The 2026 innovation calendar is already unfolding, and for corporate leaders, the stakes have shifted. We are moving away from a period of "digital transition", which often meant simply digitizing old processes, into an era of systemic and intelligent innovation. As the first major summits of the year approach, the focus is no longer just on which technologies to buy, but on how to manage "transformation fatigue" while building a truly resilient organization.
Finding the right room to be in this year is a strategic decision in itself. This guide is designed to help you navigate the 2026 landscape, connecting the most relevant upcoming events to the strategic pillars that will define how successful organizations operate over the next decade.
This category is for the architects of long-term growth. In 2026, corporate strategy is moving from reactive trend-watching to building a continuous, repeatable capability for innovation. These events are designed for senior professionals who need to navigate disruptive shifts and align them with their corporate roadmap.
Attending these events is a great start, but the real challenge is making the insights stick once you're back in the office. We often see innovation fail not because of a lack of ideas, but because the organization lacks the internal governance to move from a good idea to market reality. To bridge this gap, explore our reflections on building internal innovation capabilities to ensure your 2026 strategy delivers more than just inspiration.
This track highlights human-centered approaches and service design methodologies. In 2026, the focus is on moving beyond basic usability toward understanding how customers interact with increasingly complex, AI-integrated ecosystems.
This category focuses on the practical application of emerging technologies within the industrial value chain. In 2026, the conversation has moved away from experimentation toward intelligent transformation – the integration of AI and automation into core business operations to drive measurable results. These events are designed for R&D managers and digital leads who need to see how high-level tech performs at an enterprise scale.
This track provides a platform for connecting founders with investors and corporate partners to accelerate time-to-market. In 2026, the focus is on scaling business growth through open innovation, leveraging external expertise to solve internal challenges and bypass traditional corporate bureaucracy.
While individual collaborations are valuable, many organizations are now seeking a more repeatable way to launch new businesses. When designed effectively, a venture studio goes beyond simple idea generation. It becomes a strategic system that aligns with your long-term goals. To move from one-off projects to a sustainable growth engine, we recommend focusing on the 5 foundations for a successful venture studio to ensure your initiatives deliver real business value.
The year ahead offers a wealth of opportunities to step out of the daily routine and into the rooms where the future is being shaped. Whether you are looking for a spark of inspiration in Berlin or a strategic partnership in Helsinki, the 2026 calendar is designed to help you find the right environment for your goals.
We’ve curated this guide to make your planning a bit easier. We hope it helps you find the insights and connections you need to make this year your most innovative yet!
Download the Full 2026 Innovation Calendar here.