THE Innovation and Impact Summit

Memo

The 2026 THE Innovation and Impact Summit will explore Universities, industry and investors: Connecting research with commercialisation. Building on the success of previous editions and delivered in partnership with Korea University, the summit will convene university leaders, founders, investors and industry innovators to explore how research can translate into real-world solutions and scalable businesses. Hosted in Seoul, one of Asia’s most dynamic innovation hubs, the global summit will examine how universities can move beyond discovery to become engines of entrepreneurship and industry collaboration within rapidly evolving technology ecosystems. Bringing together over 300 delegates from industry, education and innovation, the event will explore three core themes: From breakthrough to business: Scaling research into real-world solutionsExplore how universities are turning discoveries into start-ups, technologies and scalable ventures. From technology transfer and spinouts to innovation districts, this theme focuses on the mechanisms that convert research into economic and societal value. Investing in the next frontier: Where research is needed mostExamine the critical areas shaping the future of innovation, from AI and semiconductors to biotechnology, climate tech and advanced manufacturing. This theme explores where global investment and research efforts are being directed, and where gaps remain. Powering innovation ecosystems: Partnerships, capital and global competitionUnderstand how universities, industry and investors are working together to build competitive innovation ecosystems. This theme focuses on funding models, strategic partnerships and the global race for talent, capital and technological leadership. The growing list of confirmed speakers include a global spread of industry, education and innovation leaders: Shiyi Chen, President, Eastern Institute of Technology, NingboAnne Dobrée, Investment Director, Parkwalk AdvisorsDawn Freshwater, Executive Director, Worldwide Universities NetworkYun-jong Jeon, President, Korea Institute for Advancement of TechnologyRandolph Hall, Director, Centre for Risk and Economic Analysis of Threats and Emergencies, University of Southern CaliforniaThomas Park, Chief Investment Officer, InBc Investment CorpSian Wee Tan, Senior Vice-President of Innovation and Enterprise, National University of Singapore The agenda includes keynotes, panel discussions and workshops. You can find some of these session titles below: - Corporate venture capital investment in university research and emerging technologies- Scaling university innovation, developing entrepreneurial hubs for industry- Sector spotlight | Tech translation: Emerging AI research trends and their commercial potential- Funding early-stage technology translation, from proof-of-concept to private investment- The reverse pitch: What are CVCs and VCs looking for from early stage academic start-ups and what do they have to offer?- University venturing: The rise of and success of university venture funds and consortia- Supporting founders in their journey from academic to Chief Executive Officer Join us from 17-19 November 2026 in Seoul, South Korea.       Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3753357-2?pid=5569  Date and Time: Tue, 17 Nov 2026 14:30 - Thu, 19 Nov 2026 17:30   Venue details: Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea    Prices:General Admission: USD 1199.00,Super Early Bird: USD 599.00,Super Early Bird I Corporate: USD 1599.00,Standard I Corporate: USD 2499.00,Early Bird: USD 799.00,Early Bird I Corporate: USD 1999.00   Speakers: Ana Avaliani Director of Enterprise Royal Academy of Engineering, Shiyi Chen President Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, Amir Dhia Technical Manager for Higher Education Education Above All Foundation, Anne Dobrée Investment Director Parkwalk Advisors, Marina Donohoe Chief Executive Officer QUBIS, Dawn Freshwater Executive Director Worldwide Universities Network, Randolph Hall Director, Centre for Risk and Economic Analysis of Threats and Emergencies University of Southern California, Yun-jong Jeon President Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, Mai Lan Le President VinUniversity, Sun Sun Lim Vice-President of Partnerships and Engagement Singapore Management University, Max Lu President and Vice-Chancellor University of Wollongong, Shirley Meng Vice-President of Industry Nanyang Technological University, Eduardo Nunes Antunes Executive Director Marcha Participações e Empreendimentos, Michelle Olmstead Chief Executive Officer Integrity Connective, Tonny Omwansa Chief Executive Officer Kenya National Innovation Agency, Eric Parilla Vice-President for Research, Community, Social Development and Internationalisation Northwestern University, Thomas Park Chief Investment Officer InBc Investment Corp, Lee Rand Partner Cottonwood Technology Fund, David Stíbal Chief Executive Officer i and i Prague, Wayne Stocks Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner University Technology Fund, Špela Stres Senior Researcher Jožef Stefan Institute, Barış Tan President Özyeğin University, Sian Wee Tan Senior Vice-President of Innovation and Enterprise National University of Singapore, Yap Peng Tan Provost VinUniversity, Vinesh Thiruchelvam Chief Innovation, Enterprise and Sustainability Officer Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, Annie Vashakmadze Associate Professor Business and Technology University, Dolores Volkert Head of Strategic Education Initiatives EIT RawMaterials, Christina Wong Director of Research and Innovation The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Jaromir Zahrádka Board Member European Innovation Council, Jana Zahrádka Zajfrtová Chair Gen for Future Foundation