizations, including:
- Chief Technology Officers
- R&D and innovation executives
- Vice presidents and directors
- Scientists, engineers and technical leaders
- New product development leaders
- Technology and digital transformation leaders
- Innovation strategy and portfolio leaders
- Open innovation and external partnership leaders
Attendees represent organizations across industries, creating a unique environment for cross-industry learning and candid peer exchange.
See the topics, sessions and conversations that shaped the most recent Innovators Summit.
The Innovators Summit is also home to the IRI Innovation Excellence Awards, recognizing the individuals, teams and organizations advancing innovation across industries.
From leadership and scientific advancement to sustainability, digital innovation, open innovation and innovative culture, the awards celebrate the people and organizations helping move the practice of innovation forward.
